Each year allergies occur in millions of individuals and these present symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and so on. Topical remedies such as antihistamines, which one can easily purchase without a prescription, may help but with some adverse effects. This brings us to the conclusion that there are better methods of treatment for allergy symptoms without the effects of a drug like product.
What Causes Allergies?
An allergic reaction is when the body’s immune system responds adversely to an agent that is harmless most of the time such as pollen or pet dander or dust mite. This overreaction leads to the release of substances such as histamine in the body which result in allergy symptoms. The antihistamine effect and reduction of the immune response rate can also be achieved by using essential oils.
Selection of the Appropriate Essential Oils for Allergies
Since all essential oils are unique with their healing abilities, you will need to find oils that can help you with allergy issues. Some of the best essential oils for allergies include:Some of the best essential oils for allergies include:
Lavender Oil: Antihistamine is one of the significant components that it possesses.
It is recommended that you use it when in need of essential oil to boost your health quickly. According to research, lavender oil has antihistamine qualities thus preventing the production of histamine that causes allergy like symptoms in the body. Lavender oil’s calming properties and its ability to reduce inflammation also aids in ridding allergic reactions that cause skin rashes, redness, and swelling.
Peppermint Oil: Breaks Down Congestion In Nasal Tract
The presence of menthol in Peppermint oil makes it one natural decongestant that can be recommended. It reduces sinus infections, expands bronchioles, and unblocks the nostrils so that one is able to breathe during an allergy attack. Peppermint oil also helps to manage headache that is usually associated with sinus pressure.
Eucalyptus Oil: Reserves Airways
Similar to peppermint oil, Eucalyptus has been identified as a decongestant that helps in the expansion of the sinuses and the airway passages. Eucalyptus has eucalyptol which is a decongestant that helps to get rid of the excessive production of mucus that causes a runny nose and also to thicken the phlegm that blocks the airways. This enables you to breathe better even in the months that affect your allergies.
Lemon Oil: Promotes Immune System Function
Lemon oil has an ability of eradicating toxins from the body and this has free radicals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that enhances the users immune system to fight allergies. Lemon oil has vitamin C which also has histamines to halt allergy signs from arising in the first place.
Tea Tree Oil: It has some antihistamine action too.
Furthermore, it is also an antifungal and antimicrobial substance like other tea tree oils and it has antihistamine like lavender oil. This, in turn, assists in reducing the release of histamine, which is an essential factor in allergic reactions. It also consists of anti-inflammatory chemicals known as Terpenoids that assists in managing skin itchiness and redness due to allergic reactions.
Hot Water Treatment for Allergies
Fortunately, the use of essential oils for managing allergy suffering is as easy as one, two, and three. There are several ways to leverage their allergy-fighting benefits:There are several ways to leverage their allergy-fighting benefits:
- Diffuser: Pour a few drops of the essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser. Breathe in the micro-particles that are emitted into the air to alleviate nasal stuffiness, cracked sinuses, and allergy and sinus problems from within.
- Steam Inhalation: Place the bowl containing water on the heater and pour in the necessary drops of oils. It is important to cover your head with a towel and take deep breaths to help thin the mucus and to remove nasal obstruction caused by the allergens.
- Direct Inhalation: Put a couple of drops of this oil on your palms. Bring your palms together and place them over your mouth and the area around your nose and breathe in gently. Breathe in through your nose for about 5-10 seconds; then breathe out before repeating the process, to ensure that the volatiles get deep into the nasal cavity.
- Topical Application: Place a few drops of essential oils in a base oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and apply on the chest, neck, forehead and under the nose. The oils are then absorbed through the skin and actually into the blood stream, to reduce allergy symptoms.
- Air Freshener: Spray bottles can be prepared by adding essential oils to water to make the solution for air freshening. The micro-particles of essential oils will be able to aerosolize and remove allergens in the air when applied round the house.
- Bath: By mixing a few drops of essential oil to warm bath water and then soaking in it, one can maximize on full body penetration. The compounds of the oils will penetrate your skin, and hence the bloodstream, to address allergy issues both internally and externally.
Which Essential Oils Are Ineffective or Harmful?
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to avoid certain essential oils prone to causing skin reactions like rashes or hives, such as:If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to avoid certain essential oils prone to causing skin reactions like rashes or hives, such as:
- Cassia
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Lemongrass
- Thyme
- Oregano
You should also avoid the following oils if pregnant or breastfeeding:You should also avoid the following oils if pregnant or breastfeeding:
- Aniseed
- Basil
- Clove bud/leaf
- Cinnamon bark/leaf
- Hyssop
- Oregano
- Parsley seed
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
When to seek the services of an allergist
Essential oils, though, are safe natural remedies for many people’s allergy symptoms, it should be used together with prescribed medication if a doctor advises on one – not instead of it. You should also see an allergist if you experience any of the following:You should also see an allergist if you experience any of the following:
- Highly severe manifestations include dyspnoea, chest pain, wheezing.
- Difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or breathing, and hives
- They develop itching and hives or rashes after coming into contact with the item.
- It becomes apparent that the symptoms quickly progress and become acute after contact with the patient.
- For a long-term remedy to allergy, you require to take a certain medication on a daily basis
An allergist can determine certain allergen possibilities by skin or blood tests. This enables them to come up with a suitable plan for actual cure rather than mere suppression of symptoms.
Aromatherapy involves the use of Essential Oils: Try It
So, if you already get that dreadful feeling every time you hear that allergy season is approaching, try using some essential oils instead of immediately running to the pharmacy to buy those antihistamines. Due to their natural characteristics, they are a non-pharmacological approach to eliminating the allergies without any side effects of the medications that are used in the process. It is, however, important that the right oils are chosen for allergy freedom and ensure the correct manner in which to inhale. Quiet as it goes, with this simple natural relief solution, you will be breathing easy and allergy free in no time.