The aromatherapy answer to allergies
Allergies affect people of all ages and can be very distressing in everyday life. The most common allergy symptoms include a runny nose, itching and watery eyes. Hypersensitivity of the body’s defenses to allergens such as pollen, animal dander and certain foods can lead to a variety of allergic reactions, ranging from a mild cold to a much more severe attack. Sneezing fits or irritation of the eyes and nose can be triggered by seasonal allergies, which are often caused by pollen from flowering trees.
But there are other allergens that are just as hard on the respiratory tract: molds, various animal dander, house dust, dust mites…. The list is long, and unlike pollen, these allergens can occur throughout the year. To prevent or at least somewhat alleviate these respiratory allergies, aromatherapy with essential oils can be a helpful alternative. Tarragon essential oil is very effective against seasonal allergies and can be used both preventatively and during difficult periods.
Definition of allergy and mode of action
Allergies are hypersensitivity reactions to substances, called allergens, that are found in the environment and are normally harmless. The reactions can vary from very mild to very severe symptoms. In the case of an allergy, the tolerance to these substances is lost. They can start very early or appear later in life. They are based on a disorder of the immune system and occur in two stages:
- Sensitization to the allergen: At this stage, there are no symptoms yet. Therefore, when we first encounter an allergen, we are basically not allergic!
- Release: In this stage, symptoms are triggered and an allergic reaction occurs.
Typical symptoms of an allergy
The symptoms of an allergic reaction can be very similar to those of a disease, for example. If you are unsure, you should consult a doctor to determine whether it is an allergic reaction. Depending on the type of allergy or allergen, allergies cause different reactions:
- runny nose, stuffy nose and sneezing
- itchy, red and watery eyes
- inflammation and swelling of the skin and face
- breathing problems
- skin rashes
- digestive problems
- Drop in blood pressure
Certain allergies can also cause oral symptoms, such as swollen lips or difficulty swallowing due to a swollen throat. They may also be a risk factor for chalazion formation.
How can allergies be treated with essential oils?
Tarragon and Roman chamomile essential oils are particularly suitable due to their anti-allergic effect and can be used as a basic therapy.
Tarragon essential oil is known for its ability to relieve allergic asthma, motion sickness, mental fatigue and physical exertion. It has digestive, analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Use for allergies
Take two drops of tarragon oil mixed with a teaspoon of honey or olive oil four times a day. For a massage, take five drops of tarragon essential oil together with five drops of almond oil (on the chest, solar plexus, spine in case of allergic asthma, on the temples and nostrils in case of hay fever), two to three times a day.
Use for hay fever
To treat hay fever, put three to four drops of tarragon essential oil on a handkerchief and inhale the vapors a few times as deeply as possible.
We recommend
Roman chamomile
The use of Roman chamomile has proven useful for nervousness, stress and runny nose. In addition to its relaxing effects, it is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties. This can be used as follows:
- In the bath: add 15 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil to your bath water.
- For inhalation: Put 2 to 3 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil (organic) on a handkerchief and inhale it throughout the day.
We recommend
Important: Please note that the use of essential oils may be detrimental to individuals suffering from respiratory or other ailments. Before beginning use, consult your primary care physician or pharmacist. The contents of this site are in no way a substitute for professional advice or treatment by licensed and recognized medical practitioners. The information in Sauna Time cannot and should not be used to make an independent diagnosis or to begin therapy.
