Essential oils are something that I love. Since we started using them a few years back we have noticed a huge difference in our overall health hand the money we spend on conventional medication. Now I am not one of those that will say a drop of this or that will replace an EpiPen or a fast acting inhaler. I am however a huge fan of the essential oils for allergies and other similar issues. They work well.
To be upfront and offer full disclosure, my daughter has serious asthma. Because of this we have a pretty good understanding of what triggers her events and how to best respond in the event of an emergency. I am not ashamed to admit that we have used many essential oils in the past to help combat the breathing issues. They almost always work to stop her asthma attacks on the spot.
When it comes to allergies there are many options that you have in the essential oil world. So here are some of the ones that I have actually tried on my own family with good results.
Lavender oil is amazingly nice. It smells great and it works well too. This oil can be used topically, or it can be diffused. It is also a great candidate for direct inhalation. If you place it on your skin only use 3-4 drops at a time, as it can be very potent. If you have sensitive skin you can always mix it with coconut oil. This oil will help with typical allergies as well as headaches. You can also add a few drops to your diffuser and run it continuously to calm breathing and soothe a runny nose.
Peppermint oil is a very minty and refreshing oil. It too can be used in a number of ways such as topically, in a diffusor, or it can be inhaled directly. It is always best to use carrier oil, such as coconut oil, when using peppermint EO. The oil is very potent and can sting and burn if you don’t dilute it first. Mix a few drops in a carrier oil and dab under your nose for stuffy nose issues.
If you have a serious head cold you can pour boiling water into a bowl, mix in 4-6 drops of peppermint EO, drape a towel over your head and breathe deeply for a few minutes.
Lemon is one of the most versatile oils on the market. It has amazing cleaning and aromatic abilities but it also has the ability to stop inflammation of the sinuses and it cuts the mucus production. It can be treated just like the previous oils except it does not require carrier oil if you do not want to use one. Be warned… the lemon scent is strong and can be overpowering so use sparingly.
Eucalyptus oil comes from the tree of the same name. It is a tree that originates in Australia. You have probably seen pictures of Koala bear in these trees. But did you know that they eat the leaves of this tree because they give them a nice buzz? Eucalyptus oil won’t get you high, but it will help relieve allergy issues and mucus problems. In fact, you can rub a few drops of this oil mixed with a carrier oil on your feet and then place socks over the top and it can stop a cough and help you sleep even with a horrible cold.
If you struggle with rashes and hives related to your allergies, you need to try Roman Chamomile oil. This oil is a bit more expensive than the others. Perhaps it is the Roman roots or maybe it is just the fact that this oil works wonders for skin issues like rashes, eczema, and other problems. You will find that the aroma is a bit strong and it can be overpowering if not diluted. Use a carrier oil for best results.
These are just a few of my favorite oils that I use regularly to treat our family’s allergies. Do you have other oils that you rely on for regular use?
