Top 10 Essential Oils To Relieve Allergy Symptoms

Have you ever thought to yourself “If allergies manifest in the human form, you could punch them in their face?” Here’s a remedy for you! Scroll down to know the essential oils for allergies that suit you well!

Seasonal allergies can strike during late winter or early spring, as well as late summer and fall. It may not sound pleasant since you may not be able to enjoy the season!

Allergies might occur when a plant to which you are allergic blossoms.

Alternatively, during some seasonal months, you may have allergies that last all day and night.

Essential oils for allergies can be used as a stand-alone or in conjunction with other treatments to alleviate the symptoms. They’re processed from plants and can be used in many different ways [1].

Read on to know more about the benefits of the essential oils for allergy attacks!

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that keep the inherent fragrance and aroma of their source. They are extracted through mechanical pressing or distillation [1].

Each essential oil has a different chemical composition, which influences the scent, absorption, and effects on the body.

An essential oil’s chemical composition might differ even within the same plant species or from plant to plant [1].

Essential oils are popularly used in Aromatherapy to promote mental and physical well-being. Aromatherapy is the practice of combining various therapeutic essential oils to elicit the desired response [2].

Essential oils can be applied on the skin, massaged in, inhaled, or dissolved in water.

What is an allergic reaction?

Sensitivities to allergens that come in contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract cause allergic reactions. They can be inhaled, swallowed, or injected into the body [3].

Although most allergic reactions are moderate, a few others are severe and potentially fatal.

They can be limited to a particular area of the body or spread over the entire body.

People with a family history of allergies are more likely to experience allergic responses [3].

Which Essential Oil is best for allergies?

Essential oils for allergies can be used in a variety of ways to address a variety of problems.

For immediate relief, you can use an essential oil diffuser to inhale them or add a few drops to your bath or shower to reap the advantages of their congestion-clearing properties. 

Topically, they can be applied on the nostrils, under the nose, across the neck, and behind the ears.

Explore the best essential oils for allergies below to help you improve your allergy management and wellness routine.

Top Ten Essential oils for Allergies :

1. Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is an anti-inflammatory that may aid in the relief of congestion. The cooling sensation you’ll get from inhaling it could help you feel better as you deal with and manage seasonal allergies [4].

Researchers are learning more about how eucalyptus aromatherapy helps to relieve inflammation. This may help to alleviate allergy symptoms.

To relax, try diffusing eucalyptus into the air or inhaling it directly from the bottle.

Eucalyptus, despite its anti-inflammatory benefits, can cause allergies in certain individuals.

2. Lavender oil

Lavender is a popular essential oil due to its numerous advantages. Its capacity to calm and reduce inflammation may help you feel better throughout allergy season.

Use lavender in an aromatherapy diffuser or dilute it in a carrier oil and soak in a bath with a few drops. By unwinding and calming your senses, it may also help relieve swollen and irritated eyes and aid in getting a good night’s sleep.

In asthmatics, inhaling lavender essential oil lowers allergic airway inflammation [5].

3. Lemongrass oil

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil has been used for centuries to treat a range of ailments.

In numerous illness models, recent scientific investigations have found evidence of its antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities [6].

Aromatherapists frequently employ citrus-scented essential oils to increase alertness and vitality.

The lemongrass essential oil can also help clean your sinuses and relieve congestion, both of which are frequent allergy symptoms.

4. Peppermint oil

Inflammation is reported to be reduced by peppermint essential oil. By diffusing the oil or rubbing it to your skin after diluting it with a carrier oil, you’ll be able to breathe easier [7].

Peppermint oil has a menthol-like odor and a strong flavor that is followed by a cooling sensation. It’s also utilized in aromatherapy, bath preparations, mouthwashes, toothpaste, and topical treatments because of its medicinal qualities.

Peppermint oil topical formulations have been used to treat pruritus, irritation, and inflammation [7].

A blend of peppermint, lavender, and lemon essential oils is beneficial and calming for allergy relief.

However, you should be aware that combining oils can increase the likelihood of an adverse reaction. You will result in being sun-sensitive if you use citrus oils.

5. Tea tree oil 

Although additional research on the link between essential oils and allergy treatment is needed, tea tree oil may help with allergy symptoms. 

This is due to the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oils, on the other hand, can also be a cause of allergies. Before using, perform a skin patch test [8].

