Hay fever: how to get rid of it naturally?
Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction caused by plant pollen, especially in the spring. Symptoms include sneezing , a runny nose and itching . Faced with these inconveniences, many people are looking for natural solutions to relieve these symptoms and improve their quality of life. Let's discover together the most effective essential and vegetable oils to relieve hay fever quickly.
What is hay fever and what are its symptoms?
The most common symptoms of hay fever are:
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Stuffy or runny nose ;
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Itchy nose, eyes, or throat ;
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Frequent sneezing ;
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Allergic conjunctivitis (red, watery, swollen eyes) ;
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Cough and difficulty breathing.
These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the person's sensitivity and the concentration of pollen in the air.
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is mainly caused by an allergic reaction to pollen. This fine powder is produced by plants for their reproduction.
It mainly occurs when plants release their pollen into the air.
When pollen is inhaled, some people's immune systems perceive the pollen as a threat. It then triggers an allergic reaction. This reaction results in the release of antibodies and histamine , a chemical that causes allergy symptoms.
Tree pollen
Trees are among the first to release their pollen, usually in early spring. The trees most commonly responsible for hay fever are:
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The birch,
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The oak,
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The ash tree,
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The cypress.
This type of pollen is particularly light, which allows it to travel far and affect many people.
Grass pollen
Grasses, such as ryegrass, cocksfoot, and oats, release their pollen later in the spring and summer. Pollen from these grasses is one of the most common causes of hay fever, especially in rural areas where grass fields are common.
Flower pollen
Although flowers are often associated with allergies, they are not the main culprits behind hay fever. Cross-pollinated flowers, such as ragweed and sunflower, can release large amounts of pollen, causing allergic reactions.
Essential oils against hay fever
Essential oils can help you relieve hay fever symptoms naturally . Some of them have anti-inflammatory, decongestant and antihistamine properties that can help alleviate symptoms quickly.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil is renowned for its properties decongestant and refreshing .
Thanks to its vasoconstrictor effects , it helps to clear congested airways and soothe nasal itching often associated with hay fever.
Its refreshing action also provides immediate relief from a stuffy nose or headache.
Optimal use :
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Diffuse 10 to 15 drops in the room to purify the air and facilitate breathing. ;
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Apply 1 drop diluted in a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the temples and chest for a decongestant effect.
Contraindications : Avoid use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old and people with epilepsy. Do not apply near the eyes or mucous membranes.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree essential oil is a powerful natural antihistamine . Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties , it helps reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and calm allergic reactions of hay fever.
This oil is particularly effective in alleviating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis by acting on the underlying cause of the inflammation.
Optimal use :
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Diffuse 10 to 15 drops to purify the air ;
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Apply 2 drops diluted in a tablespoon of vegetable oil to affected areas, such as the chest or neck, to calm symptoms.
Contraindications : Tea Tree essential oil is not recommended for pregnant women under 3 months and children under 3 years old. Do a skin test before use to avoid any allergic reaction.
Niaouli essential oil
Niaouli essential oil is very effective in treating hay fever symptoms. Thanks to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties , it helps to decongest the respiratory tract, thus reducing sneezing and nasal discharge.
As a natural antibacterial , it also helps protect the respiratory tract from secondary infections.
Optimal use :
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Add 3-5 drops to a bowl of hot water for a steam inhalation ;
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Dilute 2 drops in a tablespoon of vegetable oil for topical application to the chest or back.
Contraindications : Niaouli essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 3 years old. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Tarragon essential oil
Tarragon essential oil is widely recognized for its powerful antihistamine and antispasmodic properties . Thanks to its effects on the immune system, it helps reduce allergic reactions and quickly relieve hay fever symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.
Among all the essential oils capable of treating allergies naturally , Tarragon essential oil is particularly effective thanks to its antihistamine properties.
Optimal use :
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Dilute 2 to 3 drops in a vegetable oil and massage onto the solar plexus or wrists.
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Place a few drops on a tissue and breathe deeply.
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As a preventative measure before the arrival of pollen, dilute 2 drops on a piece of bread or in a teaspoon of olive oil twice a day for three weeks.
Contraindications : It is important to use Tarragon essential oil with caution. It is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children under 6 years old. It should not be used pure on the skin and should be avoided in cases of epilepsy.
If these precautions are followed, Tarragon essential oil can provide real relief.
Discover our range against allergies : nasal spray, syrup, throat lozenges and capsules with essential oils. Natural solutions to relieve your allergy symptoms and regain your well-being.
Vegetable oils for hay fever
Vegetable oils can be used as a base to dilute essential oils, but some of them also have beneficial properties against allergies.
Nigella vegetable oil
Black seed vegetable oil is well known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties . It helps regulate the immune system and reduce allergic reactions. It can be taken orally for its benefits on the immune system or used in massage to soothe irritations.
Hazelnut vegetable oil
Hazelnut vegetable oil is light and penetrating, making it an excellent carrier for essential oils . It is particularly suitable for sensitive skin . It also has soothing properties that can help calm irritations due to allergies.
Calophyllum vegetable oil
Calophyllum vegetable oil is known for its circulatory and anti-inflammatory properties . It is ideal for soothing itching and skin irritations related to hay fever. You can apply it directly to the affected areas or use it as a base to dilute your essential oils.
Hay fever can be a real ordeal for allergy sufferers. Fortunately, essential and plant oils allow us to soothe these allergic reactions naturally.
