The Season of Allergies

Have a Spring in your Step!

Every season has its own unique way of greeting us and spring is one of my favourites although some find it the season of allergies! 

Humans are programmed to rest more when its dark and be more active when its light so the extra daylight hours we feel more energised.  All of nature joins us on this gorgeous path.  Every season impacts us differently from energy levels, to moods, our immune system, sleep and even digestion is affected.

The most common complaint?  Allergies. 

Spring allergies can include pollen, grasses, mould spores and dust mites.  These allergens can trigger allergic reactions.  The allergens travel up our nose and our immune system acts to get rid of it.  Hence sneezing, the excess mucus can cause a runny nose, weeping and itchy red eyes and a tickle in the back of the throat.

What causes allergy symptoms?

Allergy symptoms are caused by histamines, they are chemicals released by the mast cells when they spot and invader such as pollen. Here at the Apothecary Kitchen, we have just the blend to help you soothe those allergy symptoms, it works particularly well with hay fever. 

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Acts like a gentle antihistamine its anti-inflammatory and reduces stress related allergy symptoms.  Studies show it can reduce allergic inflammation as well as the enlargement of mucous cells. Research suggests its anxiolytic, mood stabilizer, sedative, analgesic, and anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties.

Lemon (Citrus limonum)

Supports lymphatic drainage with its detoxifying properties which in turn reduces mucus buildup and soothes sinuses it also has an anti-microbial action which helps the body to fight infections. 

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint is a decongestant and antihistamine its invigorating to the mind and can aid clear thinking and concentration.

Book an appointment with Jane our Clinical Aromatherapist jane@hummingbirdholistics.co.uk. to talk through your options.  This information is for teaching and support purposes only and is not to take place of conventional medicine.  We recommend that you consult your GP, nurse or pharmacist if you have any health concerns.    

References

Ueno-Iio T, Shibakura M, Yokota K, Aoe M, Hyoda T, Shinohata R, Kanehiro A, Tanimoto M, Kataoka M. Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma. Life Sci. 2014 Jul 17;108(2):109-15.

Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Lavender and the nervous system. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:681304.   

Herro E, Jacob SE. Mentha piperita (peppermint). Dermatitis. 2010 Nov-Dec;21(6):327-9. PMID: 21144345.

d'Alessio PA, Bisson JF, Béné MC. Anti-stress effects of d-limonene and its metabolite perillyl alcohol. Rejuvenation Res. 2014 Apr;17(2):145-9. doi: 10.1089/rej.2013.1515. Epub 2014 Apr 8. PMID: 24125633.