Some of the most common natural remedies for allergies are essential oils. Such concentrated aromatic liquids are distilled from plants and for centuries have been used therapeutically.
In the United States, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease, affecting nearly 50 million people. There are many ways that allergy symptoms can be controlled, but there is no cure for allergies.
In order to alleviate the effects of seasonal allergies and skin allergies, this article lists the most effective essential oils and discusses several ways to integrate essential oils into your allergy treatment routine.
Important facts on essential oils for allergies:
- Although considered a natural product, this does not mean that they are healthy at all times.
- Seasonal allergies can affect people during summer or winter, or all-year round.
- Some of the most common skin allergies are eczema, dermatitis, and hives.
Watery eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and chest congestion are all signs of seasonal allergies.
Swelling, itching, and redness can result from skin allergies.
For seasonal or skin allergies, people with these allergy symptoms may wish to try the following oils.
It is advised to consult a physician first while using an essential oil and then proceed with caution. Some oils can exacerbate skin allergies.
1. Peppermint
While on animals, a 2010 study found that peppermint oil has a relaxing effect on smooth muscle, helping to reduce the contractions that cause coughing.
The oil may also help treat anxiety and mental fatigue, symptoms that allergy sufferers often experience, according to other studies.
For the relief of seasonal allergies, peppermint can be helpful.
2. Frankincense
Another oil that decreases inflammatory activity in the body is Frankincense. One research notes that in bronchitis, frankincense exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, inducing airway inflammation and sinus infections. For individuals with asthma, it can also be helpful.
Frankincense can help with seasonal allergy symptoms.
3. Eucalyptus
Research indicates that the use of a blend of oils, like eucalyptus, for upper respiratory tract infections contributes to substantial and immediate symptom relief. A reduction in hoarseness, cough, and sore throat was reported by participants.
With seasonal allergies, these symptoms may occur.
Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus globulus, peppermint, Syrian oregano, and rosemary contained the essential oil blend used in the study.
4. Lemon
A lemon-based nasal spray was found to aid in the treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis in one study. Bacterial activity can also be inhibited by lemon essential oil.
Citrus-based essential oils are not recommended to be added to the skin before sun exposure. These oils can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, thus raising the risk of harmful burning or blistering.
5. Lavender
Naturally, lavender suppresses inflammation, reduces anxiety and induces deep sleep, all of which may help allergic individuals.
As it is gentle on the skin and calms irritation, lavender is a particularly good choice for skin allergies, with studies showing that it speeds up healing. It is possible to apply the oil directly to the skin or add it to baths, lotions and other skin items.
6. Tea tree oil
The antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects of tea tree oil have been confirmed, and it may be ideal for certain skin allergies.
It also reduces inflammation, with research showing that topically applied tea tree oil substantially decreases swelling from skin inflammation caused by histamine compared to paraffin oil.
It must be noted that tea tree oil can induce allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals due to its potency. The oil should also only be topically used and should not be ingested.
7. Chamomile oil
It has been stated in a study of the properties of chamomile oil that chamomile is an important anti-inflammatory agent that can be used to treat skin disorders, mucous membrane inflammation and symptoms of sinusitis.
When mixed with the carrier oil and applied topically, it can also alleviate the itching and swelling associated with eczema.
How to use essential oils for allergies
Essential oils can be used to combat allergies in a variety of ways. Many of the most popular include:
Diffusion
Add a few drops of oil or oil to a diffuser or oil burner plug-in. This approach is particularly useful for the treatment of seasonal allergy symptoms, as well as other respiratory disorders.
Direct inhalation
It is possible to breathe essential oils directly from the bottle or by putting a drop or two on a handkerchief.
By applying a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water and breathing in the vapors, individuals with seasonal allergies will alleviate congestion. A individual can add 5 drops of essential oil to their pillow for nighttime allergy relief.
Topical application
The oil can be added on the skin by people with skin allergies and symptoms such as itching, hives and rashes.
Before application, most oils should be combined with carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or sweet almond oil. We suggest a ratio of 2 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
When applying lemon essential oil or other citrus-based oils to the skin, be vigilant since they are sensitive to the sun and light and cause skin discoloration.
Targeting allergens
Some oils can help destroy molds and dust mites, including lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree, all of which are common allergens that cause symptoms.
An individual can add 20 drops of essential oil and a tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of water in order to do this. The mixture can then be used for spraying on bathroom fittings and other mold-prone areas and for destroying dust mites on mattresses and other textiles.
Always do a patch test and wait 24 hours before spraying on larger areas of fabric.
Risks and side effects
When using essential oils, people should bear in mind the following guidelines:
- Always select from a reliable source of high-quality oils.
- Follow the usage instructions carefully.
- Do not apply the skin with undiluted oils.
- Do not internally take in essential oils.
- Under the guidance of a trained professional, children and pregnant and breastfeeding women should only use essential oils.
- Before you apply to wider areas, always do a skin test for allergic reactions. It should be safe to use if none exists after 24 hours. It is important to separately test each essential oil.
- It is appropriate to talk to a doctor before beginning treatment with essential oils.
The U.S. does not regulate essential oils. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and so should be used with caution.
Sources
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