What Causes Allergies?
Your immune system is in charge of protecting your body from bacteria and viruses. In some situations, your immune system will defend you against compounds that aren’t normally harmful to humans. These compounds are called allergens. When your immune system misidentifies a typically harmless substance as a hazardous compound invader, the immune system creates antibodies that keep the body on the lookout for the allergen in question. These antibodies produce a variety of immune system chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms, causing your body to have allergies.
The following are some of the most common allergy triggers:
- Airborne allergens: Such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold.
- Food allergens: Protein-rich foods are the most common, although other food components such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk are also known allergens.
- Insect stings: Such as from a bee or wasp.
- Drug allergens: Most commons are antibiotics that contain penicillin or are based on penicillin
- Latex & other substances: Unusual materials that come into contact with the skin can cause allergic reactions.
What Are Traditional Ways of Treating Allergies; Pros and Cons?
Nasal corticosteroids
They are the most effective nasal allergy medications for reducing swelling, itchy, and runny nose. However, nasal corticosteroids have a variety of side effects; nasal bleeding or sores, facial puffiness, and headaches are all possible symptoms.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines work by reducing or blocking histamines, thereby alleviating allergy symptoms. However, the cons of this treatment include side effects that cause dry mouth and eyes, constipation, and dizziness.
Decongestants
Decongestants reduce stuffiness in the nose by decreasing swollen membranes. However, decongestants pills and liquids may cause dizziness, anxiety, nausea, and headaches, as well as elevated blood pressure and irregular heartbeats in some people.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal treatments such as Stinging nettle are known to alleviate and prevent allergic reactions. However, if not used correctly, herbal remedies might still have negative consequences. Another disadvantage is that evidence for the efficacy of herbal treatments is typically lacking.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is thought to be a viable allergy relief option. However, it’s difficult to find a practitioner that is licensed, certified, or registered in your state.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are natural products extracted from specific plants. The process of creating essential oils captures the scent and flavor of the plant, also known as essence. A well-designed natural process is used to extract the oil from the plants. After the aromatic compounds have been extracted, they are mixed with a carrier oil to make a finished product.
Essential oils, in addition to smelling great, can also enhance your health and mood because they are organically produced from plants that are known to be good for the human body. Essential oils are widely used in traditional and folk medicine around the world, and they have been shown to offer numerous health advantages.
Why Essential Oils Are a Good Alternative To Treat Allergies
Essential oils come from a variety of natural plant sources, and their advantages vary as well. Because they are natural, they provide a variety of health benefits, including the complementary treatment of allergies.
Aromatherapy, which is the practice of inhaling the fragrances of essential oils, is the most common method of using essential oils. Since your sense of smell has an impact on other sections of your body, inhaling essential oils, either directly from the container or through a diffuser or humidifier, is the most frequent approach to use them. You can also use essential oils directly on your skin after diluting them. Applying the oils to your body, much like with aromatherapy, offers great results in treating allergies and improving your overall health.
Things To Keep In Mind When Using Essential Oils
- Essential oils can irritate the skin if used incorrectly. Essential oils should not be used near sensitive regions like the eyes, ears, or mouth. They should not be used on skin that is damaged, inflamed, or irritated.
- Children and pets should not have access to essential oils. Even if essential oils are natural, they can have negative consequences if handled incorrectly.
- To avoid contact with your eyes and ears, always wash your hands after using essential oils.
- Essential oils are flammable, so keep them away from open flames.
Here Are Our Top 5 Essential Oils for Allergies
Lavender
Lavender is a popular essential oil due to its numerous advantages. Lavender is an excellent choice for skin allergies since it is mild on the skin, soothes irritation, and speeds up the healing process. Lavender essential oil is relaxing, but it’s also an anti-inflammatory that can help reduce mucus production.
Lemon
Aromatherapists frequently employ citrus-scented essential oils to increase alertness and vitality. Additionally, the lemon essential oil can decrease bacterial activity and promotes lymphatic drainage that aids in the treatment of a variety of respiratory problems. As a result, lemon essential oils are beneficial for clearing your sinuses, reducing congestion, and other seasonal allergy symptoms.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best essential oils for allergies. It has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, making it a good choice for various skin allergies. It also helps to minimize inflammation and swelling caused by histamine-induced skin irritation.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil relieves allergies, colds, coughs, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis by relaxing smooth muscles, which helps to minimize coughing contractions. Peppermint essential oil may also aid in the treatment of anxiety and mental weariness, which are common symptoms among allergy sufferers. By diffusing the oil or putting it on your skin after diluting it with a carrier oil, you’ll be able to breathe easier.
Eucalyptus
Anti-inflammatory properties have been discovered in Eucalyptus essential oil, which provides a menthol-like sensation. It has been proved to break up mucus and phlegm, cleaning your sinuses and making it easier to breathe. It can also be used as part of massage oil to assist relieve tense muscles.
Bottom Line
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are the sixth biggest cause of chronic illness in the United States and more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year, resulting in a lot of stuffy noses, itchy skin, coughing fits, and nasal congestion.
While there are various treatments available, essential oils are one of the most popular and known to be effective. For more information about the ideal essential oils for allergies, contact us today!