Garden Plants To Avoid With Allergies
Annuals, Perennials, and Sneezables
The Plants to Avoid: Botanical and Common Names: The following plants can cause problems for people with allergies and should be avoided. In general, its a good idea to avoid any plant which releases its pollen into the air, rather than relying on insects for pollination. For sensitive individuals, it is also a good idea to avoid anything that gives off a strong scent, such as certain rose varieties.
Flowering Plants
- Amaranthus caudatus love lies bleeding, tassel flower
- Chrysanthemum chrysanthemum, daisy
- Thalictrum buttercup
- Daucus carota Queen Annes lace, wild carrot
- Doronicum leopards bane
- Hydrangea paniculata & quercifolia pee-gee and oak leaf hydrangea
Trees
Vines and Climbing Plants
- Hedera ivy
Now that youve rooted out all the allergy-offenders from your garden, its time to check out our list of sneeze-free options.
We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.
You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Twelve Best Essential Oils For Coughs
There are many causes for someone to cough, including the common cold,;flu, or chest infection. Essential oils may help to soothe the throat, reduce;inflammation, and clear away mucus.
The medical community tends to view essential oils as a complementary alternative therapy rather than a medical treatment. These oils should be used with caution, as there are no approved guidelines about dosage or strength.
However, there are instructions, and if a person follows them, any of the 12 essential oils below may help to relieve a cough.;
Ethics Approval And Informed Consent
Ethics approval was sought and obtained from the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations from Griffith University. Informed written consent was obtained from adults, and parents or guardians, and children/minors.
Read Also: Do Oxygen Levels Drop During Asthma Attack
How To Treat Asthma With Aromatherapy
The characteristic wheezing of asthma is made by the effort to push air through swollen, narrowed bronchial passages. During an asthma attack, stale air cannot be fully exhaled because the bronchioles are swollen and clogged with mucus, and thus less fresh air cannot be inhaled. The person gasps and labors for breath.
Allergic reactions to food, stress, and airborne allergens are the common causes of asthma. Allergies trigger production of histamine, which dilates blood vessels and constricts airways. Asthma sufferers fight an ongoing battle with such low-level congestion, which is actually an attempt by unhappy lungs to rid themselves of irritations.
Many aromatherapy books warn against using essential oils to treat asthma. Some asthmatics are sensitive to fragrance and find that it triggers their attacks. Although you certainly don’t want to make the situation any worse, aromatherapy offers promising results when used judiciously.
The safest time for aromatherapy treatments is in-between attacks. Use a chest rub made from essential oils that have decongestive and antihistamine properties, such as peppermint and ginger. German chamomile, which contains chamazulene, is thought to actually prevent the release of histamine. Frankincense, marjoram, and rose encourage deep breathing and allow lungs to expand. To reduce bronchial spasms, use the relaxants: chamomile, lavender, rose, geranium, and marjoram.
Cleaning Versus Disinfecting Versus Sanitizing
Did you know cleaning products dont always disinfect, and disinfectants dont always clean? And whats the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing?
- Cleaning removes dirt and germs. This can be done simply with soap and water.
- Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs. It does not clean or remove the germs.
- Sanitizing reduces the number of germs to a safe level. A surface is considered sanitized when either cleaning and/or disinfecting reduces the germs to safe level according to public health guidelines.
To properly sanitize a surface, clean first to remove germs, dirt, and residue. Then disinfect to kill remaining germs.
Also Check: What Is Type 1 Asthma
Are Essential Oils Safe
Many people believe that natural products are always safe for use. While some plant extracts can be safe, you shouldn’t assume that all of them are. In fact, many plants have varying effects on your body. For example:
- Cumin oil: safe in food, but can cause blistering if left on your skin.
- Citrus oil: safe in food, but has varying degrees of safety. Citrus oil is particularly harmful in cosmetics if you are in direct sunlight.
- Peppermint: a mint that is used safely to treat upset stomachs, however, the pennyroyal variety of mint is toxic to your liver.
- Wintergreen: a common flavor used in gum, food, and pain relief products. While used safely in small amounts, consumption of a large amount induces symptoms like an aspirin overdose.
- Sage, Eucalyptus, and Camphor: while sage can be used in small amounts in food, large amounts of sage or any ingestion of eucalyptus or camphor can cause seizures.
