Allergies occur when your immune system is over-reactive and causes inflammation. They usually affect your skin, airways, and mucous membranes.
You may experience mild symptoms, or the symptoms may significantly affect your daily life. Using essential oils alongside medications may provide extra relief.
It is important to note that, in their undiluted state, essential oils can cause harm. You should never ingest them and always follow the directions on the bottle for the correct concentration, which can differ depending on how you intend to use the oil.
What is an essential oil?
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Essential oils are aromatic, natural plant compounds that can be removed using different methods including steam distillation, cold pressing, and CO2 extraction.
In some situations, you may find essential oils more effective than many synthetic or doctor-prescribed medications.
5 options that may help with allergies
Here are five options that may calm your body’s allergic response.
1. Lavender
Research suggests that inhaling lavender oil may help reduce allergic symptoms, such as sneezing and nasal congestion.
It may also help with inflammation and wound healing when diluted in a carrier oil, like sunflower or almond, and applied to your skin.
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Peppermint oil contains menthol, which has a decongestant effect that can help relieve sneezing and the respiratory discomfort associated with some allergies.
Peppermint can also make you feel more alert and clear-headed which may bring further relief to people with hay fever.
3. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil comes from the leaves of eucalyptus trees. It contains a compound called eucalyptol, which has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties. These are helpful for respiratory symptoms.
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of an Australian plant called Melaleuca alternifolia.
It has various beneficial properties for pain relief and has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.
Doctors have found that it can help soothe skin reactions, like those from insect bites, bee stings, hives, or metal allergies.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile oil is a natural antihistamine and has anti-inflammatory effects that may help alleviate skin irritation caused by allergies.
A 2022 scientific review reported that chamomile extract was better at reducing histamine levels than cromolyn sodium, which is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved asthma and allergy medication. Cromolyn sodium is also known as disodium cromoglycate.
Chamomile may also help you get some rest, which will be of particular benefit if you have allergies that affect your sleep.
Using essential oils
Essential oils can have very strong effects, and they have the potential to cause allergic reactions themselves.
When using an essential oil for the first time, always try it out in a small way before using it at its typical therapeutic levels.
Applying essential oils to your skin
You should never apply pure essential oils to your skin directly.
To make them safe for topical use you should always dilute them in a carrier oil such as almond or olive oil. Take care to avoid nut oils if you have a nut allergy.
Some essential oils extracted from citrus fruits can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, known as photosensitivity. Avoid using these oils on your skin if you plan to be outdoors in the sunshine.
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Inhaling essential oils can help ease nasal congestion and respiratory symptoms. You can add a few drops to a diffuser or bowl of steaming water. If using a diffuser, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
You can also inhale essential oils by adding a few drops of diluted oil to a tissue or face cloth and holding it close to your nose as you breathe. Alternatively, add a few drops of diluted oil to a warm bath.
When to contact a doctor about allergies
You should consider seeing a doctor about your allergies if:
Your allergy symptoms are persistent, severe, or worsening over time.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are not providing adequate relief for your allergy symptoms.
Your allergy symptoms are affecting your quality of life, daily activities, or sleep.
A severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you have symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or a rapid heartbeat you should call 911.
Medications a doctor might recommend
If a doctor or healthcare professional tells you that you have an allergy, they might suggest that you take antihistamines.
Most of these medications are available OTC, but a doctor may give you a prescription if you need something more effective.
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Essential oil safety
While essential oils may help with the symptoms of some health conditions, it is important to follow safety guidelines.
You should use essential oils only as directed by manufacturers, or under the guidance of a qualified herbalist, aromatherapist, or other healthcare professional.
You should take special caution if you are pregnant, nursing, or have not yet started puberty.
When buying essential oils, it is important to ensure they come from a reputable source and have not been created synthetically.
You should never ingest essential oils as they are potentially toxic.
Summary
Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, tea tree, and peppermint can be a natural way to manage your allergy symptoms.
However, they are highly concentrated compounds with potent effects, and it is important to follow medical advice or packaging guidance.
