Essential Oils For Allergies
Allergies have been around for thousands of years, and they can affect many parts of the body. Seasonal allergies like hay fever are very common, and the various allergies affect over fifty million individuals in the United States. These chronic illnesses can affect areas like the skin, nose, sinuses, or stomach lining. Depending on the allergy, patients may experience itching, swelling, watery eyes, sneezing, or congestion. Symptoms can occur during a certain season or throughout the year.
Pollen, food, animal dander, or insect stings are common causes of allergic reactions. Essential oils are a safe and effective remedy for symptom relief. They can be administered in a variety of ways, including being diluted with carrier oils. These distilled liquids can be diffused into the air, inhaled directly from the container, or applied to the skin. Patients should consult a doctor before beginning any essential oil treatment and pay attention to the purity, quality, and packaging of essential oils.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil can be used to treat respiratory issues associated with allergies. The oil has anti-inflammatory effects that clear congestion by opening up the lungs and sinuses. Inflammation is one of the main underlying causes of allergies. The oil's analgesic qualities produce a cooling sensation in the nose that helps improve breathing. It also functions as an expectorant to rid the body of toxins and allergens. Research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine described the significant and immediate improvement of respiratory tract infection symptoms among patients who used eucalyptus oil. Participants reported improvement of symptoms, especially hoarseness, cough, and sore throat.
Individuals can diffuse eucalyptus oil or apply it topically to the chest and temples to help with respiratory issues. The oil can be inhaled to provide relief from congestion and clogged nasal passages. All patients must do is add a couple of drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam while breathing deeply. They should place a towel over their head to trap the steam and try to breathe in the vapors for ten to fifteen minutes. Individuals can also inhale the oil directly from the bottle for symptom relief.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil may be used for allergy relief because of its ability to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles. The oil is also an expectorant and manifests antispasmodic activity. These qualities work to ease breathing, discharge phlegm, unclog sinuses, relieve scratchy throats, and inhibit contractions that cause coughing. According to research, peppermint oil may also help anxiety and fatigue.
Peppermint oil can be administered in many ways. Individuals can diffuse about five drops of the oil for inhalation to soothe scratchy throats and ease breathing. Breathing in the vapors can relax the nasal muscles to ease the passage of mucus and allergens. The oil can be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba for application to the chest, neck, and temples for symptom relief. Individuals can also add one to two drops to water, tea, or a smoothie to reduce inflammation.
Lemon Or Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is a multi-purpose essential oil, and its properties are very beneficial in the treatment of allergies. It's useful in the treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis and helps thin mucus to relieve congestion. Lemon oil treats respiratory conditions by supporting drainage of the lymphatic system. Research has shown the oil's ability to boost the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production, flushing out toxins, and inhibiting the growth of bacteria. This decreases the occurrence of allergic reactions because of the reduced episodes of inflammation or an overactive immune system.
This essential oil can be used for skin allergies, but topical application is not recommended before exposure to the sun, as it renders the skin extra sensitive to light, increasing the individual's risk of skin discoloration, burning, or blistering. Lemon and lemongrass oil are two of the essential oils used in aromatherapy to lift mood and energy levels. They are also effective as cleaning agents to kill bacteria and allergens in the home. Individuals can also add lemon oil to water for spritzing couches, curtains, and carpeting.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a popular choice for its many benefits, and it's particularly useful as a treatment for skin allergies. It's gentle on the skin, quells irritation, and hastens healing. The oil can be used topically to treat skin conditions or added to skincare products. Individuals can also dd some to their bath to soothe irritated skin. Additionally, lavender oil can benefit patients with allergies because it prevents allergic inflammation and has a calming effect.
According to research, the reduction of inflammation prevents the enlargement of mucous cells. It's a very soothing oil, so it can help ease symptoms by supporting sleep and hindering anxiety. Sleep is often disturbed by allergy symptoms. Lavender oil also has a wonderful smell and can be used in a diffuser for aromatherapy.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil, and it can eliminate airborne pathogens that cause allergies. Research has proven its anti-inflammatory effects, and it also possesses antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Tea tree oil can be used to treat some skin allergies and the rashes they produce, as well as decrease swelling caused by allergy-related skin inflammation. It kills bacteria and microorganisms when applied directly to the skin and can be used as a cleaning agent to rid the home of allergens.
Studies have shown its ability to eliminate a wide range of bacteria, mold, and fungi. These allergens weaken the immune system and can lead to inflammation. For topical use, individuals should apply two to three drops of the diluted oil to the affected areas with a cotton ball. It can also be diffused in all areas of the home, and used as an ingredient in a homemade all-purpose cleaner, as it acts as a disinfectant.