In recent decades, complementary and alternative treatments have grown in popularity. In vitro and, in some cases, in vivo, efforts to legitimize their use have seen their potential therapeutic effects come under greater scrutiny.

Tea tree oil (TTO), volatile essential oil extracted mainly from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifolia, is one such product.

TTO is used as the active ingredient in many topical preparations used to treat cutaneous infections, owing to its antibacterial characteristics [8].

If tea tree oil is consumed, it can be fatal. Do not take any essential oils orally [2].

6. Frankincense oil

Frankincense is another oil that reduces inflammatory activity in the body.

According to one study, frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties in bronchitis (inflammation of the airways) and sinus infections. It may also be good for those who struggle with asthma [9].

The use of Frankincense may help relieve seasonal allergies.

7. Chamomile oil

Chamomile is one of the world’s oldest medicinal plants.

Chamomile’s dried flowers are high in terpenoids and flavonoids, which contribute to its therapeutic qualities.

According to a review of the qualities of chamomile oil, it is an effective anti-inflammatory that can be used to cure skin problems, mucous membrane inflammation, and sinusitis symptoms [10].

When combined with a carrier oil and administered topically, it may help to reduce the itching and swelling associated with eczema [10].

8. Rosemary oil

In several investigations, Rosemary extracts are said to have biological therapeutic potential such as antifungal, insecticide, antioxidant, and antibacterial.

Traditionally, rosemary oil has been used to treat or manage a variety of ailments, including inflammatory illnesses [11].

There’s also the possibility of using rosemary oil to treat drug-resistant ailments [12].

9. Sandalwood oil

Inflammation, infection, and hyperplasia are common features of many skin disorders and diseases. Topical treatment alternatives that are safe and effective and may be employed for a long time are desired [13].

Traditional botanical medicines are being investigated as potential new active components in dermatology.

Because of its antihistamine characteristics, sandalwood essential oil has been discovered to reduce your body’s allergic response.

Sandalwood album oil, also known as East Indian sandalwood oil (EISO), is an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-proliferative essential oil extracted from the Santalum album tree [13].

Clinical investigations have indicated that sandalwood album oil can help with acne, psoriasis, and eczema [13].

10. Thyme oil

The antispasmodic benefits of thyme oil are assumed to be due to the thymol component.

When combined with primrose, Thyme essential oil has been demonstrated to help relieve coughs and shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections like the common cold [14].

Thyme oil is effective in reducing acne-causing germs on the skin. Both thyme and oregano oil were beneficial in killing bacteria in an animal study, although oregano oil was more effective [15].

How to use essential oils for allergies?

After reading the exclusive benefits of the above-mentioned essential oils, this question must have struck your mind by now! 

Well, essential oils can be used to treat allergies in a variety of ways.

Some of the most well-known ones are:

1. Inhaling the essential oils:

Essential oils can be inhaled directly from the bottle or through a napkin by adding a few drops of essential oil.

Seasonal allergy sufferers may find relief by putting a few drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water and inhaling the fumes.

You can put 5 drops of essential oil on their pillow for evening allergy relief.

2. Diffusing the essential oils:

Using a plug-in diffuser or an oil burner, add a few drops of the oil. This approach is particularly effective in relieving the symptoms of seasonal allergies and other respiratory diseases.

You can also spritz the essential oil in your living room before relaxing with a good book.

3. Topical application of the oils:

The oil can be applied to the skin by those who have skin allergies and symptoms like itching, hives, and rashes.

Before using, most oils can be combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, or sweet almond oil.

It’s best to use 2 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.

When using lemon essential oil or other citrus-based oils on the skin, keep in mind that they are photosensitive and might cause skin discoloration.

4. Adding a few drops in the bathtub/bucket:

To enjoy a relaxing bath, add a few drops of essential oil to the water. This will provide an anti-itch bathing experience.

5. Applying a warm compress:

Apply a warm compress across the nose and forehead to alleviate sinus swelling and discomfort. You can do so by soaking a cloth in water and adding a few drops of essential oil.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to essential oils?

Essential oils can cause allergic reactions whether you rub them into your skin or breathe them in via the air.

You could get the following effects if you’re allergic to essential oil.

Contact Dermatitis:

Contact dermatitis is the most common adverse reaction to essential oils.

This typically occurs when you apply pure oils or high-concentration products to the skin [16].

Anaphylaxis:

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical assistance. Although it is uncommon to have an anaphylactic reaction to essential oils, it is still possible [17].

