Fight Allergy Symptoms with
5 Essential Oils
The Cause
Your body is a fantastic adaptable machine. Its sole purpose is to mobilize and protect its host, the human spirit. It accomplishes these monumental tasks via a myriad of chemical reactions.
For example, when you come in contact with a foreign body like pollen, your body’s first response is to signal to the brain a need for histamine. Histamine is a chemical within the body that triggers an inflammation response.
The Symptoms
Of course, this is meant to protect you, but it also causes tissue swelling (nose and throat), watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and fluid excretions. All this hubbub can be miserable, but it is the body’s way of trying to contain and expel the foreign invader.
A Helping Hand
What’s cool is that plants need protection from foreign entities as well. Hence, essential oils. Essential oils are phytochemicals with in a plant cell that act to protect the plant from disease, insects, and parasites. Fortunately, they can help us as well.
When extracted, essential oils become concentrated, very powerful substances useful in many aspects of human life including fighting symptoms of allergies.
5 such essential oils that help alleviating allergy symptoms
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Headaches often accompany allergies. Apply a small amount to the temples and inhale deeply to help reduce swelling in the sinuses and thereby alleviate headaches. Peppermint is anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Diffusing in the air can clear nasal/respiratory paths and protect blocked sinuses from infection. - Lemon (Citrus limonum)
Lemon has a light, crisp, pleasant scent. Diffuse to sanitize and clear the air of bad odors and allergy pathogens. It also is known to boost the immune system which can help boost resistance to allergies, colds, and the flu. - Eucalyptus (Globulus)
Eucalyptus globulus is known for soothing effects in the respiratory tract and sinuses. It can help reduce sinus pain by alleviating swelling in the nasal and sinus cavities. Inhale by diffuser or steam to relieve wheezing, coughing and hoarseness caused by inflammation in the lining of the respiratory tract and throat. - Lavender (angustifolia)
Lavender is very calming to the body. It is very gentle and can be used with all age groups and health conditions. Topically or inhaling can help fight infection and swelling. Use it in the bath, mist it on, or use it in a diffuser. - Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea Tree is an excellent anti-septic agent. Misting during the height of allergy season it can help destroy certain allergy pathogens. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Use topically to help alleviate swelling and irritation from skin rashes or hives. Sniffing or inhaling Tea Tree may also be helpful in reducing symptoms of pet allergies. (Caution – considered a hot oil. Start slow. Tea Tree can also induce allergic reactions in some individuals. Never take internally)
