Breathe Easy This Hay Fever Season: How Essential Oils May Help
The arrival of summer brings longer days, blooming flowers, freshly cut grass and for many of us - the misery of hay fever. And so it beginnings……..sneezing, itchy and/or streaming eyes, runny nose, congestion and that constant feeling of being stuffed up and ‘cold like’, making it hard to enjoy spending time outdoors in the beautiful weather. While essential oils are not a cure for hay fever and shouldn’t replace medical advice or prescribed treatments, many people find them a helpful addition to their seasonal wellbeing routine.
What Causes Hay Fever? Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, occurs when the immune system reacts to pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. This reaction triggers the release of histamine, leading to the familiar symptoms many of us know all too well. During peak pollen season, even simple activities such as gardening, walking the dog or hanging out the washing can leave sufferers feeling uncomfortable. According to the Met Office (www.metoffice.gov.uk) tree pollen typically occurs from late March to mid-May, grass lasts from mid-May until July and weed pollen covers the end of June to September. So now is a good time to highlight the benefits of using essential oils.
Useful Essential Oils
Peppermint: Fresh, cooling aroma. When diffused or inhaled, this oil can help aid respiratory tract issues, helping to create a sensation of clearer breathing and feels refreshing when congestion strikes. Can help with tension headaches and sinusitis.
Eucalyptus: Clean, invigorating scent, commonly used in steam inhalations and diffuser blends to help support easier breathing and clearing congestion. A general immune booster. Promotes feeling of relaxation.
Lavender: Calming and balancing aroma which can help in promoting relaxation during periods of discomfort, especially in the evening when symptoms of hay fever can interfere with sleep.
Lemon: Bright and uplifting oil which can help freshen indoor spaces and create a clean, energising atmosphere during pollen season. It also has the ability to stimulate the immune system. (Caution: can cause phototoxicity on some people when used topically)
How to Use:
Diffuser: Create a fresh and pleasant environment when pollen counts are high and windows need to stay closed.
Rollerballs: Convenient way to enjoy your favourite essential oil blends while out and about and ‘On the Go!’. Or even just add a few drops onto a tissue and inhale as required.
Steam inhalation: Just by adding a drop or two of essential oils to hot water can provide a soothing aromatic experience. Always use caution with hot water and never use boiling water.
Visit Kaori Remedies Invigorating Rollerball: Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Lemon. No8 EO Afternoon Pick Me Up – on the Go!: Peppermint & Basil. Sleep & Relaxation range: Lavender & Marjoram
Relaxing Massage: Stress and lack of sleep can make seasonal symptoms feel even worse. A calming aromatherapy massage can help support overall wellbeing and relaxation.
Tips:
Alongside your favourite essential oils, you can find these tips helpful:
Check daily pollen forecasts
Keep windows closed during high pollen periods
Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
Dry washing indoors during peak pollen days
Stay hydrated
Vitamin C Supplements
Reduce dairy consumption as can encourage the production of mucus
Cooling eye compress (no essential oils to be used!)
A Natural Helping Hand: Hay fever season doesn’t have to stop you enjoying the outdoors. Essential oils can be a wonderful way to support relaxation, create a fresher home environment and help you feel more comfortable throughout the pollen season. It is worth noting that the pollen season is quite long and as such, one oil may lose its effectiveness over time, therefore you may need to alternative two or more oils to provide some effective relief.
Breathe easy, enjoy the sunshine and take time to care for yourself naturally
If you would like advice on essential oil blends designed to help you breathe easy this summer, please get in touch and book a bespoke consultation or an Indian Head Massage, I’d be delighted to help you find a blend that suites your needs.