My wonderful mother came for a visit last week and taught a great class about allergies. She has suffered with allergies since she was a little girl. I always wondered why she would eat things that made her mouth itch and give her hives. But, since starting dōTERRA she is nearly allergy free! This makes gardening, hiking and playing with her grandsons so much more enjoyable. Not to mention the delicious tomatoes she can grow and enjoy in comfort. And you wondered why I named this blog dōTERRA me Happy. These are the notes from her visit.
Allergies
An allergic reaction is the body’s immune system over-reacting to normally harmless substances known as allergens. Antibodies are created, thus an inflammatory response is the result.
Common reactions are: skin disorders, respiratory problems, digestive discomfort and cold-like symptoms.
Common sources of allergens:
Animal proteins and animal dander
Bacteria and viruses
Chemicals
Dust
Foods
Perfumes
Plants
Pollen
Smoke
In most cases, symptoms of allergies can be helped or eliminated with the use of Essential Oils.
Diet: One of the most effective ways to control allergies is to clean up the diet. Decrease milk products, especially cheese. Also, the reduction or elimination of highly processed and refined foods is a good place to start. Using less meats and more fruits and vegetables especially leafy greens is helpful. Add nuts, seeds, whole grains and hone locally harvested. For adults and older children, use of the Lifelong Vitality Pack is a great help in reducing allergies.
How to use oils*
Insect bites: Apply Lavender, Melaleuca, or Purify on site. Treat frequently until symptoms are gone.
Bee, wasp and hornet stings: Roman Chamomile, Basil, Purify, Lavender, Lemongrass
Spider bites: Basil, Purify
Itching: Lavender
Molds and Fungus: Use several drops of melaleuca, lemongrass, OnGuard, and Purify on air intake filters of the furnace to fight against allergy-causing mold and fungus. Diffuse oils to reduce reactions to allergens, mold and fungi.
Hayfever:
Aromatically: Diffuse Breathe, Purify, OnGuard, Melaleuca, or Lemongrass or rub a couple drops on you hands and cup and inhale
Internally: Take three drops each of lemon, lavender and peppermint either in a capsule or with juice or water.. This is a very powerful antihistamine. Do this regularly and consistently until symptoms subside. Can add melaleuca to the mix. Another helpful blend is to add 2-3 drops lemon, lavender and peppermint to a teaspoon of raw, local honey. The oils could also be added to a ¼ cup water or juice. Swish 10-20 seconds and swallow. Do this frequently throughout the day.
Grapefruit may also be helpful in controlling runny nose, water eyes, itchy throat, etc. Take 3-5 drops with water or juice. Take 2-3 times a day.
Topically: Rub Breathe or Peppermint under nose and inhale. Dot Lavender around eyes for itchy, water eyes. Do not get into eyes.
For children, do the above as they are able or apply any of the mentioned oils to the feet and do the Aromatouch technique once a week. (See aromatouchtechnique.blogspot.com)
To address infection and symptoms (medium):
· 2 drops lavender
· 2 drops melaleuca
· 2 drops rosemary
Apply topically with a cotton swab inside the nostrils or mix the above with a cup of warm water and, using a Neti pot (nasal irrigation device available at most drug stores) irrigate the nasal passages.
To address infection and symptoms (heavy duty):
· 1-4 drops eucalyptus (1 sufficient for most, 4 is very strong)
· 2 drops rosemary
· 2 drops frankincense
· 1-2 teaspoons sea salt
Mix the above with 2 cups of warm water and, using a Neti pot (nasal irrigation device available at most drug stores) irrigate 2 times per day (or more).
Resources: Modern Essentials, History and Overview of Essential Oils and everythingessential.me.
*NOTE: The advice shared here has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help.
