Where we live, is a very dry climate, and especially in the winter. This leads to the inevitable dry throats, allergies and irritation that we get in my family, and we have to stay on top of it to keep from getting sick. Much of what helps is having a humidifier in each bedroom, staying hydrated with plenty of healthy beverages, and using essential oils.
Humidifiers are key during winter season, as they help keep the air moist and our throats hydrated. It’s best to purchase one for each bedroom so that everyone in your family can benefit from the increased humidity of the air. Drinking plenty of water is also essential to staying healthy in the winter months. Herbal teas, hot soups, and other healthy hot beverages are excellent choices to keep our bodies hydrated, and provide us with additional nutrients that are important for our immune systems.
Essential oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint can also provide some relief to dry throats and irritated noses.
All of these strategies can help to make a big difference when it comes to keeping your family healthy in a dry climate!
Extreme dryness, just as with extreme humidity, can lead to allergies. There are all kinds of allergies that people deal with. One of the most common and annoying kinds of allergies can be seasonal allergies. Millions of people struggle with these kind of allergies and will seek help hoping to find relief from various over the counter medications.
But these medications have side effects such as drowsiness, stomach upset and dry mouth. There are more natural ways that you can find allergy relief.
Herbal remedies and dietary changes can be used to reduce the severity of allergies, and even prevent them altogether. For example, many herbal teas, such as nettle and chamomile, contain anti-inflammatory properties that can provide relief from allergies. Additionally, eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and walnuts, may help to reduce inflammation.
Practicing stress relief techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can also help to boost immunity and reduce the intensity of allergies. Of course, utilizing lifestyle changes such as avoiding areas with poor air quality and taking extra precautions against exposing yourself to allergens can help to protect you from seasonal allergies.
We also love using essential oils.
Look for essential oils that give you the same relief that you’ll find in an antihistamine but won’t also give you any of the bothersome side effects.
One of the most popular oils to use for allergies is lavender essential oil.
Lavender essential oil is not the only oil that can offer relief from allergies. Other popular choices include lemon grass, peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil. One of the benefits of using essential oils is that they are easy and convenient to use. You can simply add a few drops of oil to your bath and enjoy the calming effects or inhale the scent to open up your nasal passages.
Mix your lavender oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply it to your skin or aching joints to get relief. You can also add a few drops to a diffuser to help purify the air and reduce allergens that can trigger an attack.
Lavender oil helps in a variety of ways to get relief.
Place two to three drops on a cotton ball. You can breathe these in like you would a sniffing salt. But you can also add drops to warm bath water and the vapors will give you allergy relief as you soak.
Some people choose to boil water, pour that water into a bowl and add two to three drops. You then place a towel over your head and lean in to inhale the vapors. I have used this steamy vapor method with lavender (and other oils) when I’ve had pneumonia, and it was a huge help!
This steamy method of using oils is not only helpful for those suffering from the common cold or allergies. It is used for other ailments, such as sinus infections, asthma, bronchitis, and congestion. It is a natural remedy for headaches and migraines, providing relief from your symptoms without you having to take over-the-counter medications.
Using essential oils for medicinal purposes is a natural alternative to prescription drugs, and can be tailored to fit the individual’s needs.
Another way to use lavender oil is to make a rub. Add a few drops of lavender oil to some aloe, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. This can be applied all over your body, especially to any areas of discomfort. This can be used to soothe pains like headaches and cramps, as well as general aches and stiffness. The rubbing motion can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Lavender oil can be added to a diffuser or nebulizer to help create a relaxed environment in any room.
Lemon essential oil is another oil that’s helpful in dealing with allergies.
Lemon essential oil is known to help the body deal with the spores that plants and other allergens give off. These spores often trigger an allergic response.
You can use it directly by applying it onto the skin. Or you can diffuse it, drink it in a tea or use it as an inhalant. It contains antibacterial as well as antiviral properties.
Using lemon essential oil is beneficial in other situations, too. It will help ease nausea and indigestion. The scent of lemon oil is effective in combating stress, so diffusing it in a particular room or area can be helpful in creating a calming atmosphere.
We like lemon essential oil as it can deter insects and even help with minor skin irritations. So, while it’s widely known for its anti-allergenic properties, lemon essential oil provides many other benefits.
It is also great for helping clear your airways if you have a stuffy nose, and it can help improve concentration. Additionally, lemon essential oil can be an aid in weight loss, since it helps to activate enzymes that help in digestion. Many people also prefer using lemon essential oil when they are cleaning around the house, as its cleansing properties makes it an excellent choice for removing dirt, grease, and bacteria.
Peppermint essential oil can help with inflammations and irritations caused by allergies.
Peppermint oil has an analgesic property which can help with any pain associated with the allergy. You can choose to apply this directly to your skin but only if you diffuse it first.
Place a drop of the diffused solution on your hand and inhale the scent.
Inhaling peppermint oil will not only help to relieve any allergic symptoms but will also reduce feelings of dizziness or lack of energy. Studies have found that aromas such as peppermint oil can have a calming effect on the body. If you’re looking to reduce stress, adding peppermint oil to an oil diffuser or rubbing it directly onto your skin can help you to relax and find relief from allergies.
The sweet scent of peppermint oil will help to enhance your concentration and focus. This makes it ideal for those who often find themselves overwhelmed!
Evidence suggests that inhaling peppermint oil is beneficial for mental clarity and mental focus, leading to improved daily performance. Whether you’re trying to reduce allergies, stress, overwhelm, or headaches, incorporating peppermint oil into your life can have a positive and lasting impact.
Peppermint oil can also be applied to your temples for a cooling sensation and to help with headaches and other forms of dizziness. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties can assist in reducing inflammation and any associated pain, creating a soothing sensation in your body.
Eucalyptus essential oil can help clear a stuffed up nose caused by allergies.
It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm a reaction to allergens. This oil can’t be applied directly to the skin in its natural form. You can find a DIY recipe for a eucalyptus respiratory blend in my post here. We love using eucalyptus oil – it is especially delightful in the bath, or if you are feeling crafty, you can make a eucalyptus shower steamer!
Eucalyptus essential oil clears a stuffy nose caused by allergies. It will fight congestion that is caused by a common cold. It contains powerful anti-viral and antibacterial properties which fight off viruses. Eucalyptus will even reduce inflammation in the respiratory system.
To use it safely on the skin, it needs to be diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut, almond or jojoba oil. Add a few drops to a bowl of steaming water and inhale the vapors. You can pre-mix with a carrier oil before applying to desired areas. If you’re feeling creative, make your own eucalyptus inhalants or room sprays with distilled water and other essential oils.
When incorporating essential oils for allergy relief, always be sure to read the instructions for use thoroughly.
Be mindful of your specific allergies when relying on aromatherapy for relief. For example, for hay fever, use essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects, such as peppermint and eucalyptus. Research has shown that lavender essential oils possess anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties that can alleviate symptoms.
It’s important to give your body a break and foster a healthier lifestyle to manage the symptoms of allergies. And sometimes, if we go deeper, we find that ailments such as asthma and allergies are brought on by unrecognized trauma. In this case, I would recommend giving BioDynamic Breathing a try. By recognizing the triggers and causes of your allergies, and utilizing stress relief techniques, lifestyle changes, and essential oils, you can find relief and take control of your body’s response to allergen exposure.
In addition to the changes and treatments outlined above, it’s essential to also stay informed on up to date allergen information. Understanding the nature, quantity, and source of allergens in your environment can help you effectively assess risk and plan accordingly. With the right strategy, it’s possible to make allergen-free, safe decisions and create a healthier, allergy-free lifestyle.
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