Scientifically called allergic rhinitis or pollenosis, hay fever is an inflammation of the nasal passages, particularly caused as an allergic reaction. When an individual with a sensitive or feeble immune system inhales dust or pollen, antibodies are formed as an allergic reaction to combat the foreign particles or antigen (pollen or dust particles). These antibodies bind with the mast cells in the nasal airways, which in turn leads to the secretion of histamine. The common hay fever symptoms are itching, inflammation, swelling, and production of mucus. Hay fever can also lead to rashes inside the nasal passage.
Hay fever can be categorized into following two kinds:
- Seasonal: This form of hay fever outbreaks with the onset of the pollen season and usually does not develop in early childhood.
- Perennial: Perennial hay fever may occur at anytime of the year and it usually develops at a young age.
There are various hay fever remedies, one of the most effective being aromatherapy. Some of the essential oils that can be used for hay fever treatment are as follows:
- Eucalyptus essential oil is antimicrobial in action and is extremely effective against bacteria and viruses. It is an excellent expectorant and as such, it is a wonderful cure for ailment s of the respiratory tract, including hay fever. It helps break the mucus and relieves nasal congestion.
- Niaouli essential oil is one of the most potent anti-allergic aromatherapy components. The pollens of the niaouli plants are allergens while the essential oil is anti-allergic in actions. It relieves itching, swelling, and inflammation, the prime hay fever symptoms. It is a wonderful expectorant and thereby relieves mucus congestion in the respiratory tract.
- Tea tree oil is also effective against allergies. In fact, it is anti-microbial and anti-allergic in action. It primarily relieves mucus in the nasal track, thereby easing respiration.
- You can also use peppermint essential oil to treat hay fever. It also relieves clogged nose.
- Rosemary essential oil is also effective against hay fever.
- Other than these, roman chamomile oil, germanium essential oil, lemon essential oil, and lavender essential oil also help in hay fever relief.
You can rub these essential oils directly on the nose and throat. However, you must mix the essential oils with carrier oils like olive or jojoba oils for the desired effects. Essential oils can also be used as infusions. You must consult an aromatherapy specialist before opting for aromatherapy treatment of hay fever.