If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from allergies, you will be pleased to know that there are many essential oils that can give you relief and stop allergies. Allergy symptoms are caused by an overactive immune response in your body that results in sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itchy skin, hives, and congestion. A severe allergic reaction can cause shortness of breath and in these cases, it is important to seek emergency medical attention quickly.
Many essential oils are very effective in relieving and stopping allergies and their symptoms. Essential oils contain compounds that act as natural antihistamines to relieve inflammation. This helps calm the muscles and nerves in the respiratory system, making it easier to breathe. The antimicrobial properties of many essential oils also help eliminate the source of the allergen, eliminating the allergy-causing pathogens.
In this article, you will discover the power of using essential oils to treat allergies. There are some amazing essential oils that you can use to clear up a stuffy nose, stop itching, relieve sneezing, soothe a rash, and treat respiratory conditions.
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What is an allergy?
An allergy is an overactive immune response in your body to certain substances that are generally harmless. The immune system’s response is to release histamine which causes inflammation and irritation in the airways, eyes, ears, and skin. Typical symptoms of an allergic reaction are: itchy or watery eyes, hives, sneezing, rashes, fatigue, itching, or a runny nose.
Common allergies are:
- Seasonal allergies like allergic rhinitis (hay fever) that is caused by pollen, grass, weeds, and molds.
- Allergies to dog and cat dander caused by substances present in the hair and skin of pets.
- Food allergies to nuts, shellfish, and dairy products.
Essential oils that help stop allergies.
Here are 7 of the top essential oils for allergies that can help you treat common symptoms of allergic reactions. At the end of the article, you will find instructions on how to use these essential oils for relief.
Peppermint oil.
Peppermint oil can help to quickly clear blocked sinuses and relieve congestion caused by allergies. It is an expectorant that is excellent at cleaning the airways and calming inflammation. Inhaling peppermint essential oil will help you stop allergies by reducing the amount of phlegm and helping you breathe easier.
Menthol oil (a component of peppermint oil) is an effective treatment for chronic inflammatory conditions such as allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.
You can add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your diffuser to inhale its decongestant properties to treat allergy symptoms and relieve headaches naturally. Or you can mix something with a little carrier oil (like jojoba oil or coconut oil) and rub it on your chest to relieve bronchial asthma.
Lavender oil to stop allergies.
Lavender essential oil works as a natural antihistamine and will help reduce inflammatory allergic reactions in the body. Lavender is well known as a natural cure for headaches, but it can also be used to treat allergic skin reactions, insect bites, and hives. Lavender also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an ideal essential oil for treating asthma and stopping allergies.
The medicinal compounds in lavender oil help to inhibit histamine production and suppress inflammatory responses in the airways. Therefore, lavender oil is the perfect essential oil if you suffer from coughing, sneezing, or wheezing at night. All you have to do is put a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow or inhale lavender oil before going to bed for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Chamomile oil.
Chamomile essential oil is a great allergy remedy for a wide range of allergic reactions. Chamomile is another calming herb that is known for its relaxing properties. If you have itching, rashes, or hives caused by allergies, use chamomile oil for quick relief. Chamomile oil can do as much to soothe itchy skin as it can to calm your nerves.
Inhaling chamomile essential oil can also provide a calming effect on your respiratory system if you are suffering from sneezing, blocked sinuses, or excess phlegm. Also, if you have an upset stomach, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting caused by an allergic reaction to food, then a soothing cup of chamomile tea will help ease your discomfort.
A topical application of chamomile oil and a carrier oil can also help relieve atopic dermatitis (eczema) as it has an antihistamine effect on the skin.
Tea tree oil.
Tea tree essential oil can help stop skin allergies by reducing inflammation and preventing infections. The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil can also be helpful in destroying airborne mold, fungus, and bacteria particles, thus reducing allergy symptoms in the home.
It has strong antimicrobial properties and is effective against a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Also, it reduces the swelling of the skin, thanks to its antihistamine effect.
You can use tea tree oil mixed with a little coconut oil to reduce allergic skin reactions. Also, you can use it as a decongestant to relieve bronchial congestion, cough, and excess mucus.
Lemon oil.
One of the many uses of lemon essential oil is to treat respiratory problems associated with allergic reactions. Lemon is a natural antioxidant agent that can help cleanse toxins and reduce the body’s response to allergens. You can also use lemon essential oil in a water solution as a natural antiseptic spray to disinfect surfaces and kill allergy-causing pathogens.
A nasal preparation based on essential oil of lemon, helps to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This remedy helps reduce nasal mucus and helps to treat inflammation of the throat and mouth and thereby stop allergies. Lemon-based nasal spray is a good alternative to treat perennial and seasonal allergic reactions.
Eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus essential oil is a natural expectorant and can help treat many respiratory diseases. Eucalyptus oil helps relieve nasal congestion, clear the airways, and helps you breathe easier.
It has this effect because the compounds in eucalyptus oil have a cooling effect on the nerves of the body. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, asthma attacks, or have a blocked nose due to pet hair, use a steam inhaler with eucalyptus essential oil for relief.
Eucalyptus oil has numerous benefits to stop allergies and provide relief. It is used to reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, treat coughs, reduce asthma symptoms, relieve pain in the sinuses, and clear respiratory infections. Diluted eucalyptus essential oil can also be used topically to reduce nasal congestion.
A study on the inhalation benefits of eucalyptus oil found that it creates a cold sensation in the nose with the sensation of improved airflow. You can use a spray to remove dust mites from bedding, sofas, and other fabrics that cause allergies. All you have to do is lightly spray the mixture onto the fabric and let it dry to kill any mites that might be living there. Using eucalyptus around your home will keep it smelling fresh and allergen free.
Thyme oil.
Thyme is another essential oil that has anti-allergic properties. Thyme oil works by helping to inhibit inflammatory responses in the body and clearing any fungal or bacterial infections.
Thyme extracts are used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. This is thanks to the antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of thyme. The report also mentioned that thyme can help improve cardiovascular health, therefore using thyme oil is also a natural way to prevent heart attacks.