Essential Oil Education

What’s an “allergy?” It’s actually a state of hypersensitivity–it’s when our immune system goes into hyperdrive and hay fever is the result. We get red itchy eyes, inflammation and/or swelling of the tissue of the nose, sinuses, throat, ears, larynx and airways. We sneeze, cough, and our noses run. We may even have rapid heart beat, our ears may pop because of inflammation and swelling. In other words, we feel lousy when our allergies kick in.

Chamomile Can Actually Lessen our Symptoms

Yes this is the season for hay fever sufferers but chamomile has been used for centuries to help reduce these symptoms. Chamomile has anti-anxiety, antihistamine, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it very useful in treating respiratory allergies. Chamomile tea is used to reduce duration of hay fever attacks and chamomile creams are used for compresses.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil–The Gentle Chamomile

Roman chamomile essential oil has a sweet, apple-like fragrance and is very light clear bluish-yellow color. It comes from a small perennial herb and is safe enough for children and infants. Chemically, Roman chamomile is high in esters making it a very gentle oil. Try putting a few drops of Roman chamomile in a base cream to rub on swollen tissues–just be careful not to get it in your eyes. You can also use a few drops on a warm or cool compress. This oil is gentle enough to take internally. Just remember one drop of Roman chamomile will make 28 cups of chamomile tea!

PS: Want to find out more about using essential oils for physical, mental and spiritual health? Go to http://www.ISHAaromatherapy.com to find an educational course near you.

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