Must Have Essential Oils If You Have Bad Allergies

Allergy season got a jump start this year, and it’s been more intense all over the country, especially in the North and Southeast. Luckily, there are some essential oils that can help you breathe easier during allergy season. But if you have bad allergies, it’s important to do a patch test before using them topically to make sure they don’t trigger an allergic reaction.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help alleviate congestion and respiratory issues. It’s rich in cineole (eucalyptol), which gives off a cooling sensation when inhaled and opens up your lungs and sinuses. It also improves circulation and acts as an expectorant to loosen phlegm. It can even be used on sore muscles, as it has analgesic properties. You can diffuse eucalyptus oil at home, inhale it directly from the bottle or apply it topically to your chest and temples. It’s also a great oil to add to a homemade vapor rub.

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil is a great way to ease respiratory discomfort, such as sneezing, runny nose and coughing. It also can relieve headaches and irritated sinuses by stimulating the immune system and encouraging proper breathing. You can diffuse peppermint essential oil, or add a few drops to a bowl of steaming water to inhale the scent. It has a refreshing, soothing, and invigorating aroma that helps you feel more alert. Besides its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint oil is antibacterial and helps prevent infection in the airways. It’s also a natural insect repellent for spiders, ants, mosquitoes and other pests.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil can relieve allergy symptoms in a variety of ways, including as a topical treatment. The anti-inflammatory properties help decrease swelling, redness, and pain associated with hay fever, asthma, and other allergies. It also has disinfectant properties, and is often used as a household cleaner. It can be diluted with water for cleaning surfaces like counters, sinks, showers, and toilets. But be aware that Tea Tree oil can trigger allergic reactions in some people. As always, it’s a good idea to do a patch test before using any essential oil.

Lemon

If you have bad allergies, lemon essential oil can help alleviate some of the symptoms that are associated with your condition. It’s an antihistamine that can also help to reduce congestion. The oil is derived from cold-pressing the skin and peels of fresh lemons. It is an all-natural, odorless extract that is used in a variety of applications from aromatherapy to cosmetics and cleaning products. This oil is also an effective disinfectant for the home, and it works well on dust mites and pet dander. Use it as a nasal spray or in your diffuser to help ease some of your allergy symptoms.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in the world. It soothes irritated skin and can even help treat bug bites, eczema and psoriasis. As an antihistamine, lavender essential oil reduces the release of histamine to combat allergy symptoms. And as an antioxidant, it helps reduce the inflammation caused by allergies. If you suffer from a bad case of allergies, try using lavender in a diffuser or mixing it with lemon, peppermint and eucalyptus in a bath. Or add a few drops to your pillow at night to help you sleep better!