I did it! I am officially an Essential Oil Specialist!

During the spring some of us look forward to longer, sunnier days and with it the start of new buds and pollen. Did you know that 40 to 60 million Americans are affected by allergies and a growing number of these are children? The symptoms can bring misery: excessive sneezing, itchy & watery eyes, headaches, clogged sinuses and headaches. For some it can be even more severe and leave them feeling unable to catch their breath. 

It can be very frustrating for parents to find solutions that don't leave their children feeling drowsy during the day not to mention reading side effects to some allergy medications that are linked to dementia, nausea, vomiting, and behavioral issues and many more. My youngest, suffers the worst when spring allergy season arrives and so we start our protocols with powerful essential oils and supplements now in order to help avoid the clogged sinuses, runny nose, itchy red and watery eyes later. 

What is an allergic reaction anyway? 
Our immune systems think that an allergen, a harmless substance, is an invader so it over reacts and produces Immunoglobulin E antibodies which travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals. This is the allergic reaction. Common causes of allergies have been around for thousands of years, yet we still have an increase in allergies. One theory behind this rise has to do with inflammation in the body which is the cause of most diseases. Be honest, how many of us always eat correctly, get enough sleep, exercise and manage stress well? When inflammation is present in the body, an allergen can cause and overly worked immune system to go into overdrive. 

One of the incredible benefits of essential oils is for their ability to fight inflammation and boost the immune system. doTERRA's beyond pure essential oils can help detoxify the body, help ward off seasonal threats and clear the air in your home of microorganisms and harmful toxins. Essential oils can even help open the airways, clear the sinuses and offer relief when it's needed most.

1. Eliminate Sugar & Dairy- Eat Healthy Food:
We try our best to stay away from processed sugar during allergy season. It’s definitely not easy, but sugar depletes your immune system and is the number one cause of inflammation in the body!  People also find relief in limiting foods that cause mucus production, such as conventional dairy products and gluten. Focus on nutrient rich proteins, fresh fruits and veggies, drink bone broth and plenty of clean water. 

2. Take Buffered Vitamin C daily: 
Most of the Vitamin C that is found on the market is full of sugar. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and protects your cells from damage, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps your body to fight infections. When taken during allergy season, it can slow down the overreaction of your body to environmental triggers by decreasing your body's histamine production. 

3. Use doTERRA Essential Oils :
Research has proven that essential oils can help keep those seasonal and environmental threats at bay!
I like to make an allergy roller for daily use and easy application. 

Allergy Buster Roller blend:
10ml rollerbottle:
-10 drops lavender
-10 drops lemon
-10 drops peppermint
-fill with Fractionated Coconut oil
We use this topically down the spine, across the chest and even on the feet. 

Peppermint oil can oftentimes immediately help open the sinuses and if taken and pressed to the roof of the mouth, eliminate tickle that just can't be scratched. 
Lemon oil can help cut through the overproduction of mucous and helps to boost the immune system. When diffused, it can eliminate allergy triggers in the air. 
Lavender oil is "all things calming" and can help calm the body's response to those allergens. 

Another trick we use when extremely congested is using a steaming mug of water with essential oils! It offers great relief quickly. ​

 4. Diffuse Essential Oils:
Keeping the air in your home free of bacteria and viruses is paramount to your health. Diffuse your favorite oils daily to purify and cleanse the air as well as boost your immune system. 
OnGuard is always wonderful to use, but here's a couple recipes you can also use in addition to the many I have listed on my website in my "Blends."
Easy Breathing Blend
-4 drops Breathe Respiratory blend
-2 drops Lime
-2 drops Copaiba
or
Seasonal Allergy Support
-2 drops Lavender
-2 drops Peppermint
-2 drops Lemon​

5. Take TriEase Softgels internally:
TriEase Softgels combine three of the most potent essential oils for support of healthy respiratory and protection against seasonal threats. These won't leave you feeling drowsy but make sure to take these with food. 
6. Take High Quality Vitamins Daily: 
I really truly love dōTERRA’s Life Long Vitality vitamins. If you haven’t started taking them yet, I highly suggest looking into them. They are the best vitamins that you can find on the market while getting the most bang for your buck. 
They are whole food, plant based, packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your body NEEDS on a daily basis to thrive and keep your immune system boosted. They are our #1 best selling product for a reason and you will thank me once you start taking them and notice the difference. You'll have more energy, a decrease in aches and pains, more mental clarity and much more. There is also a great children's chewable vitamin by dōTERRA! 
7. Take a High Quality Probiotic:
According to Science Daily, new research shows that probiotics help reduce the symptoms of hay fever if taken during allergy season. dōTERRA offers a great adult as well as children’s probiotic  that we take daily - PB assist and PB Assist Junior! 
8. Clean and Detox: 
Deep clean your home with doTERRA's OnGuard Cleaner Concentrate and add in a few drops of Tea Tree (melaleuca oil) for its antimicrobial power. Ditch the toxic alternatives that can trigger allergic type symptoms as well! Remember to change your bedding weekly.
9. Use Saline Rinses/Neti-Pot:
Keeping ahead of symptoms are key before they start. Saline rinses can help the nasal cavity from collecting excessive mucous which can lead extreme pressure and discomfort. Adding rosemary or eucalyptus oil can really add a powerful cleansing boost to your rinse. 

Hopefully these tips will keep your family happy and healthier throughout the spring! Please feel free to share these tips! Thank you True Wellness Community for all these great suggestions.