Each year, millions of French people are confronted with the inconveniences of seasonal allergies. Runny nose, repeated sneezing, sore throat, swollen eyes… all of these symptoms can be particularly unpleasant and annoying. To combat them, different solutions can be considered. Have you ever tried essential oils to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a plant that is often better known for its culinary use than its therapeutic virtues. However, tarragon essential oil could be one of your best allies in case of seasonal allergies. It is rich in methyl-ethers phenols, including estragole (methyl-chavicol). This compound has antispasmodic and anti-allergic properties, particularly appreciated for combating the famous hay fever (or allergic rhinitis).

In practice : Tarragon essential oil can be used as an inhalation to stop sneezing and watery eyes. Place a few drops of tarragon essential oil on a tissue and breathe it in deeply.

Native to Australia, eucalyptus include many species. Among these, the radiated eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) is very appreciated in aromatherapy to fight against allergies and respiratory infections. And for good reason, since the essential oil of radiated eucalyptus contains a powerful active principle with expectorant, mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immunostimulating properties. This compound is known as 1,8-cineole or eucalyptol.

In practice : To relieve allergic rhinitis, the essential oil of radiated eucalyptus is often used in inhalation. Just put a few drops of essential oil on a handkerchief and breathe it several times a day. The essential oil of radiated eucalyptus can also be used in massage on the sinuses, throat or thorax. For cutaneous use, it must be diluted beforehand in a vegetable oil. Dilute for example 1 drop of essential oil of eucalyptus radiated in 6 drops of vegetable oil of argan.

In the aromatherapy kit against seasonal allergies, there is also essential oil of chamomile matricaria (Matricaria recutita). Also known as German Chamomile, Matricaria Chamomile is an herbaceous plant abundant in Central Europe and North Africa. The essential oil obtained from the inflorescences in flower heads contains various compounds which give it significant advantages in case of seasonal allergies. Among its active ingredients, there are in particular sesquiterpenes such as chamazulene as well as sesquiterpene oxides such as alpha-bisabolol A oxide and alpha-bisabolol B oxide.

In practice : Matricaria chamomile essential oil can be used by the skin in case of seasonal allergies. Mix 2 drops of chamomile essential oil with 8 drops of vegetable oil then apply this mixture on the forearms twice a day.

If the essential oil of chamomile matricaria can present advantages in case of seasonal allergies, it is the same for the essential oil of Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). These two species of chamomile have similarities but also differences. The composition of their essential oils is notably different. Roman chamomile is distinguished by its content of terpene alcohols, ketones such as pinocarvone, as well as esters such as isobutyl angelate and isoamyl angelate. Thanks to this composition, the essential oil of Roman chamomile is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties as well as for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-itching and antispasmodic activities.

In practice : To fight against seasonal allergies, the essential oil of Roman chamomile can be used in diffusion, by cutaneous route or by oral route. In diffusion: place one or two drops in a device designed for this purpose. By skin: apply one to two drops of this mixture on the forehead and the wings of the nose, two to four times a day. Oral: the advice of a health professional is necessary.