In this post, we take a look at some of the essential oils that help with allergies.
Allergies are a nightmare. They make you miserable and can even cause permanent damage. You may experience symptoms such as pain in your ears when lying down on one side because sinus pressure is forcing air outwards; an inability to breathe through both nostrils at once due to inflamed tissues blocking airflow from the opposite passage; excessive nose tickling which leads up sneezing spells followed by coughing fits as if someone poured sand into your mouth while you were sleeping! All these things happen because our immune system overreacts every time we inhale something icky like pollen or pet dander.
Whether you’re a sneezing, coughing mess, or just want to feel better through the season of allergy, there are some essential oils that help with allergies and will offer some relief.
Are There Essential Oils that Help with Allergies?
The short answer is yes. In fact, one of the best ways to prevent allergies from ruining your day is through the use of EOs. There are many studies that have revealed some of the essential oils that help with allergies. These oils are especially excellent for people with sinusitis and asthma. Research has shown that aromatherapy can reduce inflammation in nasal passages, alleviate congestion, as well as reduce swelling from migraines. So, what are these essential oils that help with allergies?
Essential Oils that Help with Allergies
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Allergies are caused by histamine release in the body and lavender has been shown to help reduce that response from your immune system. This essential oil is commonly used as a natural remedy for allergies because it works to reduce the production of histamines, which cause inflammation and other allergy symptoms. Lavender also contains antimicrobial properties that can keep any infections at bay while you enjoy relief from your seasonal discomfort too!
Lavender EO has anti-inflammatory properties which make it perfect for relieving inflammation in nasal passages, as well as, soothing sore throats without causing any side effects when sprayed on the pillow before bedtime!
This versatile EO also helps relax nerves and muscles! It’s possible that some people may experience side effects such as headaches due to sensitivity towards fragrances but there have not yet been any reported cases of an allergic reaction related specifically to lavender use itself.
Lavender has been widely known since antiquity as an all-purpose healing plant with many different uses; however, its use in deterring allergies may be one reason why this scent was so revered by our ancestors who first cultivated lavender fields across Europe. The soothing aroma of lavender helps to relax tense muscles and nerves caused by stress or anxiety, naturally easing painful feelings associated with hay fever-like sneezing, itchy eyes/nose/throat, or ears.
Not only does lavender EO help reduce stress levels but it also is an antiseptic agent against skin problems. Lavender essential oil is a time-tested remedy for allergies – so if you’re fighting symptoms like hay fever or seasonal allergy attacks this season, consider using it.
2. Eucalyptus EO
Eucalyptus oil contains cineole which relieves congestion associated with colds, sinus pressure, and headaches due to its ability to relax muscle tissues within nasal passages. Eucalyptus EO is especially helpful when sinuses need some serious help breathing better again.
The oil of the eucalyptus tree has been used for centuries to treat respiratory illnesses, and it is a common ingredient in modern medicines. Studies have shown that this plant-based medicine can be more effective than other standard asthma treatments when treating acute or chronic allergies because its antimicrobial properties help reduce inflammation by killing bacteria on contact.
Eucalyptus essential oil can be used to treat and relieve the symptoms of allergies. The oil is applied by putting a few drops on your left palm, rubbing them together with your right hand, then inhaling deeply through both nostrils for as long as you comfortably can before breathing out again slowly.
3. Peppermint EO
Possibly one of the best essential oils that help with allergies, peppermint oil is great for congestion and headache relief. Peppermint provides instant cooling benefits, so you will feel better faster if applied topically – preferably used behind the ears.
Peppermint has been used for years to help with allergies. The benefits of peppermint essential oil can be attributed in large part to its menthol content which helps reduce inflammation and acts as a decongestant by opening up the nasal passages.
It is also said that when inhaled, it reaches your brain faster than any other method of application!
To use peppermint essential oil on yourself or others: Apply 2-3 drops directly onto the palm of the hand, then rub hands together before rubbing them on the nose and throat (this will not only provide relief from symptoms but will feel really good too!). It’s best to dilute EOs for topical application to avoid any skin allergic reaction.
4. Sandalwood EO
Did you know that sandalwood essential oil has multiple uses for allergies? It can be used to clear up nasal congestion, reduce inflammation and swelling from various sources including hay fever or insect bites.
For people who have skin sensitivity issues such as eczema, it’s also an excellent choice of treatment since it’s milder than many other oils.
The aroma is earthy and very soothing; this may help those suffering from depression symptoms like anxiety due to the release of serotonin in your brain by inhaling the scent.
It is also useful in easing pain, soothing sore throats, and improving sleep quality.
5. Lemon EO
Lemon essential oil is beneficial for allergies and other respiratory problems. Lemon EO works by helping the body produce more natural histamines, which reduces inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages that lead to sneezing and congestion.
Generally, citrus oils have been shown to revitalize energy levels and reduce fatigue.
If you want relief from pollen or pet dander allergy symptoms, just add some drops of lemon oil into an aromatherapy diffuser with water and breathe deeply for about 10 minutes every day.
Lemon EO can be combined with tea tree or eucalyptus to create a natural decongestant inhaled as steam. This is done by placing the EO mixture in boiling water and inhaling the steam over your face for 10 minutes.
Lemon oil may also help relieve the symptoms of asthma and helps prevent cold sore breakouts if applied on skin once every few hours regularly; it may help fight cancer cells, too. However, Lemon EO may cause sunburn in some people, so be careful when using this oil.
6. Thyme oil
A natural antibacterial oil for those who have been exposed to bacteria. Thyme essential oil is a traditional treatment for the symptoms of allergies, and it has been shown to be as effective at relieving allergy symptom severity as prescription antihistamines.
Thyme EO can relieve many common symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis including sneezing, runny nose, congestion, or stuffiness in the chest area due to post-nasal drip (also known as ‘stuffy head’). It also helps with nasal itching and other allergens that may be irritating your sinuses.
7. Bergamot
Bergamot essential oil is a powerful natural remedy for allergies, helping to combat the effects of pollen and other irritants. It contains alpha-pinene which helps to clear sinuses, making breathing easier overall.
Bergamot EO can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of seasonal allergies. It contains a potent antioxidant called limonene that may reduce inflammation, lessen congestion and alleviate your itchy eyes due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Bergamot oil is an excellent choice for those suffering from chronic allergy problems because this citrusy scented oil has been shown to contain powerful antioxidants which help fight off free radicals; these highly reactive molecules are thought by many experts to play a large role in causing cells damage.
Apply bergamot oil topically to affected areas.
8. Pine Needle EO
Pine needle essential oil is a great natural remedy for allergies. It contains compounds with antihistamine properties and powerful insect repellant properties; it also helps clear out airways while providing soothing aromatics through inhalation.
This makes pine needle oil the ideal tool for those suffering from high levels of inflammation and congestion associated with chronic respiratory ailments like asthma or bronchitis because they promote easier breathing by loosening phlegm deposits.
Pine needle EO contains useful compounds such as terpineol, which has been shown to have antihistamine and decongestant properties. In addition, it also contains powerful antioxidants like limonene that help combat infection-causing free radicals in the lungs. So, it’s no surprise that this oil made it to the list of the best essential oils that help with allergies.
9. Camphor EO
Camphor EO can help alleviate symptoms of sinus allergies. It has been used to treat asthma and hay fever symptoms, as well as blisters on the skin caused by excessive exposure to heat.
This EO is traditionally known for its anti-inflammatory properties because it suppresses a protein that triggers inflammation in both humans and animals without causing side effects like sedation or respiratory depression seen with other medications for treating chronic illnesses.
It may also be used to ease earaches, headaches, muscle aches, and joint pains. Camphor has been shown in some studies to have antiseptic properties that could help with cold or flu symptoms including fever reduction.
The best way to use it is by diffusing it at home or applying a drop onto your temples, neck, chest, and/or stomach for fast relief.
10. Tea Tree oil
Tea tree essential oil is a great treatment for allergies because it has natural antihistamines in its composition. If you have an allergy attack coming on and don’t want to take oral medication that will only make the symptoms worse, then tea tree oil can help by easing some of your congestion while taking care of those pesky allergens at their root source!
You can use tea tree essential oil for treating allergies by inhaling or applying it topically. Tea tree’s aroma has been shown to reduce the symptoms of a stuffy nose, sneezing, and scratchy throat while also alleviating congestion due to its powerful anti-microbial properties which fight off bacteria that cause these allergic reactions!
Tea tree essential oil has a long history of use for more than just its antibacterial properties. It may have some antiviral effects too!
Essential Oil Blends for Allergies
1. Essential Oil ‘Vapor Rub’ Breathe.
You will need:
½ cup of coconut oil
10 Drops of Peppermint essential oil
10 Drops of Spearmint essential oil
5 Drops of Cypress essential oil
Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply to the chest when needed. Store the remaining oil mixture for future use
2. Clear Lungs:
Try this when you are having trouble breathing.
You will need:
½ cup of boiling water
10 Drops of Lemon essential oil
10 Drops of Peppermint essential oil
10 Drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
Inhale the steam from this mixture! You can also put this in a diffuser.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808543/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27034695/