As you can see, natural occurring plant oils can be dangerous if not followed in a recommended manner. This is why many clinicians will discourage use of essential oils for treating illnesses, as there is very little scientific evidence to the benefits and risks associated with aromatherapy as a medical treatment.
Essential Oil Claims For Asthma
If you’re an essential oil “true believer,” please don’t get your back up about the subhead above. I titled this section as claims, because the fact is, most of what you read about essential oils is just that: claims, rather than scientifically-proven facts.
That doesn’t mean the claims are false; it just means there’s a lot we still don’t know for sure about how essential oils work and how they might, or might not, help with asthma and other medical conditions. Sure, there are countless anecdotal stories and testimonials, but these are not scientific proof.
Having said all that, here are a few essential oils most commonly claimed to possibly help with asthma:2
- Peppermint
Keep in mind, though, that very few of these studies are U.S.-based, done with humans or with significant numbers of participants. Nor do they constitute what is known as “peer-reviewed scientific research.” This means3:
“Peer-reviewedÂ; journals – Articles are written by experts and areÂ;reviewedÂ;by several other experts in the field before the article is published in the journal in order to insure the article’s quality.”
Peer-reviewed research is more likely to be scientifically valid and to reach reasonable conclusions. The studies also use double-blind methodology, where half of the participants unknowingly use a placebo or no treatment, to see if the differences are statistically significant.
Also Check: What Causes Someone To Get Asthma
Could The Evidence Change For Essential Oils And Lungs
For now, doctors are suggesting people with lung health issues either avoid essential oils or approach them with extreme caution, due to a lack of solid evidence proving any benefit to the use of essential oils for lung health. But could new research make an impact? Perhaps.;
There is potentially some research that is still in early phases where they could still have some potential benefits, says Dr. Buhr. But wait. Those early phases usually mean research that involves petri dishes or animals, not humans, he notes. Theres definitely a role for continued exploration for the role of botanicals as treatment, but that doesnt mean theyre ready for prime time with current available preparations, he says.;
The bottom line: its a good idea to be cautious about using essential oils if you happen to have a lung disease or condition. Talk to your healthcare provider before you start using anything new, including an essential oil or herbal supplement.;
And dont give up on any of the prescribed meds youre taking without consulting your doctor first. If youre concerned about a side effect of your current medication, your doctor may be able to find a different medication that might be better for you.;
Cold and flu season is here! Check out our guide to pneumonia;to make sure youre up on the latest prevention strategies.
Best Essential Oil Recipe For Asthma
Essential Oils Blend Recipes for Asthma : Add 6 Drops of Lavender essential oil and 4 Drops of Geranium essential oil in one ounce of vegetable oil. After that, add 1 Drop of Marjoram and Peppermint essential oil each and blend them thoroughly to make a perfect essential oil blend for asthma.
You can use this combination as a rub for massaging on the chest and neck. For improved results, you can take a warm shower before using this rub and use it before going to sleep at night.
Essential Oil Steam : Boil 6 Cups of distilled water and add 1 Teaspoon of eucalyptus essential oil in it. Now, move your head close to the water and inhale the steam deeply. You can cover your head with a towel and add some fresh leaves of Eucalyptus to it before inhaling the steam for better results. You can also try this DIY Essential Oil Asthma Inhaler Recipe with Lavender Essential Oil.
Don’t Miss:;Make Eyelash Growth Serum
You May Like: How To Stop Allergy Induced Asthma
Essential Oils For Treating Asthma Precautions
Essential oils may not always be an ideal treatment for asthma. After all, asthma attacks can be triggered by allergies, so those with allergic reactions to the scent of specific or all oils will have their attacks triggered by them.
As a result, if you experience attacks or a deterioration in your breathing after using an essential oil, the better approach is to seek conventional medical advice.
Almost no drugs work for everyone, and essential oils are no exception.
Many sufferers may benefit from essential oils and use them to relieve the mild attacks, but still keep a prescribed inhaler on hand to deal with the severe cases. If you are sure you are not allergic to the scent of oils, this is probably an approach that you may want to consider, as it limits synthetic drugs to only the necessary cases.
Essential oils and medications are not mutually exclusive, and the former can often support the systems of your body until the latter becomes necessary. Think of it as a complementary, rather than an alternative, treatment. Make sure to consult with your doctor before using essential oils for treating asthma.
