Allergies
Seasonal and Environmental Threats
1 in 6 Canadians suffer from seasonal allergies and that number continues to grow. A study done by Johnson and Johnson, the pharmaceutical giant, concluded that 10 million Canadians may suffer allergy symptoms and that Ontario is home to the largest amount of sufferers while the Atlantic Provinces have the least. Individuals are not born with allergies. Allergies begin when individuals who are predisposed to allergies are exposed to allergens. Who is predisposed?
If both your parents suffered from allergies, there’s a 66 percent chance you will, too. If one parent had allergies, your risk drops — but only to 60 percent. http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/seasonal-allergies-something-to-sneeze-at-1.930532
Allergens are, for most people harmless substances. Most common seasonal and natural allergens are: pollen, dust, mold, insect stings, animal dander, grass, ragweed and trees. The most common tree allergies are: Ash, Aspen, Beech, Birch, Box elder, Cedar, Cottonwood, Elm,Hickory, Mountain elder , Mulberry, Oak, Pecan, and Willow. And the most common grass allergies are: Bermuda grass, Johnson grass, Kentucky bluegrass, orchard grass, rye grass, sweet vernal grass, and Timothy grass.
Some of these allergens are a threat all year around and others are more seasonal. For example, a cat in the house (cats are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than dogs) can be a threat year round as could dust. Whereas tree allergies will peak in April and May, grass in June and July, mold peaks midsummer, and ragweed will peak in the late summer.
In an individual with allergies, the immune system is tricked into thinking that an allergen is actually harmful to the body. As such, the immune system produces allergen-specific antibodies which find their way to the lungs, nose, and eyes where they wait to defend the body should an allergen be introduced again, in the future. At this time, these body parts are “ready” and they release defensive chemicals called histamines to “protect” themselves. These histamines are what cause the swelling, itching, redness and irritation, mucus build up, and headaches that are commonly experienced by the allergy sufferer. This could be thought of as an overactive immune response.
Some of the main side effects of antihistamines include
Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Restlessness or moodiness (in some children)
Trouble peeing or not being able to pee
Blurred vision
Confusion
Loss of Libido
Essential Oil to the Rescue
Essential Oils have the ability to chemically support the body and help it to overcome hypersensitivity by reducing its susceptibility to infections, bacteria, parasites, microorganisms and harmful toxins; while at the same time flushing out any of these that have entered the body. Some exceptional essential oils even work to relieve respiratory conditions and increase sweat and urination thereby helping with the elimination of toxins. With this support, the immune system is healthier and les likely to be tricked and start to attack allergens.
There is a popular trio that is used which I will explain. But bare in mind that this combination will work better for some than others as we are all different and the reasons we suffer allergies may be different. If the trio combination does not work for you, consider adding to, or replacing the trio with one or more of the additional allergy oils covered at the end of this section.
The popular EO Trio for Allergies
There are 3 essential oils when used together that are highly effective in providing relief from allergies.
Lemon
- Lemon oil is hailed as a great detoxifier. Clearing toxins reduces the load on the detoxification pathways to allow the body to better filter and deal with allergens.
- Lemon further supports the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production which protect against infectious disease and foreign invaders. (If your immune system is supported and healthier, it is less likely to go into when an allergen is introduced).
- Lemon oil also helps to reduce excess mucous and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Peppermint
- Peppermint oil is highly effective in clearing the air passageways as it can discharge phlegm and reduce inflammation.
- Many people report that peppermint can clear sinuses immediately.
- Peppermint antispasmodic in nature which can reduce the coughing that results from the spasms in the airways of an allergy sufferer.
Lavender
- Lavender is a natural antihistamine
- Lavender has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lavender has been used successfully by some to relieve headaches.
How to Use the Trio
Topically
- Mix the oils with a carrier such as fractionated coconut oil and apply to feet, temples, cheeks, chest, back of neck, and behind the ears.
- Avoid contact with eyes and never put essential oils in the ears
- NOTE: If opening and mixing all 3 bottles with a carrier is too time consuming and proves to be a deterrent, consider 20 drops of each in a 10 ml roller bottle topped up with fractionated coconut oil. This is quick and easy!
Aromatically
- Put 2-3 drops in a diffuser and enjoy.
- Put a drop of each in the palm of your hands, rub together and inhale from hands.
- NOTE: If allergies are extremely bothersome, the best aromatic application is to diffuse the oils in one of doTERRA’s diffusers. CLICK HERE for info on doTERRA diffusers.
Internally
- Put a couple of drops each in your glass or stainless steel water bottle and drink.
- Put a couple of drops each in a shot glass and fill the rest with water. Swish in the mouth for a minimum of 30 seconds and then spit or swallow.
- Put 2 – 4 drops of each in a soft gel and take internally. I advise that this be done with food.
Other Recommended Essential Oils for Allergies
Frankincense
- Frankincense is an effective agent in supporting the immune system.
- Frankincense, when used on a daily basis, can reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Eucalyptus
- Eucalyptus is a great respiratory oil that opens the lungs and sinuses.
- It is also a vasodilator which means it increases blood circulation which in return reduces allergens.
- Eucalyptus cleanses the body of toxins and harmful microorganisms that are acting as allergens.
Basil
- Basil is good for allergies because it can kill bacteria, mold and yeast which contribute to allergies.
- Basil is fantastic for adrenal support. The adrenals produce hormones that assist every body function.
- Basil relieves fatigue or exhaustion which go hand in hand with allergies as sleep is often disrupted.
Easy Air
- DoTERRA Easy Air is a remarkable blend of essential oils including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Ravensara, and Cardamom.
- DoTERRA Breathe maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats.