It’s no secret I love spring. I’ve written tonnes of posts on Instagram about of my love of spring, and in one of my favourite headshot photos taken by Portrayed Photography (which you’ll find in my blog pages), I am standing behind blossom.
Typically from late March to September many people suffer from the effects of hay fever. As I am not a sufferer, I never knew much about the condition. But as an Aromatherapist I have learnt more and more about the condition as my clients often have problems during this time of year.
I recently learnt from The Met office website that there are actually 3 different types of pollen that can affect you. I only knew about tree and grass; I didn’t even think that there was a third, weeds!
This is why pollen season lasts until September, and with many sufferers telling me they sometimes start to experience symptoms in February. That is a pretty long time to be suffering with itchy puffy eyes, or a blocked nose or even a scratchy throat, or any of the symptoms listed by the NHS guide.
Now everyone has different symptoms, and you may not be affected by the 3 types of pollen. But what are some of the remedies that can ease the typical symptoms of hay fever?
For those who have itchy puffy eyes, I would suggest trying my itchy eye soother (quick version) recipe, which I wrote last year. You can also try the version in my Allergy Awareness Awareness Week blog a while back. I have made both recipes for clients over the years. You can also contact me to have some made.
If a blocked nose is one of your hay fever symptoms then there are many essential oils and products you can use. I like to use the following and some of these oils are found in preparations you know already, like Vicks and Olabas oil because of their decongestant properties:
· Eucalyptus Globulus
· Eucalyptus Radiata
· Cajuput
· Frankincense
· Lemon
· Roman Chamomile
Many of these oils (the top 3) belong to the Myrtaceae plant family you can find out more about the benefits of these oils.
As with all essential oils, never use them directly on your skin.
Here are some handy tips to using them.
· In a diffuser
· On a tissue – The tissue can be folded and placed in the rim of your mask
· A steam inhalation (For Adults only)
Always contact a reputable Aromatherapist if you would like more information. Visit my FAQ page to find out more about essential oils and Aromatherapy.