Rescue From Ragweed

by Stephanie Chambers

Although the Ancient Greeks may have classed Ragweed under the Genus “ambrosia”, meaning “food of the Gods”, most people who are allergic to it would have far less positive names for it. In country areas especially, Ragweed is an extremely common allergen. The peak season for Ragweed allergic reactions are when summer is ending and fall is beginning. This is because at this time of the year each Ragweed plant produces a billion or more grains of pollen, which are carried by the winds.

As we explain in detail on our Essential Oils For Allergies & Hayfever page, “allergic rhinitis” (known as “hayfever” when the allergens are the pollens of grass or trees) is when the nasal passages become inflamed due to the effect of allergens like ragweed.

The body overreacts as a result of the Ragweed trigger and produces an abundance of antibodies. When these antibodies bind to certain cells, they cause the release of histamines and other chemicals which cause sneezing, increased mucus, watery and itchy eyes and so on.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP THIS?

Well, the good news is that there are essential oils that can help. At Amrita, we have combined Moroccan Blue Chamomile, Amni Visnaga, Lavender Maillette, Lavender Extra, Palmarosa and Hyssop into a formula called Allergy Easer Roll-On Relief. Taking a moment to close your eyes and to locate where the allergy is affecting your body and then rolling the lotion on that area often helps with immediate symptoms. We also have this as a synergy called Allergy Easer Synergy, which you can dilute in any carrier oil (6 drops per tablespoon) and apply under the nose or inside the nostrils or use in a steam inhalation. As a more preventative measure, Amrita has developed Allergy Relief Tri-Essence PowerBlend.

Some people find that the following essential oils also help their allergies:

Helichrysum – diffused (but you may like to mix it with Lavender as it is very expensive)

Lavender – diffused

Moroccan Blue Chamomile – diffused.

Research¹ has also shown that a nasal spray made from citrus lemon extracts and Ravintsara and Niaouli essential oils was effective in "the treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic and vasomotor rhinopathy".

You may also like to try using Eucalyptus Radiata or Hyssop Cineol.

So next time you reach for the handkerchiefs and antihistamines, think about trying a more natural approach by using essential oils — an approach that will help your body to regain its natural balance — so that it knows Ragweed is a friend, a food of the gods even, rather than something to react against.

Sources: 1 http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2012/404606/

Disclaimer: The statements made in this blog have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition persists, please contact your physician or healthcare provider. The information provided is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider, and should not be construed as medical advice.

Original Published: 2015-09-24 / Last Modified: 2021-10-11