This fall allergies have been tough on our families, our friends, and us.  Even people who normally do not complain of allergy symptoms – puffy, watery eyes, headache, congestion, sneezing – have been caught by surprise by the severity and frequency of their allergy attacks.  I’ve been combating allergy symptoms for years in myself, my husband, and in my two sons. Sometimes a prescription or over-the-counter medicine is necessary, such as when I’ve been so congested I thought I might suffocate in my sleep (dramatic, no?), but I’ve been using the following essential oils and methods with very good results.

There are several essential oils that are effective in treating allergy symptoms by clearing the respiratory system and easing breathing.

• Eucalyptus – There are several varieties of eucalyptus, all of which have a crisp, camphoraceous aroma.  The eucalyptus radiata variety is the most effective in easing congestion.
• Peppermint has a pleasant, sharp, minty aroma that we’re all familiar with.
• Blue Tansy – this essential oil is expensive, but is highly regarded in treating allergy symptoms as well as asthma symptoms.  It has a lovely, sweet floral aroma and is a beautiful deep blue color.  Beautiful, yes, but it can also stain – use carefully.
• Clove Bud is my six-year-old’s favorite, as it not only helps him feel better, but he also finds the aroma comforting.  It has a warm, spicy aroma, just like the cloves you may have in your spice collection.

There are also many methods to try depending on what is most convenient for you.

• Place 5-10 drops of essential oil in your electric or candle-powered diffuser. Remember to blow out your candles before you go to bed!
• Place 8-10 drops of essential oil onto each one of a few cotton balls and place them on the windowsills at night (out of reach of small children and pets).
• Drop a few drops of oil onto a light bulb while the light is on and before you go to bed.  The heat from the light bulb will diffuse the oil into the air.
• Add 15 drops of essential oil to an ounce of carrier oil such as jojoba, apricot kernel, coconut or sweet almond.  Allow the oils to meld for approximately 24 hours, and then use the oil as a chest rub.
• Add 4-8 drops of oil into a bowl of steaming hot water.  Lean your face over the bowl with a towel over your head (like a tent) and breathe in.
• Add 6-8 drops of essential oil to the water in your humidifier.  First refer to your humidifier’s manufacturer’s instructions and only use this method in a humidifier that is designed for use with essential oils!

Try Becca & Mars Winter Night Pure Essential Oil Blend and Winter Night Bath Oil, which contain clove bud as well as bergamot, ginger, orange and lemon.  It’s warm, comforting, delicious, and may even help you breathe easier. Hopefully, whatever is causing so many of us to suffer from the dreaded allergy symptoms will fade away soon as the weather gets colder.  Then it’ll be cold and flu season!  Fear not, for these essential oils and methods are also helpful for those dreaded symptoms.

Be well,

Steff and Erica

Tags: allergies, becca & mars, blue tansy, clove bud, congestion, eucalyptus, hayfever, natural health, peppermint, winter night blend