Spring is here and so is the pollen, but there are natural solutions for allergy relief

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Spring is here and with it comes allergy season. If you are someone that suffers from allergies, you are not alone. According to Dr. James Braly-Medical Director for the Immune Laboratories, there is an allergy epidemic in the U.S. One example of this epidemic Dr. Braly gives is asthma. This is considered predominantly an allergic disease affecting 13 million Americans and increasing by approximately 10% every year. The mortality rate of this disease has tripled since 1980.

There are basically two types of allergies: environmental and food. The focus of this article is environmental allergies. So what is an allergy? Simply put, an allergy is an overreaction to the body’s immune system to what is normally a harmless substance such as mold, pollen, animal dander, and chemicals. Our immune system is fighting against these organisms, treating them like invaders wanting to do us harm. In defense, our bodies fight the allergies off with a barrage of antibodies which then trigger inflammation. Inflammation is a root cause of disease such as asthma, arthritis, ear infections, headaches, eczema, and many others. According to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN/NP, “The allergic response is closely related to the inflammatory cascade, and that’s one reason it has such serious health effects. Allergic reactions are recognized as one of the most important causes of illness and disease in America.”

So what are some solutions for this issue? A person can go to the allergist and receive shots, use an inhaler and/or take prescription medicines. But these can be costly, have a multitude of side effects, and often can mask symptoms rather than assist in healing. Even though allergic responses can be a complex issue, there are several simple things a person can do to help make a real difference.

1. Cut out dairy from your diet. This would include milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese. Dairy products can be mucous forming and add to any respiratory issues.
2. Stop using toxic household cleaners and begin using only natural cleaners when cleaning your home such as white vinegar, baking soda, Dr. Bronner’s castile soap, and essential oils.
3. Use 100% pure, therapeutic essential oils* in place of Pharmaceutical and Over the Counter medications.

So what is an essential oil? An essential oil is the liquid in the plant that protects the plant from insects, bacteria, molds, fungi, and other microorganisms. The oil can even help heal the plant. These unique characteristics make them highly beneficial to us. Essential oils have been used as natural medicines for centuries by many different cultures. Today they are once again gaining popularity as safe and natural alternatives to the often toxic choices offered by modern medicine.

Here are a few suggestions to integrate essential oils into your lifestyle for allergy relief:

Lavender-Helps to clear congestion, builds immunity, relieves headaches, eases muscle pain and is a natural antihistamine.

Lemon- Aids in protecting immunity, alkalizes the body and relieves excess mucous.

Cypress-can increase circulation, helps to ease breathing and can suppress coughs.

Eucalyptus- Contains Cineole that can support healthy lung function, can relieve congestion, and labored breathing.

Peppermint- Can help to ease breathing difficulties, fight infection, relieve congestion, and can relieve headaches.

Dorado Azul-Contains Eucalyptol 1.8 Cineaol that can reduce inflammation and open the lungs.

A blend of Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus citriodora, Myrtle, Pine, Marjoram, Lavender, Cypress, Tsuga, and Peppermint can be extremely effective against allergies and other respiratory issues.

A blend of Ravensara, Lemon, Wintergreen, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus radiata has been known to be effective against allergies, as well as pneumonia and other upper respiratory infections.

There are many different ways to use essential oils. Examples include:

Topically - by putting a drop on the forehead, chest, throat, sinus area. and/or the soles of the feet. If an oil should feel uncomfortable do not use water. Dilute the oil with a fatty oil such as organic coconut oil or olive oil.

Inhalation - Apply one to two drops to the palm of the hand. Rub hands together and cup hands over the nose. Inhale deeply. Rub the excess on your chest or throat. Another way to inhale the oil is by diffusing-Make sure the diffuser does not use heat. This can change the chemical constituents of an essential oil. A therapeutic diffuser uses sound waves.

Ingesting - (Only use 100% pure therapeutic essential oils that do not have an expiration date or a warning on the label.) Drop the essential oil in a vegetable capsule, mix in almond or rice milk, drop in drinking water, or put in a teaspoon with raw, organic honey. The oil can also be dropped straight into the mouth. Dropping under the tongue circulates the oil through the body quickly.

*Caution: If a bottle of essential oil has ‘Do not ingest” or an expiration date on the label, do not use. The essential oil industry is not government regulated and essential oils can easily be adulterated.

For more information about essential oils see related links.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jodi Motto is a degreed health professional with a passion for Holistic Health. Jodi is dedicated to living, sharing, and teaching health and wellness. She and her family have been using therapeutic essential oils for several years after being introduced to them by a medical doctor. Her desire is for everyone to live a healthier life naturally.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is for informational purposes only and not meant to diagnose, treat or mitigate any disease or illness. The information is for educational purposes only. If you are suffering from a health condition, you are advised to seek the counsel of a qualified health professional.