Allergies are some of the most common everyday health challenges. Believe it or not, it’s the number 1 reason people see a doctor!
Headaches, stuffy/runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, cough and sneezing are all common allergy symptoms. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe and effective ways to relieve them and using therapeutic grade essential oils is one of the best ways.
The essential oils of lavender, RC and eucalyptus are well known for their ability to relieve allergic symptoms.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavendula agustofolia) is one of the best essential oils for combating allergies, such as hay fever. Pure, therapeutic grade Lavender is a natural antihistamine. I’ve used it on very rare occasions when I’ve woken up with a stuffy nose and watery eyes. After applying it, I’ve felt relief within minutes!
Here’s how to use Lavender for allergy relief:
Topically – Apply 1 drop to your cheeks, forehead and sinuses, as needed.
Inhalation – Diffuse it in a cold air diffuser for 15 minutes every 2 hours.
Direct Inhalation – Apply 1-2 drops to the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and cup them over your nose. Inhale 4-6 deep breaths as needed.
Ingestion – (Yes, Young Living’s lavender is safe to ingest!) Take an empty “00” size capsule, found at most health food stores, and fill the larger half of the capsule with 5 drops of Lavender. Fill the rest of the large half of the capsule with organic olive oil. Swallow with soy, rice or regular milk, 2 times a day.
RC
RC is a blend of essential oils that relieves allergies PLUS colds, bronchitis, sore throats, sinusitis and coughs. RC includes eucalyptus, myrtle, pine, spruce, marjoram, lavender, cypress and peppermint essential oils.
Here’s how to use RC for allergy relief:
Topically – Apply 1 drop to your cheeks, forehead, sinuses, or chest as needed. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to dilute this blend with a drop of organic olive oil, just to be safe. I’ve used this blend on a q-tip and swabbed inside my nose to relieve a stuffy nose from a cold. It also prevented my cold from turning into a sinus infection.
Inhalation – Diffuse it in a cold air diffuser as often as needed.
Direct Inhalation – Apply 1-2 drops to your palms and cup over your nose. Inhale 4-6 deep breaths throughout the day to ease symptoms.
Eucalyptus
Many people find that eucalyptus essential oil also relieves their allergies. There are a few types of eucalyptus. The best and safest one for allergies is Eucalyptus radiata. It’s great for respiratory, sinus and viral infections.
Here’s how to use eucalyptus for allergy relief:
Topically – Rub 1 drop of Eucalyptus radiata (mixed with 1 drop of organic olive oil) to your cheeks, forehead and sinuses.
Inhalation – Diffuse in a cold air diffuser, as needed.
Direct Inhalation – Apply 1 drop to your palms and cup over your nose. Take 4-6 deep breaths as often as needed.
Bonus tip – Neti Pot
Using a Neti Pot is another great way to keep your nasal passages cleaned from pollens, pollution, dust, dander, etc. A Neti Pot is a tea-pot shaped kettle that is filled with saline solution (salt and water) and is poured into one nostril and then drains out the other nostril. (I do not recommend putting essential oils in the Neti pot.)
This practice of cleansing the sinuses has been used by Ayruveda and Yoga practitioners for thousands of years in India. Today, people in Europe and America practice Neti on a daily basis.
Using a Neti Pot in conjunction with therapeutic grade essential oils can help keep your allergies and hay fever symptoms from reoccurring. Neti pots are available over-the-counter at many drug stores, health food stores, and online retailers. They cost between $10 and $20.
All of these methods for relieving allergies are completely safe AND good for your body. Just be sure to select only therapeutic grade essential oils as a lesser grade will not produce results.
© Christa McCourt
More: Got Allergies? These Essential Oils Can Help
