5 of the Best Essential Oils for Treating Spring Allergies

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Do you suffer from spring allergies? Do over-the-counter medications leave you feeling tired and like you’re swimming through fog? Are you sick of thinking your head may explode or that your nose will run off your face? Essential oils can be a great way to treat even the worst allergy symptoms—and, even better, you can use them with little to no side effects.

You could purchase specialized essential oil blends through companies like Young Living that have been developed to treat specific ailments. These work well, but another option is to buy individual oils to experiment and formulate your own blends that will work best for you.

Essential oils are concentrated liquids containing key compounds from plants. They have been used for hundreds of years as a safe and effective medicine. There are a number of ways to make essential oils, but the most common forms involve distillation, cold-pressure and through the use of a solvent.

Believe it or not, it does matter what kind of essential oils you purchase. While cheap oils can work for aromatherapy, the quality and care that goes into making the oils is often questionable. Usually there is only a few dollars’ difference between the cheap oils and the reputable brands, so you might as well spring for the quality oil. After all, what is more important that what you put in your body?

If you do plan to take an essential oil internally or apply it directly to your body through a lotion or oil blend, it wouldn’t hurt to go for the better quality oils sold such as those offered by Young Living or in specialty stores like Lorann Oils rather than the cheaper essential oils sold in healthfood stores.

And remember to be careful. Most oils are fine to consume, but certain oils, such as camphor and pennyroyal, are toxic and should be applied only in tiny quantities, if applied at all.

A good rule of thumb when you do choose to consume essential oils is to be sure to dilute them first. Some essential oils can even damage teeth or make you very ill if taken in their concentrated forms.

Finally, it’s worth it to do your own research, and don’t take anyone’s word for it. Think for yourself and question everything. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

There are many different kinds of essential oils that can be used to alleviate all kinds of ailments, but the following 5 essential oils can be used in a variety of ways to alleviate springtime allergy symptoms.

Peppermint

One of the great all-around essential oils, peppermint oil has a variety of uses that include opening blocked airways, easing digestion, calming nerves, relieving an upset stomach, reducing inflammation and repelling bugs.

Eucalyptus

With that distinct smell, eucalyptus oil makes a great all-around anti-inflammatory, decongestant, deodorant and antiseptic and antibacterial rub and spray.

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is one of the most versatile essential oils out there. It is great for calming nerves and reducing fevers. It is even said to help lower blood pressure when used in aromatherapy. Applied topically, it is great to reduce inflammation and soothe rashes, bug bites and poison ivy.

Clove

Clove oil’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great go-to for topical applications. It’s great for on the spot treatment for toothaches and may help tide you over until you see your dentist. It is also great in aromatherapy for opening bronchial passages and relieving a stuffed-up nose.

Rosemary

This essential oil is commonly used as a bug repellant but is also known for relieving sore throats, respiratory problems as well as dandruff and other painful itches and stings. It is even said to help stimulate hair growth. It also has a long history of increasing memory, concentration, and even creativity.

Chris DePaulo is a staff writer for Rabble Magazine, focusing on health, nutrition, lifestyles and the environment. Visit my website for links to great companies that sell affordable vitamins, herbs, essential oils and other organic products.

Chris DePaulo