Essential Oils for Allergies: The Complete Guide

An allergy is an overreaction of our immune system to certain substances, called antigens. The term allergy, in fact, derives from the Greek allos meaning "other" and ergon meaning "effect": the etymology encompasses the essence of this atopic pathology, which is a disproportionate reaction to an element that in itself would not be dangerous. This bodily reaction initiates inflammatory processes and a consequent increase in immune defenses. Inflammation generates an excess of histamine: a hormone normally produced by the human body, which, in larger doses, can cause swelling, skin irritation or bronchial spasms, i.e., the symptoms of allergy. Some essential oils help us counteract excess histamine and soothe allergy symptoms thanks to their emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. In this article, we will see how to best use them for this purpose.

Antihistamine Essential Oil

Essential oils with antihistamine action:

● Lavender Essential Oil

● Blue Chamomile Essential Oil

● Cypress Essential Oil

● Geranium Essential Oil

These essential oils, in addition to fighting allergies by reducing histamine levels, relieve ongoing symptoms thanks to other properties:

● Lavender Essential Oil: anti-inflammatory, emollient, and soothing. Also suitable for children.

● Blue Chamomile Essential Oil: antihistamine, analgesic, soothing. Ideal in synergy with Lavender. Also suitable for children.

● Cypress Essential Oil: antispasmodic and decongestant

● Geranium Essential Oil: decongestant, soothing, anti-inflammatory

These essential oils can be used for environmental diffusion, on tissues and scarves, or rubbed - after dilution - on the chest and solar plexus. Diffusion in the home or workplace by means of an ultrasonic diffuser provides continuous relief and creates a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.

For allergic rhinitis

In spring, many suffer from allergic rhinitis triggered by pollen in the air. Pollen allergy, which seems to be increasingly rampant, causes severe discomfort throughout almost the entire day. Eyes, nose, and lungs are the first to suffer with conjunctivitis, sneezing, and asthmatic cough.

Allergic rhinitis, commonly called "hay fever," appears in early March and usually continues until the end of June. For many, this period can become really annoying. Let's see how Aromatherapy can help us counteract allergic manifestations, working not only on individual symptoms but on the entire organism.

Essential oil blend for allergic rhinitis relief

To achieve a synergistic action, where the oils mutually enhance each other, we recommend making a blend:

● 10 drops of Lavender,

● 8 drops of Cypress

● 5 drops of Blue Chamomile

How to use the blend:

● Environmental diffusion: 30 min. 3 times a day

● Direct inhalation: 2 drops on the palm of the hand or a tissue

● Rubs (after dilution in vegetable oil or cream): 3 drops on the chest and solar plexus

Lavender Essential Oil 10 ml

Cypress Essential Oil 10 ml

Blue Chamomile Essential Oil 1 ml

For dust mite allergy

The first advice for those allergic to dust mites is obviously to avoid places with dirt buildup and to choose anti-mite pillows and mattresses.

However, should we encounter situations with a high concentration of mites, antihistamine essential oils such as Lavender, Chamomile, and Geranium come to our rescue.

These situations will often occur outside the home, so we can resort to direct inhalation using the palm of the hand or a tissue, as well as applying a drop of essential oil to the wrists and chest.