Many people throughout the United States suffer from allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Seasonal allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, headaches, and an impaired sense of smell, affect around 40 to 60 million Americans. Other people have more severe allergic reactions, which can lead to life threatening responses, such as inflammation of the trachea and shortness of breath. Some treat allergies with a daily antihistamine pill or do their best to avoid triggers, but avoiding pollen can be nearly impossible during spring time. However, there are some essential oils that serve as a natural and safe way to treat allergy systems.
The way essential oils work against allergens is through their ability to reduce inflammation and act as natural antibiotics. Some oils even work to relieve respiratory conditions. Here are the top 5 essential oils that can help with allergy symptoms.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an excellent decongestant. Inhaling diffused peppermint oil can almost immediately unclog the sinuses and offer relief to scratchy throats by reducing inflammation. It can also act as an expectorant and provides allergy relief in addition to relieving symptoms from colds, coughs, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis. One study published in 2010 investigated the effects of peppermint oil in the tracheal rings of rats. The results indicated the oil is a relaxant, prohibiting spasmodic activity, such as the spasms that cause people to cough.
Basil Oil
Basil oil is another substance that acts as an anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown basil oil has antimicrobial properties and can kill bacteria, yeast, and mold, which can cause asthma and respiratory damage. It’s also an antispasmodic oil that can treat coughing symptoms and an analgesic, which provides relief from pain.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil contains citronellal, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can open up the lungs and sinuses, improving circulation and reducing allergy symptoms. Studies have also shown = it produces a cold sensation in the nose that helps improve airflow.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil helps support the lymphatic system drainage, which can relieve a stuffy nose. It also helps people overcome respiratory conditions and helps relieve coughs. Because it’s acidic, it has also been used to act as a bug repellant and anti-microbial substance.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most popular essential oil. It can destroy airborne pathogens that cause allergies and acts as an antiseptic agent. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve allergy symptoms such as inflamed nostrils and sinuses.
Remember, if you’re using essential oils to help relieve some allergy symptoms, make sure you’re not allergic to one of the oils before beginning to use it. Likewise, some essential oils are not safe for pets to inhale and touch. If you own a pet, do some research regarding which essential oils are safe to use around them. However, if you’d like to discuss treating your allergies with medication in addition to essential oils, talk to our skilled Hollywood, Florida, sinus allergists at the Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists, Inc. We pride ourselves on being at the cutting edge of technology and techniques in helping people manage their allergy symptoms. Whether you need to be tested for allergies or you’re interested in allergy injections, we can help.
Contact usat(954) 883-9449or fill out our online form to book an appointment with us today. We look forward to speaking with you.
