Essential oils for hay fever and allergies

Spring is a lovely time of the year. It feels like a new beginning, people have a spring (no pun intended) in their step, taking the winter coat off. Nature is waking up everywhere and everything seems to blossom. Spring is however, also the season where a lot of people get effected by allergies, especially hay fever.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is an ‘allergic rhinitis’ which is a common allergic reaction to pollen during the warmer months. Many types of pollen are released by plants. For some people, weeds and other plants, as well as spores from moulds and fungi, can be a trigger. This has an effect on the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose, that leads to the typical symptoms such as:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Frequent sneezing
• Itchy and bloodshot eyes
• Itchy throat mouth and nose and ears
• Loss of smell
• Severe wheezing, rhinitis can trigger nose bleeding
• Difficulty in concentrating

Which essential oils can help with hay fever?

Below is a list of recommended oils that can help aid in hay fever symptoms naturally.

• Eucalyptus – this is a warming and antiseptic oil, which is perfect for reducing inflammation and imporve breathing
• Rosemary – with its potent antibacterial and antifungal substances, its stimulating effect on the lymphatic system, helps with congestion
• Lavender – a natural antihistamine, this oil is soothing and can reduce irritation and relax breathing
• Peppermint – this essential oil really helps open up the nose and also relieves headaches resulting from stuffed sinuses
• Tea Tree – a natural choice for anti-allergy and building immunity
• Chamomile – an anti-inflammatory relaxant which soothes and builds your pollen reaction (in some people, it can also be one of the oils that triggers hay fever, so test it first)
• Lemon – this oil is anti-inflammatory for the respiratory system, improves immunity and is also antibacterial

Remedies with calming essential oils to help with symptoms

Luckily there are lots of essential oils for hay fever, that bring relief to this miserable condition.

Steam inhalation

The sharp aroma of eucalyptus essential oil, can help open the airways. Combine 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 3 drops of lavender,for a calming effect for allergic reactions. Add essential oils to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel to make a tent over the water. Lean towards the bowl to inhale steam for 5 minutes, taking breaks when needed.

For children or asthma sufferers, don’t cover the head with a towel. Whilst it is non-toxic externally and non-irritant in dilution, avoid using in the presence of children under seven years old.

Hay fever diffuser blend for the day time

During allergy season, get a diffuser going for day time. Use the essential oil recipe for hay fever below. Diffuse for about 15 minutes to purify the air. This can help to combat allergens and clear congested airways.

• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 drop tea tree essential oil

Hay fever diffuser blend for the night time

In the evening, just before getting into bed, start diffusing the night time sinus relief blend below, in our bedroom. It helps me to breathe easily through the evening and contributes to waking up feeling refreshed. Best of all, the essential oils in the night time blend have powerful relaxation benefits which help your body get the restful sleep it so badly needs.

• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops chamomile essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil