Allergy season is probably already upon us, certainly just around the corner and SO many people suffer from seasonal allergies that we really should be addressing the “why” and not just treating the symptoms. Approximately 40-60 million Americans suffer from what we call seasonal allergies, basically spring and autumn reactions to the increase in pollen count in the air. Why is it such a high number? And why is it such a greater percentage of the population than it was a few decades ago?
The answer, I’m afraid, harks back to our standard “Western” problem of surrounding our selves with SO many chemicals on a daily basis – in the air we breathe (Air-conditioned air is the highest!), in the products we put on our skin and hair, in the products we clean our homes and workplaces, in everything we touch or that touches us! We bombard our bodies with SO many chemicals on a daily basis that our immune system is in constant overdrive trying to filter out these “bad molecules” so that the “good molecules” can thrive. Very simplistically put, but you get the gist. This is the main reason that we are constantly being warned about low, and high, levels of inflammation in our bodies and that they are the root cause of so many diseases that really are unique to our generation – alzheimers, dementia, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders….yes, all these existed before, but not in such significant numbers. In previous decades they were rarities, now I can guarantee everybody knows somebody with everything on that list! This is not a good thing.
I mention this is because there is a general theory that we are seeing such a rise in seasonal allergies for exactly the same reason. Our bodies are already so overloaded with chemicals that our immune system is in a constant state of overdrive, so that when any allergen – dust, pollen, pet dander – enters the body, what it should normally be able to deal with effectively and calmly now shoots it into additional overdrive. That is to say that when the body’s immune system is already overworked and stressed, introducing a tiny little particle of dust or pollen can send it into a complete overreaction.
If the immune system and inflammation levels within the body were balanced, then the reaction to the allergen would be normal, that is your body would deal with it and expel it; however, today for too many people these reactions are exaggerated and for some, lethal.
So where do you start? Well, of course there are over the counter pills you can take – Zyrtec, Alleve, etc., which are yet another chemical compound for your body to deal with and they are also only helping with the symptoms not the root cause, which is why you have to take them EVERY YEAR. We can suggest a few essential oils which will also help with the symptoms, but be gentler on your body, but I’ll get to those shortly.
To help your body deal with the allergens on its own you need to de-tox your lifestyle. Switch to organic food where possible, organic skincare and haircare products, environmentally friendly cleaning products, open your windows and let some fresh air in, drink water not soda….even if you can start by just addressing one or two of these and then work up from there, you will be surprised at how much better you are feeling generally and how less affected you are by things like allergies and say, the common cold.
To help with the symptoms of allergies in the meantime, do consider going a more natural route. It will help your body cope better and you will feel the effects just as well, if not better than with drugs.
Best essential oils for allergy symptoms:
- Eucalyptus – my favorite for any sinus issues. Use 1 drop in a bowl of boiling water and put your face over the bowl with a towel over your head to create a tent to hold the steam in. Breathe in for 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. It really helps to open the airways and get you breathing more easily. You can also use in a diffuser, or just a drop or two on a tissue in your pocket.
- Tea tree – is excellent at destroying air-borne pathogens. Great antibacterial agent, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Best used in a diffuser in the home and/or diluted as a household cleaner.
- Lavender – has calming properties, which are good when your allergies have flared up. It’s also a good anti-inflammatory, so useful for those inflamed nasal passages and airways. Again best diffused, but can add a couple of drops to a warm bath or to a tissue to breathe in as needed.
- Peppermint – great for heling open up congested airways. Diffuse in your home or breathe in from a tissue, Do not apply undiluted to the skin.
- Lemon – great antibacterial and smells so good! Can also help clear sinuses and reduce congestion.nGood immune system booster. Diffuse and/or use in household cleaners.
Great article.