Allergy season is now upon us and a lot of people suffer from runny nose, watery-red-itchy eyes, & headaches. Luckily, I am blessed to not be affected by allergies, but I lots of friends and family members that do suffer from allergies.
Essential oils can help relieve allergy symptoms without the side effects caused by over-the-counter allergy meds. Side effects like: disturbing natural senses, taste buds and nasal mucosa malfunctions, weight gain, lack of libido, and even chronic fatigue. *Source: Huffington Post
Essential oils that are best suited to help with allergies are: Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus, & Melaleuca to name a few. My top 3 are Lemon, Lavender & Lemon. The combination of these three work powerfully together to kick those allergies to the curb!
Lavender essential oil – works as a natural antihistamine and possess strong anti-inflammatory properties to treat and relieve most allergic reactions. Works great to treat skin rashes or headaches as well. For headaches, use in conjunction with peppermint and create a “halo” around your head. See my “Headache Halo” post.
Peppermint essential oil – alleviates allergic reactions that cause respiratory or digestive issues. It has pain-relieving, soothing, cooling, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to open the airways, improves breathing and eases congestion.
Lemon essential oil – works as a natural antihistamine, relieves excess mucus, and cools down the inflammation which is the result of an allergic reaction. Lemon essential oil works best in combination with lavender and peppermint. (Please do not fall for the dangerous fad of adding essential oils, such as lemon, to your drinking water. Because (essential) oil and water do not mix, it will hit your mouth, esophagus, and other parts of your insides at full concentration. This can cause immediate burning, redness, or irritation. Long-term use of essential oils consumed this way can cause permanent damage to your esophagus, increase your risk of developing ulcers, or even cause kidney and liver distress or failure) *Source: UsingEOsSafely.com
Put 2-3 drops of each oil in your diffuser and run it for 30 minutes every 2 hours to relieve allergy symptoms and reduce indoor pollen and allergens.
You can also rub these oils with a carrier on the bottoms of your feet as well.
If you are congested, put a drop or two of Eucalyptus in the back of your shower to open up your airways and help wake you up. Rubbing Eucalyptus with a carrier oil on your chest, neck and feet will also help.
Try these simple tips to help with your allergy symptoms and breathe a little easier this allergy season.
Stay Healthy my Friends!
XO,
Carrie A Groff
– Healthy, Fit & Barefoot!
“Happiness is Barefoot on the Beach!”
CG Fitness: Personal Training, Nutrition & Yoga 