Can Essential Oils Help with Seasonal Hay Fever?
Oct 8th, 2008 by lindasmith
It’s that time of year again and many people will soon start with the sniffles, sneezing, watery, red and itchy eyes which are triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, even animal hair and dander. It’s allergy season! Many people take the path of least resistance and buy millions of dollars of over-the-counter drugs that potentially have severe consequences for our bodies just to relieve temporary symptoms. The pharmaceutical industry pours millions of dollars in advertising to convince us that their drugs are our best and only choice. As a result, thousands of people suffer untoward reactions to these often dangerous drugs. Is there another choice? I believe there is.
What happens in hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is that our bodies release histamines in response to these allergens which in turn produces inflammation of the nasal passages and sinus-related areas. More seriously—some respiratory allergies can lead to asthma which involves the chest and lungs. Asthma is a more serious condition involving wheezing and an inability to clear the airway.
Essential Oils Represent a Better Choice
Essential oils are nature’s medicines and as such are the life blood of plants. The role of the essential oils in the plant is to protect the plant from invasion of harmful pathogens and heal traumas. The essential oil brings oxygen and nutrients to all cells of the plant. Think about it. Nature’s medicines are what keep the plants healthy and when used on our bodies can be healthy for us. The best essential oil to counteract the effects of seasonal allergies is German Chamomile followed by lavender and Roman Chamomile.
Why is German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) so effective for seasonal allergies? Because it’s primary action is anti-inflammatory. Since seasonal allergies produce histamines which in turn cause inflammation, anything that counteracts inflammation would be a great aid in fighting allergic rhinitis. German Chamomile can be diffused, inhaled directly or taken internally. For more information learn how to use essential oils to maintain a healthy lifestyle through educational programs on essential oils.
Want to know how lavender and Roman Chamomile are helpful for allergies? Visit our web site describing our certification in Clinical Aromatherapy program where you will learn all about the healing properties of over a hundred different essential oils. http://www.ISHAhealing.com


