Seasonal irritants can be bothersome year-round for most people. However, if you live
in the state of Tennessee, you may find that spring weather brings on more than you have
bargained for. Irritants can be any substance that your body comes in contact with and your
immune system mistakes this substance as an outsider and begins fighting it off. Your body
then begins releasing different chemicals like histamine, and it ends up triggering more
symptoms. For some, this is a lifelong battle and it requires many methods in order to keep
them at bay, but for most people, a lot of the irritants can be controlled using essential oils.
There are many chemical components that can assist your body with excess mucous, dry
coughs, headaches, sneezing, and fatigue. They can also be used to help keep you relaxed so
that you are getting a good night's sleep.
When the beautiful pollinators begin their travels for food, it can cause quite a stir in the
air. Yes, you all are familiar with the “yellow snow” that blows through the wind and manages
to stick itself on anything it can find. Sometimes that spot can be right up into your nostrils.
Which then causes sneezing, sniffling, and coughing. One thing you can do to help keep irritants
out is to buy or make Nasya oil. Nasya is the practice of keeping the nasal passages clean and clear, allowing for prana (the breath and life force energy) to enter the body. The key to Nasya oil is sesame oil. It has antibacterial, antimicrobial properties, nourishing capabilities, and it is very calming to the nervous system. You can add essential oils like lavender, lemon, roman
chamomile, german chamomile, helichrysum italicum, or geranium to your blend. These oils will
help boost the immune system, alleviate inflammation, and they will help reduce the stress that
can come along with seasonal irritants. Always look for companies that sell organic, cruelty free
ingredients. You can always stop into your local health store as well.
Inflammation in the body can sometimes be the biggest obstacle to face. Your lymph
nodes may swell, your throat might get scratchy, and your head might feel like it might explode. Not
to mention the fatigue from feeling out of sorts. There are many ways you can use essential oils
to help combat these symptoms. I suggest getting a diffuser for your room. For every 100 ml
you can add 3-4 drops of essential oils. You can use oils like lavender, roman chamomile, and
blue tansy to help set the atmosphere for a good night's sleep. Just let it run for about 1 hour,
30 minutes before going to bed. If you are unable to use a diffuser you can make a personal
inhaler. Just grab a cotton ball and add 1 drop of each oil and waft it under your nose. Inhale as
deeply as you can, hold for a few seconds, then exhale as long as you can. This breathing
technique will not only strengthen your lungs, but it will allow for a deeper sleep.
If you know what triggers your allergies, you can make a roller to put on before you go
outside. Start with a 10 ml roller bottle, add 3 drops roman chamomile, 1 drop geranium, 1
drop lavender, and 1 drop helichrysum italicum, then fill the rest up with your preferred carrier
oil. Rub the bottle between your hands to blend everything together. You can roll this behind
your ears, on your temples, or on the tops of your feet. You can also use the acupressure point
right in between your eyebrows. Just roll the roller onto your fingertip, press gently between
the eyebrows, and breathe deeply for one minute. I suggest doing this a couple of times before
heading out the door.
As always, before using essential oils, check with your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing,
taking medications, or if you have children under the age of 12. Store your essential oils in the
refrigerator or in a cupboard that is cool and where no sunlight can reach it. Make sure to wash
your hands after making products, and if you get any essential oils on your fingers just rub some
carrier oil on them and then wash. Be sure to check with your aromatherapist before diffusing
or wearing any essential oils if you have animals in the home.
Sarah Woods
Certified Aromatherapist
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