Allergies are chronic diseases caused by an inadequate, unwanted, and unexpected reaction of the immune system to exposure to substances that don’t normally cause illness or harm to humans, such as food, medicines, plant pollen, insect venom, etc. An allergic reaction to these substances occurs when they come into contact with various tissues of the body and normally causes allergy symptoms in those tissues such as the skin, the digestive system, the respiratory system, etc.
There is no universal cure for allergies but in addition to medical drugs, there are also natural remedies that have a positive effect on the immune system and can stop the process that leads to allergy.
Essential oils are a popular tool used by aromatherapists to alleviate the allergy symptoms. These concentrated aromatic liquids obtained by steam distillation from plants, have been used therapeutically for centuries.
Seasonal allergies and allergic skin inflammation
Seasonal allergies are sometimes referred to as hay fever. It usually occurs in spring, when trees, shrubs and grasses are in bloom, or in autumn, when other plants are in seasonal bloom. Symptoms of seasonal allergy include watery eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest congestion.
Skin allergy, on the other hand, caused by contact with allergens and can lead to swelling, itching and redness. People suffering from these symptoms can try the oils listed below to prevent and alleviate allergic reactions. Keep in mind that before using any essential oils for allergy treatment, it’s advisable to consult a doctor first. Use the oils with caution and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Don’t exceed the dosage, as some oils can exacerbate the issue and lead to complications.
8 best essential oils for allergy-prone people
Aromatherapy can be an effective way to treat allergies. Inhaling essential oils not only has therapeutic benefits but can also alleviate the symptoms of allergies. But not all essential oils are equally beneficial. Besides, you need to know how to use them correctly. Here are some oils you can use and tips on how to use them.
Lavender
Lavender is renowned for its medicinal properties. It has a sedative effect and combats stress well. Although stress isn’t the cause of allergies, it can significantly aggravate the symptoms. Lavender oil also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine remedy that can reduce irritation and inflammation.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you are better off getting an aroma diffuser that will spray aromatic particles around the room. A device like that would be perfect to soothe allergy symptoms with the help of lavender essential oil.
Peppermint
Peppermint aroma can effectively clear the sinuses and relieve sore throat. Peppermint oil is also excellent at reducing inflammation and has the ability to effectively drain phlegm. If you don’t have a special diffuser, you can pour water into an ordinary sprayer and add a few drops of oil. Periodically spray the mixture around the room to reduce the symptoms.
Chamomile
Chamomile is excellent for soothing and suitable for alleviating symptoms of any kind of allergy. The oil will help soothe itching and inflammation on the skin. And inhaling the fragrance will ease the cough and clear the sinuses. You can brew chamomile tea for colds to relieve abdominal pain and nausea.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is excellent against allergic symptoms, effectively breaks down phlegm and mucus, making breathing easier for people who can’t get rid of coughing and sneezing for a long time. The oil can be inhaled using a diffuser but it’s better to just add a few drops in boiling water and inhale the aroma for a couple of minutes.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil has an effective anti-inflammatory effect that will relieve asthma symptoms. In addition to lemon, you can use other citrus oils to relieve allergy symptoms, including grapefruit and tangerine. Inhale the aroma through each nostril (closing the other one) for a few minutes to ease your breathing.
Tea tree
Tea tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that prevent the release of histamines. It also boosts the immune system and will help alleviate all types of allergic reactions.
It’s great for relieving inflammation, so you can add it to all your skincare creams, shampoos, and conditioners.
Oregano
Oregano essential oil isn’t only great for spicing up Italian dishes but it also has a number of antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The oil can only be sprayed and inhaled. Don’t apply it to the skin as it can cause burns.
Thyme
Thyme is a popular remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma. It works as an antispasmodic and reduces inflammation. Thyme oil also plays an important role in suppressing allergic reactions and inhibits the release of histamines. Add a few drops of the aromatic liquid to a boiling pot of water and inhale the steam deeply.
Frankincense
Frankincense is another oil that reduces inflammatory activity in the body. A study reports that frankincense shows anti-inflammatory effects during bronchitis, which causes inflammation of the airways and sinus infections. This oil may also be beneficial for people with asthma. Frankincense may help with the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
How to use essential oils for allergy symptoms
Diffuser: add a few drops of oil to an aroma diffuser. The ultrasonic device breaks the mixture of water and essential oil into many microparticles, turning it into a cold vapor. The active ingredients of essential oils disinfect, deodorize and humidify the air in the room, affecting the body for an extended period of time. This method is effective in alleviating the symptoms of seasonal allergies as well as other respiratory diseases.
Direct inhalation: Essential oils can be inhaled directly from a bottle or a few drops can be placed on a handkerchief. For people with seasonal allergies, add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the fumes. For nighttime allergy relief, drop 5 drops of oil on a pillow. People with skin allergies and symptoms such as itching, hives and rashes can apply the oil to the skin. Most oils should be mixed with a carrier oil such as jojoba, avocado or sweet almond oil. The recommended ratio is 2 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Be careful when applying lemon essential oil or other citrus oils to the skin while in the sun, as citrus oils are phototoxic and can cause skin pigmentation or irritation.
Fighting the allergens
Some oils, such as lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree, can help to kill mold and dust mites – some of the most common allergens that cause allergic reactions. In order to do this, add 20 drops of essential oil and a tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of water. Then use the mixture to spray in bathrooms and other places prone to mold, as well as on mattresses and other fabrics (curtains, carpets, clothes) to kill dust mites.
Maybe you thought allergies made getting a good night’s sleep out of reach during the allergy season? A landmark study found that an anti-allergy blend containing frankincense, sandalwood, and Ravensara oils not only reduced annoying hay fever symptoms – itchy eyes/runny nose; blocked nasal passages & sneezing – but people who used this formula slept better than those without any relief from their pesky noses. It makes frankincense, sandalwood, and Ravensara one of the best essential oil for allergy.
Potential risks and side effects
Keep in mind that whatever remedy you choose, you must use it with caution. Here are a few recommendations to follow:
- Choose only 100% pure essential oils
- Carefully follow the instructions for use
- Don’t apply undiluted oils to the skin
- Don’t ingest essential oils. Children, pregnant or lactating women should only use essential oils under the supervision of a doctor
- Always do a skin test before applying essential oil to large areas of skin. Put a small drop of oil on the skin, cover it with a band-aid and wait 24 hours. If there’s no skin reaction like irritation or ash, you can use the oil without fear. Each essential oil must be tested separately
- It’s recommended to consult a doctor before starting an essential oil treatment.
