E s s e n t i a l s
It ’ s The Time of The Season
Essential Oils for Allergies
14
The Essentials ...
hh , spring is in the air ! The
Abeautiful weather of spring ; flowers are blooming , birds are chirping , the air is crisp , and the weather is getting warmer . Spring is the perfect time to spend more time outdoors . Yet , for many people , spending more time outdoors , is accompanied by itchy , watery eyes , runny nose , sneezing and coughing , all brought on by seasonal allergies .
Many people suffer from allergies , some year round and some just seasonal . When an allergen enters the body , the immune system sees it as an invader ( even though most times , it is not a harmful substance ) and overreacts , releasing something called Immunoglobulin E antibodies . These antibodies travel to cells that release histamines and other chemicals that trigger the inflammatory response in the body , hence , the allergic reaction . The most common causes of allergies include pollen , dust , mold , insect bites , animal dander , food , medications , and latex . All of these allergens can trigger symptoms in the nose , throat , lungs , ears , sinuses , the lining of the stomach , or on the skin .
People who suffer from seasonal allergies ( also known as hay fever ) are allergic to pollen , trees , grass , weeds , fungi and mold spores .
● Tree pollen - these tend to affect people in the spring .
Spring 2017 FIT to Print
By Dina Voigt
● Grass pollen - these tend to affect people later on in the spring and also in the summer .
● Weed pollen - these are more common during autumn .
● Fungi and mold spores - these are more common when the weather is warm
When you are suffering from seasonal allergies , you are probably more interested in what will stop the symptoms than what is causing them . However , when you know what is causing them , you can almost always find relief from the symptoms .
Essential Oils to the Rescue The good news is essential oils can offer relief and even prevention of seasonal allergy symptoms . One of the most amazing benefits of essential oils is their ability to boost the immune system and fight inflammation . Using essential oils for allergies will help fight infections , bacteria , parasites and harmful toxins by helping to detoxify the body . Essential oils can help reduce the overreaction of the immune system when faced with a harmless substance it sees as an invader . Some essential oils work to relieve respiratory conditions , helping to eliminate toxins by increasing sweat and urination . They can also be used to cool down the body after an allergic response .
Which oils do I use and how do I use them ? There are many essential oils that can help with allergies . Let ' s start with one of the most versatile essential oils of all . Lavender ! Not only can Lavender oil help alleviate allergy symptoms , but it can also give you energy , help you sleep and so much more .
Here are some ways to use Lavender oil to relieve or eliminate allergy symptoms . - Place 2-3 drops of Lavender into the palm of your hand . Rub hands together and inhale deeply 3-4 times a day . - Place some Lavender on your forehead , on your temples , behind and in front of your ears , and on the front and back of your neck . - Place 1 drop of Lavender to the sole of each foot and massage gently into the foot . Repeat 2x day . - Rub a drop or two of Lavender oil between your nose and upper lip so you can inhale the fragrance and antiinflammatory properties throughout the day .
Many of these protocols can be used with other Essential oils as well . One of my very favorite , homemade natural antihistamine potions , is a combination of three very effective Essential oils ( of course , one of them is Lavender ).
Dina ' s “ Brews ” - Peppermint - among its many benefits , is extremely beneficial for respiratory , digestive , sinus and liver disorders , antiinflammatory , anti-spasmodic - Lemon - stimulating while calming , is antiseptic , detoxifying , antiinflammatory , anti-infection , antifungal , can kill bacteria and eliminate allergy triggers in the air and much more .* - Lavender - as we know …. extremely versatile - anti-spasmodic , antiinflammatory , prevents scarring in all tissues , even lungs
● Combine three drops each with a carrier oil ( fractionated coconut oil , V-6 oil , or other vegetable oil ). Apply to the chest , back , and soles of feet 2-3 times per day .
● Diffuse 1-2 drops each
● Inhalation method - rub in palms of hands , cup hands over nose and inhale .
● Combine 3 -5 drops each with distilled or filtered water in an 8 oz . spray bottle , spray your surroundings . Take with you especially when you are going to be spending time outdoors and spray as needed ( also works great as an insect repellent !).
● If you take Essential oils internally , ( as I do ), feel free to message me for more information and research information .
* Be sure to avoid direct exposure to the sun after using lemon oil on exposed skin .
Homemade vapor rub
● Combine 2-3 drops each Lavender , Eucalyptus and Peppermint with one teaspoon carrier oil ( coconut , V-6 , jojoba ) and massage into temples , behind ears , soles of feet , chest , back , between the nose and upper lip .
Other Essential Oils useful for allergies :
● Basil Oil - To support the respiratory system , dilute 2 – 3 drops of basil oil with equal parts coconut oil or other carrier oil and apply topically to the chest , back of neck and temples . Basil essential oil reduces the inflammatory response to allergens .
● Eucalyptus Oil - To treat respiratory issues associated with allergies , diffuse
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