Springtime is here! We can only hope that the cold, wet, and miserable weather is finally coming to an end. At least the flowers definitely seem to be thinking so. The slowly rising temperatures are sprouting daisies onto your lawn and bursts of colourful blooms are returning to scenery. Unfortunately like all good things, it comes with a price.
Tears fill your itchy, red eyes as three massive sneezes line up getting ready to explode from your tickling nose. Hay fever. Pollen now dominates the air outside thanks to those blossoming buds. Perhaps you thought you could escape by staying indoors - maybe by finally getting onto that spring cleaning you’ve been procrastinating on? Well say hello to dust, pollen’s dirty cousin.
It doesn’t feel good to be constantly popping some antihistamine every time your facial orifices tingle. In fact, prescription antihistamines can interfere with other prescribed medications such as certain antibiotics (like erythromycin). Sometimes, we just need a break from this overmedicated world. That’s why here at D:FUSE, we want to introduce to you these methods of relieving your hay fever symptoms - all through natural means.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is the absolute staple when it comes to essential oils. If you’re a fan of its serene, botanical scent then be sure to keep on reading!
We often forget that many of these essential oils are more than just its aroma. According to a study conducted in a Life Sciences Journal, Lavender oil contains anti-inflammatory properties which have allowed for the reduction of mucous cell enlargement and allergic inflammation. It is also a natural vessel of natural antihistamines.
How you can use Lavender Oil to alleviate your hay fever:
Diffuse:
Add a few drops to a diffuser and let it run for about an hour or two to help relieve any sniffly noses or inflammation. Don’t forget that you can always mix and match if you’re feeling a little creative! Lavender is a very versatile oil as it compliments just about anything. Our favourite Lavender blend has got to be with Rosemary. It’s perfect for when your nasty hay fever is preventing you from getting any work done.
Bath Soak:
Dilute with a carrier oil of your choice and mix it in with a nice hot bath. Inhale the calming vapours as you soak to mitigate any itchy skin.
Inhale:
Place a droplet or two onto your pillowcase for when you go to sleep. The Lavender will provide a therapeutic aroma to alleviate inflammation. You can also apply the oil to a tissue or cotton pad if you just need a quick sniff during the day.
Tea Tree Oil
When it comes to solving problems, Tea Tree Oil is truly the jack of all trades - whether that be insect repellent, fungi removal or just a general antibacterial. This oil contains various compounds which have the ability to eradicate kinds of fungi, viruses and bacteria. We have to keep reminding ourselves that Tea Tree Oil is 100% natural because listing all these proficiencies feels like an advertisement for the latest chemical cleaning solution.
But wait- there’s more! Backed up by several studies, Tea Tree Oil is a fully verified anti-inflammatory thanks to its ability of aiding your immune response. This is why we love the nature that surrounds us.
Remedies with Tea Tree:
Diffuse:
Add a couple drops to your diffuser then allow it to run for 30-60 minutes to reduce inflammation. Depending on whether you’re looking for that strong kick or a more subtle whiff, you may want to mix with more refreshing oils like Peppermint or Rosemary to balance out the verdant essence.
Skin Rub:
Dilute the Tea Tree with a carrier oil (Coconut and Sweet Almond are good candidates!) and apply to any inflamed or itchy skin. Leave it overnight or for a few aways during the day before washing off gently with warm water.
Note: Please conduct a patch test when using Tea Tree Oil, as it may trigger allergic reactions to sensitive skinned individuals. Some oils come in high concentrations! Do not ingest.
Eucalyptus Oil
Of course, the richness of Tea Tree Oil is not everyone’s cup of tea - this makes Eucalyptus Oil a great alternative. Similarly to Tea Tree it has the ability to kill fungi and bacteria, in addition to being an anti-inflammatory. Except its smell is cooling and more mellow.
If you’re anything like us, your poor nose must be begging your tissue box for a break by now. You know very well that your nostrils are not going to get less clogged any time soon. It doesn’t help that the mucus sometimes likes to migrate to the throat. Fortunately new studies have shown that Eucalyptus also functions as both an expectorant and in decongestion.
These are some ways you can eliminate that excess mucus in your nose and throat:
Diffuse:
Add a couple drops of the oil into your diffuser before letting it run for 30-90 minutes. Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint Oil are good options to support the Eucalyptus for when you’re having a particularly stuffy day.
Chest Rub and Inhale:
Dilute with a carrier oil apply to the chest and collarbone area before going to sleep. Inhale the smell to relieve breathing. Alternatively, you may put a couple drops onto a handkerchief or tissue for when you need to clear your sinuses on the go.
Note: Please conduct a patch test when using Eucalyptus Oil, as it may trigger allergic reactions to sensitive skinned individuals. Some oils come in high concentrations!
Peppermint Oil
Revitalising and refreshening, classic and cooling - you just can’t go wrong with Peppermint Oil. It is the ideal for relieving symptoms when you just want something fresh. Its cooling traits can reduce inflammation and make breathing easy.
I know that children can be particularly sensitive to new and different smells. We have to be careful that some things can easily overwhelm their young senses. This is why the familiar mellowness of Peppermint Oil is perfect for fighting against hay fever for both you and your little one.
Ways to utilise Peppermint Oil:
Diffuse:
Plant a few drops into your diffuser and leave it running for an hour or so. Breathing in the Peppermint will allow that congestion headache to clear! For those looking to spice it up with something floral, I suggest Lavender or Geranium.
Chest Rub and Inhale:
Dilute the Peppermint with a carrier oil (such as Sweet Almond Oil) and apply to the chest and collarbone area before going to sleep. Inhale the fumes to ease breathing as you fall into your slumber. Alternatively, you may choose to apply the oil to a tissue to inhale throughout the day.
Note: Please conduct a patch test when using Peppermint Oil on skin, as it may trigger allergic reactions to sensitive skinned individuals. Some oils come in high concentrations!
Lemon Oil
Want something more fruity? Perhaps something with a hint of citrus? Then Lemon Oil should be your go to! Citrus oils provide that boost of energy you need when hay fever has got you feeling drowsy. Lemon Oil in particular is more suited thanks to its capacity for decreasing the common symptoms like congestion. Through having sources of natural antihistamine, it can help subdue that irritating, runny nose.
Have a look at these methods for relieving hay fever:
Diffuse:
Into your diffuser, add a few drops of the oil and let it run for 60-90 minutes. The subtlety of Lemon Oil is fantastic for days when you are feeling overstimulated and just want to be able to breathe. Although if you’re looking for that fruit punch, I recommend combining it with Mandarin to add some zest.
Spray:
Dilute some Lemon Oil with some water and spray delicately around your house to ensure that congestion relief will be provided in all your rooms. Good target locations are couches, beds, and curtains. It’s a good idea to try this on a dry, sunny day so that the lemon water dries properly.
Hopefully these methods can help you push through this allergy season. All these essential oils are available to you, here in New Zealand on our site. If you’re looking for a new diffuser to try out these remedies, be sure to check out our stylish diffusers. Always remember to take care of yourself and your body!
