Got seasonal allergies from tree and grass pollen? Essential oils may help you support your bodily systems and rescue you from some symptoms.
In our home, they’ve helped me turn our medicine cabinet into a health cabinet. I use them on an almost-daily basis, and not just for allergies. But allergies was the first reason!
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are made from the essence of a plant, gently extracted by steam distillation or other methods appropriate to the plant. Some plants carry their oils in the leaves or flowers, while others carry them within their rinds or seeds. Resin, sap, wood, and peelings also are used, depending on the plant.
As such, essential oils can be potent and must be used properly and cautiously.
Essential oils do not treat, cure or prevent any diseases or conditions. But they can support different systems of the body. And in the case of allergies, two of the systems we want to consider boosting are the immune and respiratory systems.
I started learning about essential oils nearly four years ago, and I am a distributor for a company that blends and sells them. Read my full disclosure here. I’ve discovered that not only are essential oils helpful and non-toxic when used properly, they’re also fun!
So which single oils might help with allergies?
Usually, more than one oil can be used to relieve allergic symptoms. And each oil can be used for multiple issues. For allergies and respiratory support, more than a dozen essential oils make the list.
Here are my top 5, in no particular order. Click on the blue link to learn even more about each one:
Niaouli is an oil that supports the respiratory and immune systems. My first experience using it was while having a sneezing fit one day while we were driving home from a beach trip. I consulted the app that indicates the properties of each of our oils, and I saw niaouli listed. When we stopped for fuel, I put a couple of drops of niaouli on a tissue and inhaled. My sneezing slowed, then stopped.
Peppermint is a great “never out” oil in our house. But not just for help with allergies. Peppermint is known best for aiding digestion, working as a mental and physical stimulant, and alleviating headaches. It should not be used by people with high blood pressure or atrial-fibrillation, or on children under 2 years old. And, like other oils, it shouldn’t be used in or near the eyes.
Eucalyptus Radiata – or narrow-leaf peppermint – would be another choice. Several variations of eucalyptus exist, but this would be the first choice for respiratory issues for most everyone. It’s gentle but powerful and even can be used with children.
And what about essential oil blends?
Breath of Life, my go-to blend, would be at the top of the list if I were to rank my top 5 oils overall. This blend includes fir, balsam; cypress; two types of eucalyptus; lavender, mailette; marjoram, sweet; niaouli; peppermint; pine; ravensara; and rosemary. On their own, each of those single oils is a powerhouse. Collectively, they are amazing. I’ve used Breath of Life when I’ve had a cold, sinus problems, congestion, asthma, and other respiratory issues. And by using it in conjunction with better nutrition, I’ve needed less of it. Whenever I travel, Breath of Life goes with me. My must-have. For those with high blood pressure, pregnancy, or under age 10 years, its use is not recommended. Consider other options.
Organ Master is a blend for overall organ support and regeneration. Its added bonus is that it benefits the respiratory system. However, it’s not recommended for children under age 5 nor for pregnant women. If you have high blood pressure, you should use it with caution. It will benefit the lungs and other organs.
Again, other essential oils in addition to or instead of these could prove useful. But these would be my starting place for those with allergies. I’ve used them all regularly. Since we’re all different, it may be helpful for you to experiment with different ones to see what works best for you. Send me a note if you’d like to discuss your options.
Essential oils can be terrific for symptom relief. When I’m consuming the right foods and supplements, and using essential oils, I’m able to keep most of my allergy and asthma symptoms at bay. And that’s been a worthwhile experiment for me after all these years sniffling, sneezing, wheezing, and coughing.
It’s your turn
So what’s working for you? Comment below, or join my free Facebook group, where we can have a conversation. I look forward to connecting with you.
Welcome! I’m Amy, an integrative health coach, offering grace and space for a healthier you. If you liked this article, please subscribe at this link so that you’re among the first to get any future information and ideas that I share. And you can unsubscribe anytime; we both know that SPAM is not good for us, so we avoid it! Thanks for visiting.
