Allergies This Spring? Use Essential Oils

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Troubled with springtime allergies, and over-the-counter remedies aren’t working? Maybe it’s time to try essential oils to treat your allergy symptoms. While there are several different oils that can help treat the symptoms of allergies, these are the most commonly used.

1. Lavender. In a study published on PubMed.gov, lavender essential oil was shown to be beneficial in reducing airway inflammation in mice with asthma as compared to a control group that did not inhale lavender. The study concluded that lavender may be an acceptable alternative for bronchial asthma. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, lavender essential oil is a useful decongestant and stimulates the body’s immune system, making this a beneficial oil to treat allergies.

2. Peppermint. Another essential oil with decongestant properties is peppermint. While lavender may be applied topically without dilution, peppermint is an oil that needs a carrier oil before being applied to the skin to avoid irritation. Peppermint also has anti-inflammatory properties and is great as an expectorant.

3. German chamomile. Chamomile is widely known as having stress-relieving properties, but German chamomile also contains properties that make it beneficial during allergy season. German chamomile acts as an anti-allergen and antihistamine, making it useful to those who wish to use something natural instead of pharmaceutical preparations. Pregnant women and those taking any medication should check with their physician before using German chamomile as there is some evidence of drug interactions.

4. Lemon. Lemon essential oil has been used for centuries for a variety of ailments, and a study published in PubMed.gov showed that when combined with other essential oils, lemon was useful in the treatment of rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis, common diagnoses with allergies.

5. Helichrysum. Known for its healing properties, helichrysum is another essential oil that has anti-allergenic properties. It works as an anti-tussive by helping calm a constant cough, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties. This is definitely one essential oil to keep in the medicine cabinet for those who are prone to allergies year-round.

5. Cypress. The decongestant properties of cypress essential oil make this an oil to have on hand whenever the sinus passages need clearing. Use a steam bath with a drop of cypress essential oil placed in a bowl of steaming water, place the head (eyes closed) over the bowl, and inhale deeply to help loosen up the mucus trapped in the sinuses.

 

The author is a Midwestern homesteader, budding herbalist and gardener who tries to live a natural life. For more information about essential oils and other related topics, contact her through her website.

Christine Wood
For more information regarding how to incorporate essential oils into your everyday life, contact me at www.mydoterra.com/christinewood