Spring allergies! Now what?

Clear away symptoms with dōTERRA essential oils

You know, there’s an oil for that! Yes, that’s right, there’s an essential oil pressed from mother nature and curated to help ease your allergy symptoms. Whether you’re an avid holistic worshiper or pharmaceutical devotee, bottom line is there’s an aide for your ailment and I’m here to teach you how to aide your misery with safe, natural essential oils from our loving mother earth.

Let’s face it, allergens are a drag! And, spring has sprung — let’s enjoy the fresh, beautifully scented flowers and fresh cut grass! But wait, what happens when nature’s blooming beauties send your immune system into a mad panic? Symptoms! That’s right — sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and throat, congested sinuses, did I say sneezing? It’s an awful discomfort to enjoy spring’s natural wonders. The fact is a hard 30 to 60 million are affected in the US alone. The good news is that there’s many ways to minimize exposure, and here’s a good handful:

1. Avoid outside activities when its overly windy. The wind stirs up pollen and magnifies its presence in the air.
2. Keep windows and doors open at a minimum or closed altogether to keep pollen outside.
3. Wash outerwear more frequently.
4. Install a special filter into your heating and cooling system specifically for allergens.
5. Purchase a Hepa filter if you do not already own one to remove dust, pollens, molds, spores, animal dander and other irritants.
6. Tree and shrub trim often to keep vegetation at a minimum.
7. Keep vehicle windows up overnight.

Minimizing exposure may not always produce 100% effective results and one may be exposed to allergens to the point where the exposure causes the need for treatment. How does one treat allergies by choosing a natural remedy? A safe, natural source begins with dōTERRA essential oils. All dōTERRA oils are certified pure therapeutic grade and are the most potent essential oils possible, free of contaminants and adulterations.

To learn more about dōTERRA essential oils and their volatile aromatic compounds, watch dōTERRA’s video: What is a dōTERRA Essential Oil?

To get started, it’s important to know which dōTERRA essential oils are beneficial in aiding allergy symptoms and the healing properties of each oil. Each oil remedies differently pending the allergic reaction you’re experiencing. Below, we’ll cover lavender, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, roman chamomile, melaleuca, cilantro, basil, rosemary and myrrh with complementary remedy recipes (at the end) to assist in your journey!

1. Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender is often considered a must-have oil to keep on hand at all times due to its versatile uses. For allergies, it acts as an antihistamine, promotes peaceful sleep and eases feelings of tension. It has calming and relaxing properties and lessens irritation.*

As a general use:
Lavender can be used for bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume. It is frequently used to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the temples and the back of the neck. Add a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to promote a restful night’s sleep.

2. Peppermint, Mentha piperita

Peppermint promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing. It discharges phlegm, reduces inflammation and helps alleviate an upset stomach.*

As a general use:
Peppermint is frequently used in toothpaste and chewing gum for oral hygiene and Peppermint continues to be one of the best-selling favorites among dōTERRA essential oils.

3. Lemon, Citrus limon

Lemon is cleansing, purifying, and invigorating while offering properties aiding in decongestion and reducing mucus.

As a general use:
Lemon is a powerful cleansing agent that purifies the air and surfaces, and can be used as a non-toxic cleaner throughout the home. When added to water, Lemon provides a refreshing and healthy boost throughout the day. Taken internally, Lemon provides cleansing and digestive benefits and supports healthy respiratory function.*

4. Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus radiata

Used to cleanse surfaces and the air, Eucalyptus essential oil can help promote feelings of relaxation and clear breathing.

As a general use:
The main chemical components of Eucalyptus are eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol, making it an ideal oil to promote feelings of clear breathing and open airways and for creating a soothing massage experience. Eucalyptus has purifying properties that can be beneficial for the skin and for cleansing surfaces and the air. Studies have shown that Eucalyptus is effective in reducing tension. Eucalyptus can be found in mouth rinses to freshen breath and promote oral health.

