Picture this: it’s a postcard-perfect spring day with bright sunshine, a warm breeze, and glorious flora blooming all around.
Stepping outside, you start to feel it:
- The itchy, red, watery eyes.
- The sudden sneezing attack.
- The stuffy nose.
- The piercing headache.
- The utter exhaustion.
Welcome to hay fever season!
Hundreds of airborne allergens exist. When the body comes into contact with these, some people’s immune systems overreact and histamines are triggered.
Why Essential Oils?
The common approach is to reach for over-the-counter relief when symptoms appear, but these treatments can have unwanted side effects.
For little to no side effects, look to the plant kingdom’s gift of essential oils as an alternative or complementary treatment.
Springtime need not be a dreaded time of year for the millions of us suffering from seasonal allergies. Essential oils target allergy symptoms through anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, or antibacterial action.
How to Use Oils for Allergies
There are many mechanisms through which these powerful actions can be delivered.
-
Aromatherapy
Simply breathing in an essential oil’s aroma is one. This is known as aromatherapy.
Upon inhalation, an essential oil can provide immediate relief since it stimulates the body’s olfactory system.
-
Topical Application
Skin application is another approach. This treatment allows oils to enter the bloodstream.
Before applying essential oils to the skin, be sure to dilute them with a carrier oil. Five drops of essential oil to one ounce of almond, olive, sesame, jojoba, or fractionated coconut oil is a safe ratio.
Helpful Tips
Other techniques for combating seasonal allergies include:
- diffusing essential oils through an essential oil diffuser
- using essential oils in bath products
- making a room spray from essential oils
- adding essential oils to diffuser jewelry
- placing a few drops of an essential oil in the palms of your hands and inhaling in deeply
- creating a roller blend of essential oil along with carrier oil and applying it to the forehead, temples, and neck
Recommended Oils
Here are some of the essential oils that work well for seasonal allergy relief.
-
Blue Tansy
Blue tansy has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties.
For congestion, sneezing, and non-stop nasal drip, apply a small amount of this essential oil to a cotton swab. Use the swab to gently coat the oil to the inside of each nostril.
Blue tansy essential oil can also be rubbed on the base of the neck, the bottoms of the feet, or behind the ears to lessen itchy eyes and ease congestion.
-
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, when inhaled, provides a cooling sensation that helps improve airflow and circulation. It also lessens inflammation.
Usage
Diffuse it, or inhale directly from the bottle to reduce allergy symptoms.
Another technique is to pour a cup of boiling water into a bowl. Add 1 to 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Drape a towel over your head, and breathe in deeply for 5 to 10 minutes.
Combine eucalyptus essential oil with oregano and peppermint essential oils for a powerful allergy-fighting blend.
-
Frankincense
Frankincense offers anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s also antibacterial as well as being a powerful antioxidant.
Usage
Diffuse this oil during hay fever season to reduce coughing spells and sinus irritation.
-
Lavender
Lavender helps calm and reduce skin inflammation and can reduce the enlargement of mucous cells. It also relaxes the body and helps with sleep issues.
Usage
Try adding this essential oil to a bath, or diffuse it in a diffuser.
-
Lemon
Lemon is known for its antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. With its clean and bright scent, it can clear sinuses, reduce congestion, boost energy, and increase alertness.
Usage
Lemon essential oil can be applied to the skin along with a carrier oil, or it can be diffused.
Precautions
Take care when using citrus essential oils, as skin that’s been treated with them can burn and blister when exposed to the sun.
-
Lemongrass
Lemongrass offers antihistamine actions.
Usage
Diffuse this essential oil, or sniff it directly from the bottle.
-
Marjoram
Marjoram essential oil when inhaled can help break up mucus.
-
Peppermint
Peppermint has a stimulating scent that works to clear nasal passages and reduce inflammation. In fact, studies find this essential oil to be one of the best for reducing allergy responses and lowering histamine levels.
Usage
Inhale it directly or diffuse it. Diluted with carrier oil, peppermint essential oil can be applied to the skin.
-
Our Special Blend
A blend of ravensara, frankincense, and sandalwood in almond oil was used in a study to treat allergic rhinitis (the medical term for hay fever).
Participants inhaled this blend and noted that their runny noses, blocked nasal passages, and sneezing fits improved.
Precautions
Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before beginning any essential oil treatment.
- Always take care when working with essential oils, as they are strong and potent healers.
- Shop for high-quality brands, and use as directed.
- Don’t ingest essential oils.
- Take care when using essential oils around children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and pets (especially cats).
Do a Patch Test
When working with essential oils, perform a skin patch test to check for reactions.
Test each oil you wish to use.
- Mix the essential oil with carrier oil, and apply to unbroken skin (try the forearm).
- If there’s no redness, inflammation, or rash after 24 hours, the oil should be safe to use.
