Allergies affect people all-year round, triggering unwanted symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Most allergies can be treated with over-the-counter drugs. However, medications may not be effective enough to stem allergic reactions. The health and wellness website MindBodyGreen.com lists five essential oils that may combat allergic onset.

Green Myrtle – Green myrtle helps boost the body’s oxygen uptake. The essential oil is known to be a potent antispasmodic and expectorant. It is also a powerful anti-catarrhal, which helps the body expel excess mucus. Green myrtle oil can be added to various other essential oils such as almond and coconut to make a chest balm. Massaging the balm on the chest, neck, temples and nape may provide instant relief.

German chamomile – This essential oil was previously used for a host of illnesses such as colic, indigestion, insomnia, and toothache. This essential oil is best known for its powerful antispasmodic, carminative, and wound-healing properties that combat the effects of allergies. Making a therapeutic steam using four to five drops German chamomile may effectively relieve breathing problems. For best results, cover the head with a towel while inhaling the steam. Inhaling chamomile oil helps calm the body’s respiratory system.

Eucalyptus radiata  – This plant, also known as narrow-leaved peppermint, has a less aggressive scent compared with its blue gum relative. That being said, low dilutions of eucalyptus radiata can be used in children and the elderly. According to the article, the plant produces immune-enhancing oil that can be used as an upper-respiratory tonic to ease sinus infection. The article suggests combining four to five drops of eucalyptus oil with two tablespoons of either almond or olive oil to make a potent salve to alleviate sinusitis. This blend can be rubbed on the throat, cheeks and neck as well as back and temples to ease congestion. Eucalyptus oil is greatly favored due in part to its cooling effect on the body.

Frankincense – According to the article, the frankincense’s balsamic and calming scent work best for watery eyes, runny nose, and excessive mucus. The essential oil helps sooth the body’s nervous system. Frankincense has been historically used in treating poison ivy exposure. Frankincense is known to reduce inflammation. Combining frankincense with rosalina, another essential oil, may offer a relaxing effect. The article suggests putting a few drops of this essential oil to a tissue and inhaling the fumes every now and then to help relieve nasal congestion. The article also recommends that allergy patients put a few drops of frankincense oil on pillow to promote peaceful sleep and better breathing at night.

Rosalina – Also known as lavender tea tress, rosalina is noted for its efficacy in calming the central nervous system. Adding a few drops of rosalina in bath water may just do the trick in treating sinus and chest congestion. The essential oil is also known to loosen mucus, unclog nasal passages and rid the body of unwanted microbes.

Other equally potent essential oils not listed in the article include lemon oil, lemongrass oil, bergamot oil, and Sandalwood oil. Certain culinary herbs also produce powerful essential oils including thyme, oregano, rosemary, and basil.

Allergies have become prevalent around the world over the last 50 years, thanks largely to the advent of global industrialization. In fact, data from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reveals that allergic rhinitis currently affects between 10 to 30 percent of people worldwide. The organization also noted that nearly eight percent of Americans aged 18 years and older suffer from allergic rhinitis. In 2010 alone, more than 11 million visits to physician offices were associated with the condition, the organization noted.

Source:
courtesy of NATURALNEWS

by Russel Davis

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