5. Roman Chamomile, Anthemis nobilis

While providing a sweet, floral aroma, Roman Chamomile can soothe body systems as it supports calming effects for the skin, mind and body.*

As a general use:
Roman Chamomile grows close to the ground, reaching only up to a foot in height. The plant has been nicknamed the “plant’s physician” because it has positive effects on plants growing nearby. Ancient Romans used the oil for courage during war. While the most common use of chamomile is in teas, Roman Chamomile can also be found in face creams, drinks, hair dyes, shampoos, and perfumes.

6. Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca, or Tea Tree oil, is best known for its purifying qualities, which make it useful for cleansing the skin and home surfaces, purifying the air, or promoting healthy immune function.*

As a general use:
Melaleuca can be used to cleanse and purify the skin and nails and to support a healthy complexion. Taken internally, Melaleuca promotes healthy immune function* and Melaleuca can be used on surfaces throughout the home to protect against environmental threats.

7. Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum

The fresh, herbal aroma of Cilantro essential oil makes it useful for cooking, while also providing powerful cleansing and detoxifying properties.

As a general use:
Cilantro promotes healthy digestion and acts as a powerful cleanser and detoxifier for the body.* Applied topically, Cilantro is very soothing and cooling to the skin, and it adds a fresh, herbal aroma to any essential oil blend when diffused.

8. Basil, Ocimum basilicum

The spicy, yet herbal nature of Basil makes it a versatile oil that can be used to promote focus and alertness, reduces inflammatory response and supports adrenal glands.

As a general use:
Basil has a warm, spicy, yet herbal aroma known to reduce anxious feelings. Basil provides great benefits to both the mind and body due to its high linalool content, making it an ideal application to help reduce feelings of tension when applied to the temples and back of the neck.

9. Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary reduces inflammatory response and supports adrenal glands while aiding in the reduction of nervous tension and occasional fatigue.*

As a general use:
Rosemary supports healthy digestion* and internal organ function.* Long revered by healers, Rosemary was considered sacred by the ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Hebrew cultures. Rosemary’s herbaceous and energizing scent is frequently used in aromatherapy.

10. Myrrh, Commiphora myrrha

While it is known to hold powerful cleansing properties, particularly for the throat and mouth, Myrrh can also be used to support well-being and emotional balance.*

As a general use:
Myrrh has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense, and health aid. It was also employed in embalming and religious ceremonies. It is also soothing to the skin — promoting a smooth, youthful-looking complexion.

REMEDIES

Eye Allergies:
Layer 2 drops lavender, 2 drops melaleuca under the bottom of the index toe and middle toe then gently rub in. Apply a few drops of lavender at the temples and gently rub in. Avoid eye contact.

Allergy Power Trio:
Take 2 drops lavender, 2 drops lemon, 2 drops peppermint one of three ways:

• Under the tongue, wait 30 seconds, swallow; repeat as necessary
• Mix in 1/8 to 1/2 cup water, drink; repeat as necessary until symptoms subside
• Consume blend in a capsule; repeat as necessary
• OR Take seasonal blend softgels

Skin Rash/Hives:
Dilute lavender or melaleuca with carrier oil and rub into skin. A toxic, burdened, sluggish liver is a major culprit of allergic response. Layering oils over the liver area supports its ability to flush toxins that burden other organs, including skin and kidneys. The skin is a secondary pathway of elimination for the liver, and rashes are telltale signs of its toxicity.

The Allergy Bomb:
Take 2–3 drops each of cilantro, melaleuca and lavender in a capsule.

Allergy Relief Combination:
Lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, and roman chamomile — use in equal parts in a capsule (for example, 1 drop of each). This blend of essential oils has been relieves hay fever and other airborne allergy-type symptoms.

Allergies:
6 drops lavender
6 drops roman chamomile
2 drops myrrh
1 drop peppermint
Blend and apply one drop behind ears, temples, and thymus.

Cautions for all essential oils:
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

Statements with asterisks refer to internal use. All others refer to aromatic or topical use. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Solutions provided can be found on the dōTERRA website and in The Essential Life guide, pages 194–195.