Top 5 Essential Oils for allergy relief
What is hay fever?
Hay Fever or ‘allergic rhinitis’, is caused by pollen or dust that inflames the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose, causing runny noses, sneezing and watery or itchy eyes. It affects around 1 in 5 Australians and certainly can make Spring a miserable time, as your body and immune system reacts to plants, pollen and dust. Whilst there are lots of antihistamine products available to help treat the symptoms, the uncomfortable and irritating sneezing, sniffling and weeping can also be relieved with 'natural' aromatherapy.
Which essential oils can help with hay fever?
There are a few obvious essential oils that stand out when thinking of hay fever:
Eucalyptus – has an affinity with the respiratory system, and so this essential oil is perfect for reducing inflammation and easing breathing.
Rosemary –has mucolytic properties, which helps with congestion.
Lavender – is a natural antihistamine, this oil is soothing and can reduce irritation and relax breathing.
Lemon – this oil is anti-inflammatory for the respiratory system, improves immunity and is also antibacterial.
Peppermint – this cooling oil really helps open up the nose and also relieves headaches resulting from stuffed sinuses.
How to use the essential oils:
As you know there are so many ways to integrate these essential oils into your daily life to relieve symptoms.
Springtime Spritz-
Anyone who knows me knows that a good spritz or spray is just one of the ways that I love to use my essential oils- whether it’s my “up and at ‘em” invigorating body spritz, or my wonderfully dreamy pillow spray- this is a super convenient, mess free way to “wear” your oils all day long with reapplication a breeze. This spray is also particularly useful before bed to help clear congestion, or to spray on your pillow to help clear sinuses whilst you sleep. Using either Chamomile or Lavender Sydney Essential Oil Company, or alternatively just use water, adding your preferred essential oils from list above, and then just add to a spray bottle (ideally amber glass). Personally I like Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint for this because Lavender is relaxing, and Peppermint is cooling, so it’s perfect for spraying onto the skin as the days warm up!
Roller- Another topical way to use your oils is by applying chosen oils diluted with a carrier oil of your choice and to apply across nose and sinus region regularly, apply to bottoms of feet as well.
Diffusing - Diffusing your selection of essential oils around the home and office is another simple and effective way to experience the benefits of your essential oils. Rosemary, Lavender and Lemon is a nice blend to try and, as well as soothing symptoms, it makes the room smell beautiful! With both Lemon and Rosemary EO’s being great for concentration , this is another ideal combo for the work or study environment!
Steam Inhalation
If you’re really congested, try steam inhalation over a bowl of boiling water with up to 10 drops of Eucalyptus oil (adjust quantity to suit). Place a towel over your head as you inhale for a few minutes at a time, remembering to close your eyes - OR- better yet, try having a bath with your chosen oils. Ensure that all of the doors and windows are closed and enjoy your inhalation whilst having a relaxing soak.
Itchy Eyes
Such relief for irritated eyes- cool compresses can be extremely soothing for sore, red, itchy eyes! Try making these with Chamomile or Rose Hydrosol Vitalia Rose Hydrosol (different to essential oils). It’s great to keep the hydrosol in the fridge so it's nice and cold. Soak a couple of cotton pads in the hydrolsol and place over the eyes for 10-15 minutes for effective relief.
Remember…
Whichever methods you use to help the symptoms of your allergy, remember to pick the aromatherapy oils that you like the smell of, as these are likely to be the best ones for your body. Your body knows what it needs, so let it be selective.