MWM Essential Oils for Seasonal Allergies

Unfortunately, misinformation abounds about essential oil safety and uses in the MLM (multi-level marketing) world, and proper oils for seasonal allergies (never taken internally!) is of concern to a number of our clients.   So we were very glad when Gail asked for clarification concerning essential oils reputedly effective for seasonal allergies during this week’s MONDAYS WITH MARGE.

Gail: I have noticed that finding an essential oil that helps with allergies is not easy. Looking at eo therapeutic benefits, I have only read about one eo that is supposed to help with allergies and now I have forgotten which one! So the LLP blend that some companies "say" helps with allergies does not have those therapeutic benefits according to many seasoned eo users and my research. What does NG have to say about this?

Marge:  Okay, we will assume you are discussing seasonal allergies...first, let me address the popular

blend of lavender, lemon and peppermint that we see a lot of folks touting. I see NO reason why this would be useful. Peppermint can help with congested sinuses but will NOT help for the streaming eyes and nose that are more apt to result from allergies. Nor will lavender or lemon.

Marge: For anecdotal evidence I am told by many that Niaouli, inhaled, is helpful for seasonal allergies and ditto     Nerolina, so you might try either, or the combination. (Christi reminds me of a client who uses Niaouli and Fragonia™ together with reported success.)  We are hoping Nerolina may help eradicate dust mite invaders which notoriously contribute to airborne allergies in the home.  Christi’s had good luck using Nerolina and Buddhawood CO2 in a 4 oz. cobalt spray atomizer. (Add oils, water and a capful of alcohol shaken together to blend before spritzing furniture, floors, or pet bedding.)  Most people don’t even realize dust mites can be an allergy problem, even in a tidy home, since you can’t SEE them. 

Marge: Now there is ONE essential oil that is said to help dry up a really runny nose...and I can't for the life of me find where I wrote that down!

I emailed my teacher/mentor Mark Webb, and he replied. (Thank you Mark!) Cypress or mastic are both strongly astringent, but you also need to turn off the histamine response that's causing the flow in the first place.

Lemon scented aldehydes at really low dose (my note, these could include Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon TeaTree, Lemongrass, Melissa, Ironbark, Citronella, Lemon Eucalyptus, your choice) and also the Sesquiterpines or Sesquiterpinols to help,like atlas cedarwood, WA Sandalwood etc.(my comment, others in that group could include Patchouli, Vetiver, think the deep, base notes.) So, this combination in an inhaler or diffuser might be a blend that would help with the histamine response...

Decongestant oils of interest include Peppermint Eucalyptus, Helichrysum Gymnocephelia, and Saro.  Keep in mind all three of these are high in 1,8 Cineole and should be avoided by children under the age of six or during pregnancy.  Another possibility that might be worth trying is Elemi. (often overlooked but excellent for a range of respiratory issues.)   

Also, Tiffany Rose suggested that she has seen good results with Myrrh, and, even better, Opoponax, as a "drying agent" for running noses.   Lots of ideas to try!

Addendum, because I forgot something!  A-pinene is a plant component found primarily in the conifers, the needle oils, which is said to be helpful for "allergic rhinitis" - which is what I have been discussing. Safe and gentle enough to be diffused around very young children, the "needle oils" are said to be helpful in combatting allergies.  Try the Fir Needle oils, Balsam or Siberian (Siberian the most relaxing for nighttime use) Scotch Pine,  Juniper Berry, Cypress, Black Spruce.  Choose your favorite evergreen and experiment. 

Two oils that are said to have anti-histamine like properties are Blue Tansy (tanecetum anuum), from Morocco) aka Morocco Chamomile, and Australian Blue Cypress (Callitris intratropica).   Please note the Blue Cypress should be avoided during pregnancy and Blue Tansy is currently unavailable and scarce.  If you come across some for sale, there is a good chance it has been adulterated this season, which is sad because it is the very best antihistamine essential oil we’ve found. Dr. Jane Buckle first brought Blue Tansy to our attention a number of years ago. 

Marge: Now... there are a wide range of allergic reactions…contact dermatitis...etc... and some of the oils can be helpful for that…but that is another blog, another day. 

Have an Aromatherapy question you need answered?  Check out Mondays with Marge each Monday night at 8:00 CDT on the Nature’s Gift Facebook page.