Allergies? I’d say it’s more like “AllerJeez!” As seasons change, there’s one thing that’s almost certain for millions across the world. Itchy eyes. Runny nose. Sleepless nights. Changing of the season is a code word for allergy season.
There is a load of over-the-counter medications you can take to help alleviate the symptoms associated with allergies. Unfortunately, many of these treatments come with a litany of side effects. Shout-out to anyone who has Benadryl-ed and worked!
While allergies may seem like a natural byproduct of being human, there’s a natural way to handle these nuisances. That is essential oils. Not only do essential oils smell nice, but these highly-concentrated plant molecules have a proven record of success handling symptoms associated with allergies. Let’s take a look at essential oils you need to beat allergy season.
How Essential Oils Work
Every living being is made up of chemicals. These compounds determine everything from our hair color to skin pigmentation. Keep that comparison in mind and use it in terms of plants.
Oranges have more beta-carotene than kale. Therefore, oranges…are orange. Kale’s high levels of chlorophyll are why they are green.
When essential oils are extracted, the molecules (known as terpenes) that create that plant’s specific scent are captured. This is why essential oils have such a potent scent. These terpenes are also what give plants therapeutic properties.
Essential oils are volatile. That means they dissipate as soon as they hit oxygen. When you open a bottle of essential oils, the smell will hit your senses immediately. As this happens, thousands of tiny beneficial molecules litter your nostrils. These molecules cause chemical reactions that set off a chain of therapeutic benefits. These benefits are all dependent on the essential oil you use.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS
You can inhale essential oils straight out of the bottle. However, a lot of the precious terpenes can escape into the air as you do this. The most effective way to use essential oils for allergies is with a diffuser.
When you combine the essential oils with water, terpenes bind to the hydrogen molecules. Therefore, the beneficial molecules won’t dissipate into the air. From there, the terpenes sit until the diffuser mists out the essential oils into the room.
There are many other ways to enjoy essential oils. You can draw a bath and put some drops in. Create your own lotions by combining them with thicker oils such as jojoba oil or avocado oil. You may even put some in hot water to make a tonic. Just read the label to make sure your essential oils are therapeutic-grade and okay to consume.
Now that you have the lowdown on essential oils for allergies, let’s check out the ones you need to stock up on right now!
PEPPERMENT ESSENTIAL OIL
One of the worst parts about allergies is a congested chest. Coughs that are unsuccessful in breaking up the gunk just end up straining your throat. Not to mention, breathing can get a bit difficult. Luckily, peppermint essential oil is a natural expectorant.
Menthol in peppermint essential oil helps relieve nasal congestion and bust through phlegm. That’s why peppermint essential oil has shown promise in alleviating bronchitis symptoms.
Comparable Oils: Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Spearmint Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil
CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL
Talk about an essential oil that smells lovely, chamomile will help your house smell nice and fresh! It also helps you get some Zs. Why else do you think chamomile tea is such a hit?
Getting sleep is essential for your body when it’s trying to fight off an allergic reaction. When we are awake, immune cells are so busy responding to all the germs introduced by co-workers, kids, friends, and classmates. By getting some sleep, your immune cells will have the chance to focus on the task at hand…which is getting you well!
Comparable Essential Oils: Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
Speaking of essential oils that will help you get your Z’s, lump lavender essential oil into the mix (it blends well with chamomile scent-wise too). This versatile essential oil can be used for many symptoms associated with allergies. That’s because it produces a sedative-like effect on the system.
Lavender essential oil can help alleviate pain associated with headaches. In addition, it has strong anti-inflammatory properties. When mixed with thicker oils such as sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil, lavender essential oil can help allergic reactions of the skin such as bug bites and hives.
Comparable Essential Oils: Rose Hip Essential Oil
LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL
Do allergies have you bogged down? Lemon essential oil is the boost you need! Citrus peels contain a high level of limonene. Limonene is a natural stimulant. Therefore, inhaling lemon essential oil will give you the energy you need to power through your workday without the comedown synonymous with coffee.
Lemon essential oil is also rich in antioxidants. These are important when you are trying to fight off allergies. When it’s allergy season, your immune cells need as much assistance as possible. Antioxidants in lemon essential oil help rejuvenate cells that may have gotten damaged in the battle to help you feel healthy again.
Comparable Essential Oils: Sweet Orange Essential Oil, Bergamot Essential Oil, Ginger Essential Oil
TEA TREE OIL
This one is the heavy artillery of the group. Tea tree oil has very strong antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial capabilities. Therefore, if you are suffering an allergic reaction from mold or bacteria, tea tree oil needs to be on your list of supplies.
Tea tree oil is also great for controlling all the gross parts of allergies. Yup, I’m talking the runny noses, wheezing, and sneezing! Just a few drops in your blend and you’ll be clear in no time!
Comparable Essential Oils: Lemongrass Essential Oil
CLOVE ESSENTIAL OIL
This is a great essential oil to use as the leaves fall. Clove essential oil has a spicy, woodsy scent. However, it also strong anti-inflammatory properties.
In clove essential oil lies a unique compound known as eugenol. Eugenol has proven effective in treating many allergic reactions such as psoriasis, rhinitis, and asthma.
Comparable Essential Oils: Sandalwood Essential Oil, Frankincense Essential Oil, Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
The best part about essential oils is that they’re easy to use. There’s no real science to how you much to include. Just mix and match drops to see which scent combos you like best. Otherwise, pick an oil (or comparable scent) for allergy relief in every season!
