Help with allergies & hay fever

Allergies and hay fever can be very uncomfortable and affect our daily lives.

Natural solutions to relieve symptoms are increasingly in demand, especially for those looking for alternatives to conventional medication.

One such alternative is essential oils , which are derived from plants and possess a variety of therapeutic properties.

In this post we look at how essential oils work for allergies and hay fever and which oils can help.

What does an allergy mean?

Allergies and hay fever are overreactions of the immune system to harmless substances such as pollen, animal dander or house dust mites. Symptoms can be varied and include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes, coughing and difficulty breathing. Essential oils can help relieve these symptoms in a number of ways.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained from various plants and herbs. They contain the active components of plants and have a variety of therapeutic properties . Essential oils can be applied topically, inhaled, or vaporized in a diffuser.

How do essential oils work for allergies and hay fever?

Essential oils can help in a number of ways. Some oils have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the mucous membranes, while others open the nasal passages and make breathing easier. Many essential oils also act as natural antihistamines , which can reduce the release of histamine in the body.

Anti-inflammatory effect : Some essential oils have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce swelling and irritation in the mucous membranes. Lavender oil is a well-known essential oil with anti-inflammatory properties that can help with allergies and hay fever by soothing the mucous membranes and reducing inflammation.

Opening the airways: Essential oils like peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil can help open the nasal passages and make breathing easier. They can help clear nasal congestion and widen the airways, which can help relieve symptoms like nasal congestion and difficulty breathing.

Antihistamine Effect : Histamine is a substance released during allergic reactions and is responsible for many of the uncomfortable symptoms of allergies and hay fever. Some essential oils, like lemon oil and rosemary oil, act as natural antihistamines and can help reduce the release of histamine in the body, which can help relieve allergy symptoms.

Antibacterial and antiviral effects: Essential oils such as tea tree oil and thyme oil have antibacterial and antiviral properties. They can help prevent respiratory infections and boost the immune system, which can be beneficial for allergies and hay fever.

How are the essential oils used?

There are several ways to use essential oils for allergies and hay fever. Here are some common methods:

Inhalation : Essential oils can be vaporized in a diffuser or in a bowl of hot water to purify the air in the room and ease the airways. Inhalation can also be done by putting a few drops of essential oil on a handkerchief and smelling it. This can help open the nasal passages and make breathing easier.

Topical Use: Some essential oils can also be applied to the skin. However, it is important to dilute the oils, otherwise they can cause skin irritation. Some recommended carrier oils are jojoba oil, almond oil, and coconut oil. The oils can be applied to the chest, neck and temples to relieve the symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

Ingestion: Some essential oils can also be taken orally to relieve the symptoms of allergies and hay fever. However, it is important to test this in small amounts first.

It's also important to note that essential oils should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have severe allergy symptoms, you should always see a doctor.