If you suffer through allergic reactions from pet dander, dust or hay fever, you know how miserable they can make you feel. A runny nose, scratchy throat, itchy eyes and nasal congestion can take a toll. Essential oils for allergies can be a lifesaver. In this post you’ll learn which essential oils are the best for symptoms of allergies and exactly how to use them for the maximum relief! Plus a few of my tips to get you through allergy season!
It’s that time of year again where I’m reaching for whatever I can get my hands on to find relief from the red cedars, blooming pear trees and budding blooms that plague my allergic response to spring. For all you fellow allergy sufferers, there is a safe way to find relief and learning to harness the power of aromatherapy is key.
The use of essential oils for easing seasonal allergy symptoms is a non invasive, natural way to calm histamine reactions that often result in itchy, watery eyes, a stuffy nose, sinus congestion and persistent sneezing.
The Best Essential Oils for Allergies:
In the essential oil world, it is a well known fact that lavender oil, peppermint oil and lemon oil are powerful inflammation busters when used together create an almost magical response to allergies.
- Lavender oil is known for having strong anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, one study showed that it suppressed allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia. It is also a natural antihistamine. It also is a natural pain reliever and can speed up the healing process. Lavender also encourages drainage which can be helpful. Lavender is also great to use for skin conditions such as contact dermatitis and skin rashes.
- Lemon oil can help clear sinuses and reduce congestion. Like lavender oil, it is also a natural antihistamine. A study found that a lemon based nasal spray helped soothe and reduce symptoms of hay fever. Lemon oil is especially useful when dealing with issues of the respiratory system.
- Peppermint oil is also a powerful anti inflammatory oil. Plus, it contains menthol which helps open the airways. It is a great essential oil for decongesting the nose and promoting easier breathing.
Combining these 3 oils is an effective treatment for soothing symptoms of seasonal allergies and can be diffused, applied topically and inhaled.
Where to get the Best Essential Oils:
When using essential oils, high quality, organic oils are a must. I typically get my essential oils from Plant Therapy. I love that they offer organic oils that are affordable. Plus they offer fast and free shipping. You can use my code JENNIRAINCLOUD to get 10{2ac9033caf61aa83cf45584f992fcbdbe657ee6f770037f39c3ded45073822b8} off your order!
Why Not Just Take Allergy Medication?
There are a lot of side effects that can come with taking allergy medication. I’ll never say never because it’s a bummer to suffer with little relief but for now, I’m still going to keep working on natural ways to feel better.
Side Effects of Allergy Medication:
- Decreased libido
- Depression
- Increased appetite
- Brain Fog/Drowsiness
- Altered Taste and Smell
- Constipation
- Dry Mouth
- Inability to urinate
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Uneven Heartbeat
Ways to Use Essential Oils for Allergies:
- Diffusing-Diffuse peppermint oil, lemon oil and lavender oil through out the day and while you sleep to clear airways, get better sleep and relieve a sore throat. Airborne pathogens can be a major culprit in provoking allergies.
- Topical application-Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil and apply to any part of the body for aromatherapy and to get the oils directly into the blood stream.
- Spraying them in the air-Make a quick and easy room spray using lemon, lavender and peppermint with water and a tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka. Spray over pillows and bedding or where you spend your time.
- Inhaling through an inhaler-Learn how to make an essential oil inhaler to take on the go.
- Adding them to skincare-Add a blend of oils to lotion, cleansers or toners for added relief! Below I have a recipe for an allergy relief salve but also have full post with more details.
- Use a car diffuser! I have mine going every time I’m in the car. They are easy to use and affordable.
Allergy Relief Roll On:
I used a 5ml roll on bottle like THIS one.
How to Use an Allergy Relief Roll On:
- Apply roll on to the bottoms of your feet at least 2x a day.
- Inhale the roll on through out the day.
- Apply roll on under your nose and on the back of your neck. If it is too strong for under your nose, apply a carrier oil to immediately dilute it.
Allergy Relief Balm:
This recipe makes a little over 1 ounce. I used THESE 1 ounce tins. Feel free to double the recipe to make more!
Directions:
- Fill a medium sized pot half way full with water and turn the stove to medium heat.
- Add hemp and beeswax to a glass measuring cup and place in the pot.
- Let both ingredients mix and melt completely.
- Remove glass cup from heat and add essential oil.
- Pour into a 1 oz. tin like THIS one.
How to Use an Allergy Balm:
- Apply allergy balm to the bones around your eyes as well as your sinuses and under your nose.
- Apply to the bottoms of your feet.
One extra DIY I make yearly is to fill a 5, 10 or 15 ml dropper bottle like THIS with equal parts of lavender lemon and peppermint. This way you can use this for diffusing or ingesting if you choose to.
Essential Oils for Allergies Honorable Mentions:
In case you are missing one or two of the 3 oils mentioned above, I thought I’d leave you with a few oils that also have been known to bring relief with allergies.
What I’m Personally Doing Now to Relieve Allergies:
Both my roll on and salve have proven to be helpful. The first time I applied the roll on to my sinuses, I experienced deep relief that lasted hours.
I apply my allergy salve under my nose all day long. It’s incredibly healing which is helpful when you have an irritated nose because of having to blow it constantly. Plus it’s another way to get those 3 oils in your system!
If you experience itchiness that comes from seasonal allergies, you need to start taking Nettle Leaf. Itchy eyes, throat and skin is a histamine reaction and Nettle Leaf has been known to reduce the itchy discomfort by quite a bit. It for sure worked for me.
Another helpful tool is THIS ice roller. It combats puffiness as well as inflammation. Plus it feels so good. I also stock up on THESE eye pads. You won’t believe the difference after using them. I wrote a whole post on how to de puff the eyes you might find helpful.
I also have ordered THIS pink Himalayan Salt Inhaler. I’ll keep you posted on whether this helps and how to use it. While doing research for another post, I stumbled upon loads of people raving about the allergy relief they get inhaling pink salt!
Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar daily is also helpful.
I’ve also upgraded my probiotic. I have heard many times that if your gut is healthy and in balance, seasonal allergies are greatly reduced. I take THIS probiotic and it has helped tremendously! Go HERE for all the details.
Tips to Surviving Allergy Season:
- Explore local honey and local bee pollen. They can easily be added to smoothies.
- Incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily diet. Check out my Daily Detox Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe and go HERE for why it is helpful with allergies.
- Steam your face-Showers are a great relief!
- Ice roll your face in the mornings to reduce puffiness.
- Use a personal inhaler for inhaling all 3 oils.
- Diffuse lavender, lemon and peppermint. all day, everyday! Even in the car!
- Drink tons of water and stay on top of your vitamins. Especially your probiotics!
If you’re suffering like I am with allergies, take heart-spring is coming! The sun is out and I’m starting to shed the S.A.D state I’ve been in since the first of February! Try essential oils for allergies-I think you’ll find some relief!
Please comment below if you’ve found something that works!
xx, Jenni
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