Skin Rash:

Essential oils used undiluted on sensitive skin or in the nostrils can irritate or burn the skin. Susceptible individuals may experience an allergic reaction as well as a skin rash.

What is Essential oil toxicity?

Companies that manufacture essential oil products and their distributors have claimed that essential oils for allergy attacks are “natural” and thus “safe to consume.”

Essential oils are not safe to consume and, even in little doses, can cause severe poisoning [2].

Essential oils are quickly absorbed orally, and symptoms might appear as soon as 30 minutes after administration (some individuals experience delayed symptoms up to 4 hours after exposure) [2].

Toxicity varies depending on the type of oil and the amount consumed.

Children are especially vulnerable.

An infant can be poisoned by as little as 2mL (less than half a teaspoon) of eucalyptus oil [2].

Seasonal and Skin allergies :

Let’s look at the difference between seasonal allergies and skin allergies.

Seasonal allergies are caused by airborne particles (such as pollen) that only emerge at specific seasons of the year. Sneezing, coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, itching in the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat are all possible symptoms [18].

You’ve probably had a rash previously, whether it was from poison ivy, chickenpox, or something else entirely. What causes your skin to break out in such red blotches?

There are numerous varieties of skin infections, each with its own set of therapies.

When something directly contacts the skin, the skin’s immune cells can react.

An immune system flare-up in the skin can also occur due to a whole-body infection or disease. This is known as a skin allergy [19].

Wrapping up:

When essential oils are blended with a base oil, they are typically regarded as safe to inhale or apply to the skin. They must not be swallowed.

However, there is little evidence to back up many of their linked health claims, and their effectiveness is frequently inflated.

Using essential oils as a supplemental therapy for minor health issues is likely to be safe.

If you have a significant health condition or are taking medication, you should talk to your doctor about utilizing essential oils.

References:

  1. “Essential oils” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2020) 
  2.  “Essential oils – Health warning” Healthy WA (2021) 
  3. “Allergic reactions” Medline plus (2021) 
  4. Nakamura, Tomoya et al. “Eucalyptus oil reduces allergic reactions and suppresses mast cell degranulation by downregulating IgE-FcεRI signalling.” Scientific reports vol. 10,1 20940. (2020), 
  5.  Ueno-Iio, Tomoe et al. “Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma.” Life sciences vol. 108,2 (2014): 109-15. 
  6. Han, Xuesheng, and Tory L Parker. “Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect in pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblasts.” Biochimie open vol. 4 107-111. (2017), 
  7.  Herro, Elise, and Sharon E Jacob. “Mentha piperita (peppermint).” Dermatitis: contact, atopic, occupational, drug vol. 21,6 (2010): 327-9. 
  8. Carson, C F et al. “Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties.” Clinical microbiology reviews vol. 19,1 (2006): 50-62. 
  9. Al-Yasiry, Ali Ridha Mustafa, and Bożena Kiczorowska. “Frankincense–therapeutic properties.” Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej (Online) vol. 70 380-91.(2016) 
  10. Srivastava, Janmejai K et al. “Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future.” Molecular medicine reports vol. 3,6 (2010): 895-901. 
  11. Nieto, Gema et al. “Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review.” Medicines (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 5,3 98. (2018), 
  12.  Luqman, Suaib et al. “Potential of rosemary oil to be used in drug-resistant infections.” Alternative therapies in health and medicine vol. 13,5 (2007): 54-9. 
  13. Moy, Ronald L, and Corey Levenson. “Sandalwood Album Oil as a Botanical Therapeutic in Dermatology.” The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology vol. 10,10 (2017): 34-39. 
  14. Schönknecht, Karina et al. Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960) vol. 69,6 (2016): 791-798. 
  15. Taleb, Mohammed H et al. “Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil as a Potential Anti-Acne Topical Nanoemulsion-In Vitro and In Vivo Study.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 23,9 2164. (2018), 
  16.  Bingham, Linda J et al. “Contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis caused by lavender: A retrospective study from an Australian clinic.” Contact dermatitis vol. 81,1 (2019): 37-42. 
  17. Maddocks-Jennings, W. “Critical incident: idiosyncratic allergic reactions to essential oils.” Complementary therapies in nursing & midwifery vol. 10,1 (2004): 58-60. 
  18. “Seasonal allergies at a glance” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2019) 
  19. “Red, Itchy Rash?” News in Health (2012) 
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