Essential Oils for Nasal Allergy Relief

Reader Contribution by Queren King-Orozco
Published on April 30, 2018
1 / 2
2 / 2

Find the right essential oil blend during the allergy season to help regulate allergy symptoms via inhalation, topical application, and aromatic use. 

Photo by Getty Images/swissmediavision

There is nothing like the first signs of spring, the birds are chirping and the garden is returning to life.  We find ourselves outdoors and ready to explore nature … until the allergies kick in. Our eyes begin to water and suddenly we are unable to breathe clearly. Welcome to allergy season! Most of us have been there, we immediately reach out for a nose spray or an antihistamine medication. This is our way of coping with spring, and most of the time it works. However; there is an alternative, more natural way of handling allergies and the occasional cold.

Essential oils can help regulate allergy symptoms via inhalation, topical application, and aromatic use. Aromahead recommends several possible blends for allergy relief, including both eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils. These oils are both particularly effective when dealing with allergy symptoms that manifest as nasal discomfort and an itchy, runny nose.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it easy to understand why this essential oil can aid with allergens. Because eucalyptus is also an expectorant, it can help ease congestion due to pollen exposure or a common cold. The scent of eucalyptus is fresh and medicinal, which I find instantly refreshing.


Photo by Getty Images/tarzhanova

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is great for respiratory, oral issues, and skin care. Because of this, I keep tea tree oil in hand at all times. In the case of allergies, tea tree is wonderful as an expectorant. Most importantly, it is one of the best oils to treat infections, including bacterial, fungal, and viral.

Allergy Relief Inhaler Recipe

One of my favorite ways to access the allergy-reliving properties of both tea tree and eucalyptus essential oil is by making a simple inhaler.

Ingredients:

1 blank inhaler

8 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) essential oil

8 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil

Directions: Unscrew the bottom of the inhaler and carefully drip the essential oils onto the inhaler’s cotton wick. Hold the tube upside down, and reinsert the cotton stick into the inhaler.

Use the inhaler every 15 minutes for an hour by holding the wand near your noise and inhaling deeply. The inhaler should alleviate congestion.

For additional information, check out this video for how to make an aromatherapy inhaler.

Allergy Relief Diffuser Recipe

If you have an electric diffuser, then try diffusing a few drops each of eucalyptus and tea tree essential oil.

Ingredients:

2 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) essential oil

2 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil

Directions: Fill an electric diffuser with filtered water to the max line. Add the eucalyptus and tea tree essential oil drops. Diffuse for 30 minutes to an hour.

If you suffer from asthma, then use care when using eucalyptus and turn off the diffuser (or stop using your inhaler) if your body shows signs of discomfort.

Choosing essential oils for simple ailments is a lifestyle change that might require gradual assimilation. Essential oils have changed the way I approach common life events, from emotional health to seasonal allergies, and I’m always happy to learn about effective natural remedies that can replace over-the-counter medications.

Learning the power of plants is a beautiful journey. Our Earth has given us these magnificent herbs; It’s our job to re-introduce them to our modern lives.


Queren was inspired to write this blog post during her time enrolled in Aromahead’s Aromatherapy Certification program. She is a photographer and Digital Content Assistant for Mother Earth Living. 

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-456-6018
Free health and natural beauty tips from Mother Earth News!