Allergies are very common and their triggers vary from one person to another. If you have had allergies all your life, then you probably know what triggers them. The most common symptoms of allergies include skin conditions, eczema, and rashes. The recommended treatments for allergies include avoiding the triggers but some triggers are hard to avoid. That is when essential oils can help as they can relieve allergy symptoms effectively.

9 Essential Oils for Allergies That Really Help

1. Peppermint

Peppermint has a pleasant aroma and smell. Its mint helps in preventing an allergic reaction. Other uses of peppermint in the body include treating respiratory and digestive problems. Using peppermint helps you breathe easily and feel relieved.

How to apply:

• Apply this essential oil in the morning on your neck without irritating your skin. First apply it on small area to determine if it irritates your skin. You can apply peppermint at night again or in case of an allergic reaction.
• If your allergies cause breathing problems, apply peppermint with a carrier oil on any area near your nostrils. This will give you instant relief.

2. Eucalyptus

This essential oil is known to provide relief to respiratory problems and allergies. Eucalyptus also helps you breathe more easily.

How to apply:

• To enjoy these benefits, add eucalyptus essential oil to any carrier oil and mix thoroughly. Using eucalyptus without a carrier will irritate your skin.
• Apply the mixture on your back, chest, and neck. The allergy symptoms will start to reduce as soon as you apply it.
• You can also inhale it after adding it to boiling water. Breathe the steam from hot water with eucalyptus. Inhaling this essential oil should be done in moderation.

3. Lemon

One of the essential oils for allergies that really work is lemon. Lemon essential oil is effective in relieving allergies because of its anti-histamine properties.Appling lemon reduces the inflammation from allergies. The location of such inflammation varies from person to person.

How to apply:

• Mix lemon essential oil with either peppermint or lavender oil. Place the mixture in your mouth and gargle before swallowing. Prepare and gargle the mixture whenever you have an allergic reaction to relieve symptoms.
• You can apply lemon essential oil like other essential oils by combining it with a carrier. Use the mixture to rub your back area, nostrils, and neck.

4. Lavender

Lavender essential oil has natural anti-histamine properties. This oil is also effective in relieving allergic reactions. Lavender has a soothing and calming effect on the body. It eliminates your natural smells and makes you less conscious of it.

How to apply:

• It is advisable to use lavender at night because it will help you sleep better. Apply a few drops of this essential oil on your cheeks, sinuses, and forehead to reduce inflammation from allergies.
• Another way of using lavender essential is through diffusion. This should be done at night before sleeping. If you want to enjoy the smell of lavender all day, you can dip a cotton ball in lavender and carry it in a Ziploc.

5. Frankincense

Frankincense is also one of the essential oils for allergies that you can go for.It has numerous medical benefits, including treating allergies. Besides that, frankincense also helps burns and cuts heal faster and easier.

How to apply:

• Mix frankincense with a carrier oil thoroughly and apply it on your back, chest, and the back of your neck.
• Give it time to take effect on your body.
• You can apply frankincense whenever you have trouble in breathing. Frankincense will relieve congestion in your chest and help you breathe better.

6. Chamomile

Roman chamomile is an effective essential oil that is mild enough to be used on infants. Apart from its calming effects on the nerves,chamomile is also effective in relieving skin allergies. Moreover, its sweet aroma has soothing effect.

How to apply:

• Mix 2 to 3 drops of chamomile with one teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply the solution on any raw, itchy, and red patches of your skin. Chamomile essential oil is used to treat contact dermatitis or the burning rash that results from an allergic reaction to sanitary pads and diapers.
• If you experience swelling or pain after an insect sting such as a mosquito bite, apply one drop on the spot. Chamomile reduces irritation and helps children sleep better by relieving itchiness.

7. Other Essential Oils for Allergies

• Lemon grass has antiseptic properties. It can be used as a natural painkiller and a relief to skin reactions.
• Cypress is a disinfectant and antispasmodic that is effective in suppressing coughs and relieving breathing difficulties. It is recommended for asthma patients.
• Ginger is a stimulant, analgesic and an expectorant which relieves respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and congested breathing as well as treats digestive problems or stomach upsets.

NOTE: You can mix equal drops of all the essential oils to make a recipe blend. However, you must use each as prescribed. Diluting the blend with carrier oil protects your skin from irritation, especially if you have a sensitive skin. Some of the recommended carrier oils include jojoba, coconut, and olive oils.

Are There Any Side Effects with Essential Oils for Allergies?

Essential oils can interact with some substances and act as allergens especially in sensitive people. For instance, lavender oils forms a potential allergen called hydro peroxide when mixed with oxygen in the air. A reaction between skin enzymes and geranial oil forms geranial. Geranial is an allergic substance that irritates the skin surface. Other hazards associated with essential oils include phototoxicity, reducing or delaying the effectiveness of traditional medicine, and drug interactions.

Considerations

• Each essential oil has several uses. However, if you want to use an essential oil to relieve allergies, make sure that you study each herb separately.
• Use essential oils in small quantities and according to the directions given on the package to avoid allergic reactions.
• Use one essential oil at a time to identify the oils that lead to allergic reactions. Essentials oils have health benefits including eliminating allergens when used as directed.