Essential oils for allergies

Allergy season can be a real problem for some people. It’s not only an inconvenience, but it can be costly, too. Especially if several doctor’s visits have to be made during the season. Instead of using medications that can often have unwanted side effects, there are some essential oils for allergies that can help provide the relief you want.

A guide to using essential oils for allergies

An advantage of using essential oils for allergy relief is that they’re completely natural.

And most people don’t suffer any side effects when they’re used properly. For instance, they won’t leave you feeling drowsy like a lot of medications do.

Why use essential oils for allergy relief?

Essential oils can be used to help you cope with allergy season because some of them are natural antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, and offer anti-allergy properties. They may also help stop asthma and break up congestion.

To relieve congestion

Eucalyptus globulus can help provide relief from asthma, as well as help your head to become less congested. After mixing it with a carrier oil, it can be used by applying it directly to your skin. Put it on your neck or chest, or on the bottom of your feet.

Eucalyptus can also be used when taking a shower to help relieve your symptoms.

You may also want to add a drop or two of Roman chamomile to help you relax, and some lemon to provide additional help with asthma and congestion.

The mixture can also be added to bathwater or in a diffuser.

By adding a drop of geranium to the mixture, you can use it as a rub.

Asthma

When allergies get started, asthma can be a real problem. Finding a way to calm the urge to cough constantly and breathe more easily is important and quick relief is essential.

One of the most powerful oils for asthma is frankincense. Add licorice root and turmeric root for an even better solution. Mix it together in a carrier oil and it can be applied under the nose or as a massage.

Roman chamomile can also be used to help quickly calm down an asthma attack. As a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic, it can help provide relief in a hurry. Use it on your wrists or temples.

Another mixture that can help relieve the coughing is one of lemon, peppermint and lavender. This mixture can be used in a diffuser.

Both lavender and lemon are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce bronchial inflammation. The lavender will help you relax.

If you’re considering using the lemon topically, you’ll want to avoid the sun because it will increase photo-sensitivity.

Headaches

Headaches are a frequent problem for allergy sufferers and they limit your ability to just carry on as normal through the day. A headache can make it hard to deal with problems and people.

You can find natural relief from a headache from peppermint and Roman chamomile. Peppermint will also help to open up nasal passages when they get stuffed up.

You may want to be careful about using Roman Chamomile though. Although it will help provide relief from headaches, it’s related to ragweed. This means if you’re allergic to ragweed, the chamomile is apt to make your symptoms worse.

Relief from itching

Itching is another problem often caused by the presence of pollens. This occurs because the pollens and other irritants trigger a histamine reaction.

If you’re not allergic to ragweed, you can use German chamomile with a carrier oil for a body massage. This oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and will help to suppress the release of histamines.

Take some with you on the road

Allergy sufferers know that they can’t always stay indoors. That just isn’t any kind of life to not be able to enjoy the outdoors and the fresh air – minus the pollen.

By taking a bottle of a suitable oil or blend with you, you can go outside more and be prepared if your allergies should start.

Mix eucalyptus and lavender oils and put it into an inhaler stick, which is like the old Vicks inhalers.

You can put it under your nose if the allergies start up. You can also put some of the mix on your chest at night, which will help you sleep better.

Pet allergies

If your dog suffers from allergies, some oils may be beneficial for them too.

As with humans, oils need to be carefully tested on a dog before using them. They should not be used on a cat at all. And some, such as tea tree oil, are not safe for dogs either. So take care.

Some oils you may want to try include the following:

• German chamomile – this will help soothe allergic reactions.
• Lavender – this can be used to calm your pet down, as well as being anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.
• Sweet marjoram – this can be used to help heal bacterial infections of the skin and when caring for wounds.

Test before using

Essential oils should always be patch tested before using them.

You can do this by putting just a little bit on your skin, or by taking a little whiff directly from a bottle. Do not take a deep whiff.

When using oils on a young child you shouldn’t apply them topically.

Trying different solutions

Most people will find that some oils and combinations will work better for them than others when it comes to allergy relief.

This means that you’ll want to do a little trial and error and keep notes about the mixture and how well it worked – or didn’t.

Some oils may provide faster results than others, but it’s recommended that you try each oil or mixture of oils for at least a week before you try another one.

Pay attention to what you are buying

There really is a difference in the quality of products when it comes to essential oils. Be sure to use essential oils and not fragrance oils.

Essential oils are concentrated natural products that contain all the essential ingredients of the original plant it came from.

Consult a doctor first if taking medications

Essential oils are strong and they can interact with various medicines. If you’re currently taking a prescription medicine, you should consult a doctor before using any of them. Some natural supplements will also interact with them.

Summary

Using essential oils for allergies is a great way to treat your symptoms in a natural way. Try the various oils and blends described in this article and see which works best for you.