Quick and natural remedies: essential oils for allergies
Essential oils for allergies? Can essential oils actually be useful in relieving allergies?
An allergic reaction is not a very comfortable or fun experience. In fact, once it’s spring or summer most people dread these seasons due to their seasonal allergies.
Applying preventive measures is a great way to protect yourself from an allergy. However, what can you do to cure or relieve the symptoms?
Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal spray is good option. Although, these options have side effects associated with them that aren’t healthy for the individual. Side effects can include worsening of the allergic reaction or associated symptoms.
What then can you do?
You can use essential oil. Essential oils are made from plants, they’re non-toxic and are great in managing allergies.
Essential oil allergies are allergies that can be treated using essential oil. There are different ways to use essential oils for allergies they include,
- Aromatherapy
- Adding essential oil to your bath
- Use essential oil with an air diffuser
- Apply concentrated form on your skin.
Although more research needs to be carried out to fully ascertain the role of essential oil in managing allergic reactions.
What essential is a natural antihistamine
Antihistamines are medicines that reduce or relieve allergic reactions. They relieve associated symptoms of an allergy.
Anti-histamine the word “anti” signifies that it fights off histamine. Therefore, antihistamines act as a blocker against the effects of histamine.
Histamine is a substance responsible for allergic symptoms in the body.
Essential oils that contain antihistamines relieve allergic symptoms. They include;
- Lavender oil
Lavender oil is an antihistamine that has a calming effect on the body. It is also a great choice for the eye and nose.
Nasal congestion, itchy and puffy eyes are major symptoms associated with allergy. The antihistamine properties of Lavender oil aids in relieving these symptoms.
- Lemongrass oil
This is another essential oil with a potent concentration of antihistamine.
It offers great relief for anxiety, stress, and nasal congestion. Lemongrass also has a soothing effect that boosts relaxation.
- Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil has antihistamines and anti-inflammatory properties.
It reduces sinus congestion, headache, cough, and pain.
Relaxing sore and tired muses is another benefit of Peppermint oil.
- Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil has antispasmodic and antihistamine effects. It contains alpha-pinene which functions effectively in relieving nasal congestion.
It offers calmness to the body and mind, improves breathing, and reduces Wheezing.
- Sandalwood oil
This antihistamine essential oil has the ability to reduce the body’s response to allergens.
Allergens are irritants or triggers that cause allergic reactions. Sandalwood oil protects the body from allergens and prevents allergic reactions.
What essential oil is good for eye allergies?
If you have an eye irritation including; puffy eyes or a burning sensation in your eyes. Use this essential oil to relieve the symptoms.
Lavender oil
This essential oil is a natural antihistamine, it also has anti-inflammatory properties which aids in relieving allergic symptoms.
The presence of histamine helps to control inflammation, reduces puffy eyes and it also exerts a calming effect on the nervous system.
Tea oil
The anti-inflammatory properties in tea oil help to depuff the eyes. It also fights off pathogens(allergens) that cause allergies.
What essential oil helps with itchy skin
- Lavender oil
Studies have shown that anxiety causes itching; the Lavender scent has a soothing/calming effect on the nervous system.
Lavender oil also has antifungal properties which are absolutely appropriate for conditions like ringworm, athlete’s foot.
- Rose geranium oil
This essential oil has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It alleviates itching, dry skin, and eczema.
- Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil is a great choice for dry skin as it serves as a moisturizer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Tea tree oil
A great choice for itch caused by insect bites, infections, or a rash. It has antibacterial properties.
- Chamomile oil
Ever heard of Chamomile tea? It has a calming effect that helps the body relax.
Just like chamomile tea, Chamomile oil has a calming and relaxing effect on the skin.
What essential oil is good for sneezing and a runny nose.
- Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil contains methanol which stimulates mucus receptors in the nose and opens up the airways.
It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use peppermint oil
- Steaming: Put some drops of peppermint in water then, inhale the steam.
- You can also put some drops of essential oil and water in a diffuser.
- Eucalyptus oil
Most overage counter decongestants contain eucalyptus oil.
It is a substance known as lineole; some studies have shown that this substance has the ability to treat nasal congestion and other sinus-related issues.
You can choose to inhale the oil using a steam bath.
- Tea tree oil
This essential oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains alpha-sabine which has antiviral and antifungal effects.
- Oregano oil
Oregano oil has antibacterial properties due to the presence of carvacrol.
Are essential oil diffusers bad for allergies?
The essential oil has a strong fragrance that emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, benzene, and terpenes.
Breathing in these compounds can lead to bronchoconstriction, Shortness of breath.
This can be extremely hazardous for asthmatic patients, pregnant women, and children.
How do you know if you are allergic to essential oil?
There are some side effects associated with using essential oil. Side effects are different from essential oil allergies.
Side effects of an allergic reaction include;
- Drowsiness
- Stomach upset
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
Essential oil allergies include;
- Contact dermatitis
These affect the skin and can be uncomfortable to deal with. It includes callous skin, bumps, red rash, itchy and dry skin.
- Hypersensitivity reaction
These reactions are difficult to identify; it takes a while before the symptoms are noticed.
- Phototoxic reaction
This type of essential oil allergy occurs when you expose your skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. If your environment is cool and chilly, you will not experience an allergic reaction.
- Nasal irritation
Nasal/sinus irritations are a group of uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the nasal cavity. It includes; sneezing, running nose, and nasal congestion.
- Eye irritation
If you are allergic to the essential oil, you may also experience eye irritation. A burning sensation within the eye and eye redness are the most common forms of eye irritation.
Treatment for essential oil allergies
Most essential are mild therefore, they can be treated at home with this easy step.
Was the affected area with cold water, it’s that simple.
How to prevent essential oil allergies
Do a patch test
Use the essential oil on a small area of your skin and watch out for any reaction. You can do this for a few days or a week.
If you notice any rash, redness, dry skin, or any other listed reactions. There is a high possibility that you are allergic to essential oil.
Dilute the oil
Add drops of essential oil to water people use as its raw form has a strong potency.
Use fresh oils
Don’t use stale oils that have been in your cabinet for years. Before you make use of essential oil, check its smell, color, and texture before using it.
Check for ingredients
If you have an allergy to a particular plant, it is wise not to use the essential oil made from it.
Essential oil and children
There is still a high controversy about the use of essential oil in children. Some studies approve of its use why others totally disagree about the use of essential oil.
Children have more sensitive skin, there is a high risk of allergic reaction.
Conclusion
If you are using essential oil for allergies, make sure you are not allergic to the oil.
Essential oil allergies may be mild and easy to treat at home. However, if the reaction persists, it is important that you see a doctor.
If you have any medical conditions such as breathing disorders or skin issues. It is important that you talk to a doctor before using essential oil.