Springtime is beautiful. Nature is waking up from winter, blossoms are bursting open, and all things are growing. Unfortunately, seasonal allergies are flaring up too. Allergies are a damaging immune system response that can cause itching, swelling, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Hay fever, caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, can make this time of year miserable. Rather than enjoying the great outdoors, someone who suffers with hay fever is forced to avoid outdoor activities and often take medication.

Several essential oils can help combat the effects of allergies:

• tea tree
• lavender
• peppermint
• patchouli
• eucalyptus
• melissa
• Roman chamomile
• spikenard

All of these oils can be applied topically or diffused.

Tea tree, lavender, and Roman chamomile are natural histamine blockers. Rub a few drops onto the sternum, and breathe deeply.

For some people, peppermint has eliminated the need for allergy shots. Apply it to the base of the neck twice daily. If you suffer with hay fever, we recommend keeping a roll-on bottle of peppermint with you on outdoor excursions.

Don’t let your allergies keep you from enjoying the glories of the season.

See the Reference Guide for Essential Oils to learn more about how essential oils can help allergies .

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2017 Edition, pp. 372-373.