When the immune system of the body overreacts to something and becomes more sensitized, that is when we have hay fever or as it is medically known Allergic rhinitis. In the last fifty years, the unpleasant seasonal allergy symptoms had continued, so there are a lot more allergic disorders and diseases.
It is estimated that nowadays approximately forty to sixty million Americans have Allergic rhinitis, most of them are children. Allergies can be quite a big issue especially if you don’t take any action about them.
In fact, allergies can lead to watery eyes, impaired sense of smell, blocked or a runny nose, sneezing and these are only cases where there are less severe consequences.
Nevertheless, allergies should be taken seriously as for some people they can be life-threatening and may also cause shortness of breath or even inflammation.
People who have allergies often get advice to avoid triggers. However, that is kind of impossible with the change of the seasons. Also, environmental toxins and the food industry play a significant role here because our immune system is affected by them.
But don’t lose hope, there is a natural way to treat the symptoms. Some essential oils are a safe way to boost the immune system and as we mentioned to treat the symptoms. They actually chemically support our bodies and aid in overcoming hypersensitivity.
How Do Essential Oils Help for Allergies?
When there is an allergic reaction, there is a substance called allergen that makes a deception on the immune system, to consider the allergen as an invader. Then we have an overreaction, and the immune system produces antibodies Immunoglobulin E., but the allergen is a harmless substance.
When the antibodies are produced by the immune system, they go to the cells that release chemicals such as histamine which leads to an allergic reaction.
Common Causes of an Allergic Reaction Are:
- Insect stings
- Pollen
- Latex
- Animal dander
- Medications
- Mold
- Food
- Dust
The allergens mentioned above cause symptoms on the skin, sinuses, ears, lungs, throat, and the lining of the stomach. But these causes are very common and not new, they are around for years, even for thousands of years. Then you cannot help but wonder how nowadays there is an increase in the allergy rates?
One of the reasons behind the increase is the root of most diseases is inflammation. There is a certain way that the body reacts to the allergen because there is an overdrive of the immune system. However, if there is high inflammation present, any allergen can lead to an increased reaction. With the allergen the body overreacts, that is due to stress and overwork.
If there is a balance of the inflammation and the immune system, the reaction would be normal. But, nowadays the reactions are exaggerated and cause the next allergic reaction.
Essential oils have the ability to boost the immune system and also fight inflammation. They work in the way that they detoxify the body and fight harmful toxins, infections, microorganisms, and parasites. Essential oil helps in the reduction of the susceptibility of the body when it comes to outside sources.
When the immune system has a harmless intruder, the oils reduce the overreaction. On the other hand, some oils help with the elimination of toxins by increasing urination and sweat, but they also improve respiratory conditions.
5 Best Essential Oils for Allergies
1. Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is considered to be between the top 5 because it can destroy airborne pathogens known for causing allergies. It is excellent for killing mold, fungi, or bacteria, all you need to do is diffuse it in the home.
Keep in mind that tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is considered to be an antiseptic agent. You can also apply it to your skin; it is totally safe and by doing that the tea tree oil can kill microorganisms and bacteria. Another use is as a household cleaner to eliminate allergens and to disinfect the house.
A study made in Germany came to the discovery that this oil has antimicrobial activity against a large range of fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. The microbes cause the immune system to overdrive, and they also cause inflammation.
Remedy: Tea tree oil can be used for hives, rashes, and even as a household cleaner. For topical use – just add few drops to a cotton ball and apply. But people with sensitive skin should be cautious and always dilute it with some carrier oil (ex. jojoba or coconut oil)
2. Peppermint Oil
In the case of scratchy throats or clogged sinuses inhale diffused peppermint oil. The peppermint is an expectorant and can be a relief for cold, bronchitis, allergies, sinusitis, coughs, and asthma. It can discharge phlegm and also the thing that is most important when it comes to allergies – reduce inflammation.
In the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, there is a study that looks at the effect of peppermint oil in the tracheal rings of rats. The results show that the oil inhibits contractions that make you cough. So, peppermint oil is a relaxant at the same time.
On the other hand, peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory effects, decreasing the symptoms of chronic inflammatory disorders like bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, according to the European Journal of Medical Research.
Remedy: In the case of a scratchy throat or clogged sinuses, – diffuse 5 drops of the oil at home. It is also good for your nasal muscles because it can relax them and clear out mucus and pollen that is a common allergen.
You can also use the peppermint oil internally to reduce the inflammation; it is very simple just take one-two drops a day, add them in tea, smoothie, or water.
The oil is also for topical use just put it on your neck, temples, or chest. People with sensitive skin should be cautious before they use it, a dilution is a must, you can use jojoba or coconut oil.
3. Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is a good choice for overcoming respiratory conditions, and it also supports the drainage of the lymphatic system. This oil boosts the immune system and slows the growth of bacteria. If you want to eliminate the triggers in the air and kill bacteria, just diffuse it at home and let the oil do the work.
For pH balance – add few drops of the essential oil in water. The lemon water will help and improve the immune function and help with detoxification of the body. It also serves as a stimulator for the liver and flushes out the toxins that cause an overreaction of the immune system and inflammation.
Another benefit of lemon water is the fact that it stimulates the production of white blood cells. This is crucial for the function of the immune system because it helps protect the body against different health problems.
There is no need for alcohol and bleach; the lemon essential oil is as good as them, so you can use it to disinfect your home. It will keep the air clean, reduce the triggers in the house and also remove pollutants and bacteria from your bathroom, kitchen, etc.
Due to the change of seasons and all the allergens from outside this can be very useful and helpful. One way or another the allergens can be brought into your home on your clothes or even your shoes. In that case, lemon oil is the best option.
Remedy: Add some of the oil to your laundry detergent. Also, you can mix it with few drops of water and spray the solution on your carpets, curtains, sheets, and couches.
4. Basil Oil
The basil essential oil supports the adrenal glands that are part of the production of over fifty hormones that drive bodily functions. However, it also helps in the reduction of the inflammatory response when it comes to allergens. The basil essential oil helps the body to react in a suitable way to a threat by rushing blood to the muscles, brain, and heart.
As a matter of fact, the basil essential oil fights fatigue, pain and inflammation, and aids in the detoxification of the body of bacteria and viruses. This oil has antimicrobial activity and can kill mold, yeast, and bacteria that may cause respiratory damage and asthma. Research shows that the oil has antimicrobial activity.
Remedy: Internally – against inflammation and overreaction of the immune system, add one drop of basil oil by adding it to any dish like soup, salad dressing, etc.
Topically: For the respiratory system- dilute two-three drops of basil oil with the same amount of coconut oil and you can apply it to the chest, template, or back of the neck.
5. Eucalyptus Oil
The eucalyptus oil reduces symptoms of allergies and improves your circulation. It opens up the lungs and sinuses. Studies show the eucalyptus oil improves the airflow and produces a cold sensation.
This oil has citronellal which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This oil also works as an expectorant. It cleans the body of harmful microorganisms and toxins that are allergens.
In 2011, the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine published a study that shows this oil is effective for the infections of the upper respiratory tract.
Patients that were under the eucalyptus oil treatment – with eucalyptus spray, reported an improvement in the severity of the most draining symptoms of respiratory tract infection set side by side to the placebo group.
The improvement was the reduction of hoarseness, cough, or a sore throat.
Remedy: Diffuse 5 drops of the oil or rub them on your temples and chest to treat respiratory problems connected to allergies. Also, you can add 2 drops of the oil to a cup of boiling water and inhale for five to ten minutes to relieve congestion. For which allergies and how to use the essential oils.
How to Use These Oils for Allergies
For Seasonal Allergies – Eliminate triggers and clear the air and the furniture with lemon or tea tree oil. In a 16-ounce spray bottle add 20 drops of tea tree oil and 40 drops of lemon oil, then fill it up with water and add a little amount of vinegar. Make sure to spray on any area in your house.
For Allergy Blend – Topically – In a bowl, add two-three drops of lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint oil, and also add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Use this mixture to massage the bottoms of your feet, the temples, and behind your ears.
For Skin Rash and Hives – Topically – You can use tea tree or even basil oil to treat hives and rashes. It is a simple procedure just add two-three drops to the area of concern.
For skin irritations – Putting oil over the liver area is helpful because it aids the liver in flushing toxins that cause problems to the skin. You need three-four drops of tea tree oil and coconut oil and you can rub it into the area of the liver.
For Food Allergies – Internally- To relieve the symptoms of food allergy- consume one-two drops of peppermint and lemon oil. This is helpful for detoxification of the body and for the elimination of the allergens through urination and sweat.
Side Effects
Take in mind not to take tea tree oil internally if you use some of the essential oils for allergies. The best way to use the tea tree oil is topically or aromatically.
Make sure you always dilute these oils if you use them topically, especially for those with sensitive skin, or if you use them on sensitive areas (under the eyes/the neck.) You can dilute them with a carrier oil (ex. jojoba oil).
For internal use – Always remember – Less is more! So, you can consume up to two drops of the oils a month. Then, make a two-week pause, and repeat the treatment.
Check out this infographic to see the essential oils for allergies and the ways to use them, as well as the video below:
Source Medical News Today | Draxe; Image Source Billboard Health