Father of Clinical Ecology, Theron Randolph, a physician, allergist, and researcher – during the 20th century – studied the effects of environmental allergens, chemical sensitivities, and food allergies. According to Randolph’s research, “Approximately 90% of people have some kind of allergy or sensitivity.” He estimated that 9 out of 10 people have food sensitivities and don’t realize that their symptoms are related to the food they’re eating on a daily basis.
Symptoms of environmental and food allergies may show up as itchy, burning or sore eyes, nose, or throat, sneezing, runny nose, sinus congestion, post nasal drip, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Common food allergens include dairy, wheat, corn, soy, peanuts, coffee, artificial sweeteners, and MSG.
As more than 50 percent of your immune system is found in your digestive tract, it is very important that you eliminate foods or environmental substances that don’t agree with you, if possible.
When you are exposed to substances that don’t agree with you, your digestive and immune system becomes inflamed. Inflammation is now being recognized as a leading cause of many diseases. Constant exposure to hidden allergens can overwork and confuse your immune system and lead to the development of certain diseases like irritable bowel, celiac, Crohn’s, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, eczema, psoriases, fibromyalgia, lupus, MS, and heart disease.
Signs You May Be Allergic To Foods
- Foods or substances you may be allergic to, tend to be foods you ‘Can’t live without’, or are over exposed to.
- Swollen or puffy eyes after exposure or eating certain foods.
- Bloating, gas, indigestion, acid reflux, or other irritable bowel problems.
- Seasonal hay fever symptoms that continue throughout the year.
Rotate Your Foods And Eliminate Exposure
To avoid becoming allergic to foods or environmental substances, rotate your foods or eliminate environmental substances (like synthetic fragrances) that you are sensitive to, if possible. Eating whole, natural foods and limiting your intake of processed foods, as well as using only natural products and cleaning supplies can significantly reduce allergies.
Daily consumption of a particular food like a morning cup of coffee, or daily sugar fix, can lead not only to addiction but to food allergies and sensitivities from over exposure. A common practice for the prevention of food allergies is to rotate your foods, which means, you consume a particular food no more than three days in a row before taking a one or two-day break from it.
Sensitivities to foods and environmental substances have also been linked to anxiety, depression, joint pain, asthma, acne, bad breath, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, brain fog, hyperactivity, puffy eyes and face, and even stubborn to lose weight.
Essential Oils To Calm Down Allergic Reactions
Here are the top essential oils I recommend using alone, or in a blend to calm down intestinal inflammation, as well as food and environmental allergies.
1. Blue Tansy (Tanacetum Annum – Moroccan Blue Chamomile)
[Steam distilled flower tops, Morocco]
Contains naturally occurring antihistamine and anti-allergic properties and is especially effective for promoting relief of allergies. Its natural bronchi-dilating and anti-inflammatory effects make it especially useful for reducing the swelling and itching that may accompany allergies.
Caution: Its chemical component chamazulene (anti-inflammatory) may inhibit certain enzymes which can theoretically inhibit drugs metabolized by these same enzymes.
2. Helichrysum (Helichrysum Italicum)
[Italian everlasting, immortelle, steam distilled flowers, Corsica (the BEST!)]
Considered one of the most powerful regenerative oils in aromatherapy, helichrysum italicum is used primarily for tissue repair and is excellent for relieving inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Caution: Moderate risk for skin irritation.
3. Blue Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium L.)
[Steam distilled flowers, Bulgaria and Canada]
Used since antiquity, for its potent anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve pain and inflammation. Yarrow oil’s cleansing and fortifying effect and its expectorant properties make it useful for relieving sinus congestion, and its anti-allergic properties make it effective for relieving allergy symptoms.
Caution: Avoid in pregnancy. High ketone (thujone) content can cause headaches, avoid prolonged use. Can be substituted with German chamomile, if pregnant. Since chamazulene (a constituent of both Blue Yarrow and German Chamomile) inhibits certain enzymes theoretically, there’s a possibility that it will inhibit drugs metabolized by these same enzymes.
4. Peppermint (Mentha X Piperita)
[Steam distilled flowering tops and leaves, USA]
Its decongestant properties make it one of the best oils for relieving congestion of any kind, including sinus congestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties act to constrict and narrow the blood vessels to cool inflammation. Research studies also show that peppermint can help reduce symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Symptoms).
Caution: Peppermint cools excess hot conditions by constricting your blood capillaries, therefore, please use in extremely weak dilutions. Research indicates that Peppermint Oil may irritate GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a type of heartburn. Due to its strong cooling action peppermint should not be used by children under 2 1/2 years of age. Tisserand sets the bar for safe use with children at 10 years of age.
5. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus)
[Hydrodiffused Grass, Haiti]
In traditional folk medicine, lemongrass has a long history of use. It has been used for the treatment of nervous and gastrointestinal disorders and fevers.
Recent research studies demonstrate lemongrass oil’s sedative effect on the central nervous system, helpful for calming down allergic reactions.
Caution: Avoid in pregnancy. Possible skin sensitization. Use less than 1% dermal application. Possible inhibition of Anti-diabetic medication, as well as other drug interactions metabolized by the CYP2B6 enzyme.
6. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Radiata)
[Steam distilled leaf, Australia]
Many traditional medicines contain eucalyptus. It is one of the most powerful respiratory support oils in aromatherapy. Its decongestant properties promote cleansing and repair of tissues. While its anti-inflammatory properties can be helpful for relieving painful, swollen, or irritated nasal passageways.
Caution: Contains 1,8-cineole which can cause CNS and breathing problems in young children. Tisserand recommends not applying to or near the face of infants or young children under ten years of age. The radiata species contains lower amounts. The dermal maximum application is 20%.
Allergy Relief Formula – For Symptomatic Relief Of Allergies
To a 5ml (100 drops) colored glass euro dropper bottle add:
- Blue tansy – 50 drops
- Helichrysum – 30 drops
- Blue yarrow – 10 drops
- Peppermint – 5 drops
- Lemongrass – 5 drops
- Eucalyptus – 1–3 drops
Adult: Cap bottles tightly and shake it vigorously to blend oils thoroughly. Allow oils to synergize for 12 hours, or longer before using. Dispense 1-3 drops on a cotton ball or perfumer’s smell strip and inhale. May also diffuse into the air. Use as needed for symptomatic relief of allergy symptoms. Refrigeration recommended for keeping the oil fresh.
Caution: Please keep oils away from eyes and do not apply oil directly on any open sores as this can cause sensitization to essential oils.
