Essential Oils & Allergies

7:29 PM Posted by jo

The weather here in California has been lovely the last few days and I have enjoyed sitting outside soaking up some sun. Spring is the time when we feel awake and start living again after a long winter. If you suffer from allergies you probably don't enjoy the spring as much as you would like to. You probably suffer from congestion, have watery eyes, runny nose, earaches, and headaches. I know many people that have reduced their suffering by using natural remedies for their allergies. If you haven't tried natural remedies for your allergies yet, then it might be time to give it a try.

Triggers

As most of us know allergies can be triggered by many different things such as environmental chemicals, pollen, food, insect bites dander and dust. People with allergies may suffer from the following:

Cramps, diarrhea, vomiting
Dermatitis, rashes
Itching lips, swelling of the tongue or lips
Wheezing and labored breathing

Essential oils may be helpful
Essential oils may be of help when suffering from allergies but it is also important to look into what is causing the allergy. Looking into the underlying causes of your allergy is important, my post Do You Have Allergies? will give you other natural tips to consider when suffering from allergies.

What we used on our dog
We managed to get our dog's congestionunder control with the help of frankincense, but we also changed her diet. We put a couple of drops of frankincense on our hands and rubbed them together, then cupped them over her nose so that she could inhale the oil. It was an instant relief from her congestion. Our dog preferred frankincense since it also calmed her from the panic attacks she had when she couldn't breath.

"An allergy is a damaging immune system response to a substance that does not bother most people." Reference Guide for Essential Oils

Antihistamines
According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, Roman Chamomile, lavender and Melaleuca (tea tree) have antihistamine properties. It is important to avoid chamomile if you're allergic to the ragweed. Studies how that luteolin- 7-orutinoside in peppermint has antihistamine properties.

The Reference Guide for Essential Oils writes that patchouli, elemi (rashes), eucalyptus, melissa - Lemon Balm (skin and respiratory), and spkikenard are other single oils used for allergies.

What we do for allergies:

We apply lavender to the sinuses to work as an antihistamine.
We apply to bottom of feet.
We put 2 or more drops into the palm of our left hand, rub clockwise with the flat palm or the right hand. Cup our hands together over the nose and mouth and inhale deeply. Don't touch your eyes!
We apply oils to a cotton ball, tissue, or handkerchief and place in the air vent of the car. Make sure you don't use any synthetic materials.
Rub 2 or more drops on our wrists, chest, neck, or under the nose and ears. (Indirect inhalation)

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.

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Sources:

Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health