Can oregano essential oil help for allergies

Dealing with allergies can be annoying and not being able to control these allergies can be frustrating and can lead to sneezing, headaches, weakened sense of smell, block, and runny nose. Allergies are highly common now in our industrialized world compared to 5 decades ago. Now, millions of people all across the world are dealing with allergies, either seasonal while some by chronic allergies.

With the changing seasons and our immune systems being weakened by environmental toxins and the food industry, it is practically impossible for individuals dealing with allergies to avoid allergic reaction triggers. But with the use of oregano essential oil, you can easily boost your immune system and naturally treat the symptoms of allergy reactions. Oregano oil can help with allergies as the properties of oregano have the ability to support the body and curb hypersensitivity.

In this post, you will be able to learn more about allergies as with a proper understanding you can easily see how oregano can be of help. You will learn how oregano oil fights allergies, how oregano oil can be properly used to prevent allergic reactions.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is well known to be an overreaction of our immune system to an environmental substance that proves harmless to other people. These substances are commonly known as allergens. For an allergy reaction to take place, the body’s immune system treats the allergen as an invader and reacts inappropriately to the substance leading to an adverse reaction to an individual’s health.

With people dealing with allergies, the immune system rapidly produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E, at first interaction with an allergen. With subsequent exposure, the body produces more and more immunoglobulin E, which further attaches itself to the mast and basophils cells. As the exposure continues, the allergen attaches to the immunoglobulin E which forces the mast and basophils cells to release histamine and other protective chemicals to defend against the allergen. It is the release of these chemicals that leads to an allergic reaction as the individuals’ system tries to fight against the allergen.

It is estimated over 50 million Americans and about 2 million children suffer from allergies (1). Allergies are accountable for an estimated loss of two million school days per year. In Australia and New Zealand, 1 in every 5 persons is affected by allergies at some points in their life.

Some common allergies include food and airborne allergies. Others may be considered Atopy, which is the tendency to develop allergic reactions due to genetics (inherited). Individuals with atopy are considered “atopic” and when exposed to allergens they immediately develop immune reactions that cause allergic inflammation. There exist different allergic causes and symptoms and of which some can be life-threatening. Allergy has been scientifically proven to be one of the major factors responsible for the cause and persistence of asthma (2).

Types of Allergies and their Symptoms.

Airborne Allergies; They are associated with seasonal changes and comes in the form of allergic rhinitis, the medical term for hay fever.

Airborne allergy symptoms;

• Itchy nose or throat
• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Coughing
• Watery, itchy or red eyes
• Dark circles around eyes
• Swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face

Common cause

• Dust
• Pollen
• Mold
• Pet dander, urine, and saliva

Food Allergies

Food allergies are not lifelong but may not be the case with some peanuts, tree nut, and seafood allergies. The development and severity of food allergies may depend on the quantity intake, the frequent exposure to the food, and the nature of sensitivity to the food. On rare occasions, a child can experience a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock. These severe symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Food allergy symptoms

• Rash
• Itchy mouth and throat
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hives
• Cramping
• Hives
• Runny and itchy nose
• Shortness of breath

Common food that can lead to the cause;

• Egg
• Soy
• Cow’s milk
• Wheat
• Seafood
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts

How oregano oil can fight against allergies.

The reason for the exponential increase in allergies in our societies today is due to inflammation which is known to be the root of most ailments. When our systems are continuously dealing with inflammation, our immune systems work constantly to protect the body and the presence of an allergen triggers an overreaction.

The only occasion where an overreaction can be avoided is when the immune system and the level of inflammation within the body were balanced. The immune system will not continuously interact with every allergen as an invader but reacts with it normally. But with the level of toxins found in our environment today and the food types are causing reactions which indicates the reasons for the increased rate of allergic reactions.

The reason why oregano oil can help for allergies is due to its anti-inflammation properties and its ability to boost the immune system. Oregano oil can be used to fight inflammation from within and without. Oregano oil is known to be antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-allergenic. This implies oregano oil can be used to detoxify the system and against harmful toxins, bacteria, parasites.

With less inflammation, the immune system can be balanced which may further prevent any overreaction when in contact with an allergen or harmless invader. Oregano oil is also known to help for respiratory conditions as many ancient healers used oregano for this purpose.

How to use oregano essential oil for allergies

Using oregano oil for allergies can be very rewarding but before we jump into how to use oregano oil for allergies, you should be informed about the general conditions about using oregano oil.

First, before using oregano oil you should take a trip to your doctor for more professional advice about using oregano oil.

Secondly, make sure you are not allergic to the Lamiaceae plant family, for if that be the case oregano may not be the best fit for solving your allergy problems if you are already allergic to the plant. If you are allergic, to mint, sage, basil, marjoram then you are allergic to oregano as they are of the same plant family. In this case, you can use other essential oils like eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, and tea tree oil.

Also, if you are dealing with diabetes, it is advisable to stay away from oregano oil. Oregano oil is known to lower blood sugar levels. This can be an issue with your diabetes medication.

If you are taking any blood-thinning medications, it is advisable to avoid using oregano oil. Oregano oil by its self promotes the free flow of blood in the system. Taking oregano oil alongside your medication can lead to bleeding.

It is also advisable for nursing and pregnant women to avoid the use of oregano oil. Oregano oil can cause serious issues to the fetus and slows the flow of milk for nursing mothers.

The best ways to use oregano oil for allergy

For respiratory conditions, you can diffuse 5-6 drops of oregano oil while you are at home. Oregano can act as an expectorant by loosening up or eliminate the buildup of phlegm in the respiratory tracts, mucus, and sinuses. It can help to soothe inflamed throat and lungs which can lead to coughing.

If you don’t have an oil diffuser, you can go traditional by adding 5-6 drops of oregano oil in a bowl of boiled water. Place your head over the bowl and breathe-in to inhale the vapor. You can place a towel over your head to prevent the vapor from escaping. As you breathe open your mouth to let in some vapor to soothe your throat.

You can prepare a soothing balm by adding 2-3 drops of oregano oil mixed a tablespoon of a carrier oil and rub on the chest and back of the neck areas (two to three times a day). This helps greatly for respiratory tract infections and coughs.

For Food Allergies – In other to relieve yourself from the symptoms of food allergies, you will have to take oregano oil internally or orally. This will help to detox the system and boost your immune system. To take oregano oil orally, you can mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil in a glass of water. If you are not good with the taste of oregano, you can add 2-3 drops of oregano in any beverage of your choice, for example, in a glass of orange juice.

Better still you can take oregano capsules, or even make yours at home by mixing 2-3 drops of oregano oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil and fill it up in empty gelatin capsules. Never take oregano oil on an empty stomach.

For Skin issues – In cases of skin rashes and hives, you can mix 2 – 3 drops of oregano oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil and apply on the affected area. You can also apply the mixture over the liver area to fight skin irritations because it can help the liver to kick out the toxins that affect the skin.

For Seasonal Allergies – You will need to treat your home to eliminate possible triggers and purify the air around the house. A simple mixture of oregano oil, lemon oil, and a small amount of white vinegar can be used to disinfect your home. Add about 30 drops of oregano, 15 drops of lemon oil and mix in a 16-ounce spray bottle filled with water and spray all over the house including surfaces.

EndNote

It is important to note there are several oregano species and from different areas but the required oregano oil is the oregano with the scientific name oreganum vulgare which is also referred to as the joy of the mountain. This species of oregano is commonly found in the Greek Mediterranean mountainous area, extending to Spain and the Turkish mountains. The oil must be 100% organic and therapeutic grade essential oil.

Feel free to drop a comment below with your experience on using oregano oil so we can all learn from your results.