Easing Allergies With Aromatherapy
Our immune system helps us to combat infection by identifying 'foreign invader' and mobilizing our white blood cells to defend. In the case of allergic disorders, the immune system wrongly identifies a non-toxic substance and the overreaction from the white blood cells then creates more damage to the body.
Allergies exist in different forms ranging from food, skin, dust, insect sting, drug and pet allergy.
Main allergy symptoms
Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually develop within few minutes of exposure, although occasionally they can also develop gradually over few hours. Some of the symptoms include:
- Sneezing, itchy, runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red, watering eyes
- Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath
- Swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face
- Raised, itchy, red rashes on skin
Common Allergy Triggers
- Food Allergies: Some common food such as cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts (such as cashews or walnuts) and wheat are known to be triggers of food allergies,
- Drug Allergies: Penicillin and Aspirin are some of the drugs most people are allergic to.
- Airborne allergens: Such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold
Stress and Allergies
Stress causes your body to release hormones and other chemicals like histamine which leads to allergy symptoms. While stress doesn’t actually cause allergies, it can make an allergic reaction worse by increasing histamine in your bloodstream.
Essential oils such as Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Peppermint and Eucalyptus are oils that are calming and soothing thus these are the most often used oils in therapy of allergic disorder caused by stress and anger.
Lavender – more info | product
A natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory oil for treating an allergic reason. Use topically to soothe and calm skin irritations such as insect bites or hives.
Chamomile – more info| product
Soothe red skin rashes and itchy skin caused by inflammation. Chamomile is also a fast relief against cough and cold.
Peppermint – more info | product
Effectively clear sinuses and provide relief to sore throats. Peppermint also does an excellent job in reducing inflammation and sneezing.
Eucalyptus – more info | product
Open up nasal passageways to enable easier breathing. Add into a bowl of boiled water to inhale the steam to break up phlegm and mucus.
Strengthening Your Immune System
Bergamot (more info | product) essential oil offers antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties that boosts the respiratory system. It also works by strengthening the immune system, allowing your body to build up its natural defence against allergens.
Some other ways which you can strengthen your immune system are:
- Maintain a healthy well-balanced diet, and with balanced exercise, rest and recreation.
- Maintain a food record, if food allergies exist
- Keep your living and work space dust-free if you have perennial rhinitis
- Avoid food products that contain artificial colourings