Research And Safety Issues Surrounding Aromatherapy Treatment Options
Aromatherapy involves the aerosolization of naturally occurring extracts from plants. Aromatherapy is is a method of using natural aromas and essential oils to provide a physical or psychological therapeutic effect and is a growing trend in complementary and alternative medicine. Use of essential oils is controversial, as little research to validate effectiveness or potential harm has been done. Despite the lack of research, many people believe they receive symptomatic relief including aromatherapy into their care regimen.
Recommended Reading: Is Asthma High Risk For Covid
Male Vs Female Plants
You might notice that your asthma is worse in the spring or summer. This trend is often related to pollen counts in the air. Most plants are both male and female, but some are not.
Male plants produce more pollen, while female plants help remove pollen from in and around your garden. Male and female trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses all follow this pattern. Experts agree that female plants are better for asthma than male plants.
Male and female plants of the same species have a slightly different appearance. If you aren’t an expert at differentiating male and female plants, you can ask a specialist to help you when you are buying plants or you can compare the appearance of your plant with photos of the male and female versions of the species.
Blending Aromatherapy Lavender Oils
Although most essential oils blend well with one another, lavender oil blends particularly well with cedarwood oil, clary sage oil, geranium oil, pine oil, nutmeg oil, and all the citrus oils .
A wonderful formula for relieving headaches is as follows: one teaspoon sweet almond oil as a carrier and two drops of lavender essential oil. Place a few drops on your temples to ease your headache.
Lavender oil is one of the essential oils which blends particularly widely with a variety of other scents and fragrances.
You May Like: What Happens To The Alveoli During An Asthma Attack
Complementary Treatment And Medical Care
Essential oils cannot replace appropriate medical care.
Asthma can be life-threatening, and people with this condition should take any medications that their doctor prescribes and attend appointments as they recommend.
Essentials oils may be a helpful treatment, but people should always consult a doctor before using them and be aware that oils may not be suitable for children.
It is particularly crucial to check with a doctor before using oils during pregnancy.
Cleaning To Prevent The Spread Of The Coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you clean regularly to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus. But not every cleaning product will kill the virus.
These cleaning solutions will kill the virus that causes COVID-19 when used properly:
- Undiluted rubbing alcohol Leave on the surface for at least 30 seconds.2
- Hydrogen peroxide 3% concentration Leave on the surface for 1 minute.3
- Bleach with a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 5 to 6% Leave on the surface for 1 minute.4
Bleach is a common asthma trigger. People with asthma should avoid using bleach or areas where bleach is being used when possible. If you must use bleach:
- Mix it in the right proportion
- Wear a mask and gloves
- Use it in a well-ventilated room
- Dont mix bleach and ammonia
- Have someone else clean for you, if possible
Vinegar and essential oils are not EPA-registered disinfectants and will not kill the new coronavirus.
For a list of more cleaners, see the full list of EPA-registered disinfectants for use against COVID-19.
You May Like: What Is Asthma Characterized By
The Risks Of Using Essential Oils To Help With Asthma
Both research results and experts tend to agree: Essential oils for asthma can be risky.
I dont think are great, says Dean Mitchell, MD, an allergist in private practice at Mitchell Medical Group and a professor of clinical immunology at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City.
Some people with allergic asthma, for example, may experience an allergic reaction from essential oils that triggers their asthma symptoms, he says. Some people do not tolerate essential oils very well.
Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, affecting roughly 60 percent of the more than 25 million Americans with asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. With this type of asthma, your symptoms shortness of breath, wheezing are triggered by allergens .
But its not just an allergic reaction to the essential oil itself you have to worry about if you have asthma its the other chemicals they emit into the surrounding air, too, that can cause problems. More specifically, research suggests that essential oils release volatile organic compounds , which have been associated with increased asthma symptoms , according to Maeve OConnor, MD, the chair of the Integrative Medicine Committee for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and an allergist in private practice at Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Essential Oils To Crack Asthma
1. Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil has decongestant and antihistamine properties that relieve asthma attacks. Exposure to allergens such as dust mites and pollen trigger your body to release histamines, which in turn trigger asthma attacks. Peppermint inhibits the release of histamine in your body.
How to apply: Combine 2 drops of peppermint essential oil with one drop of lemon, 8 drops of lavender, and 20 drops of carrier oil. You can use carrier oils such as sweet almond, olive or jojoba. Rub your chest using this mixture twice in a day to prevent asthma attacks.
2. Lavender
Lavender is one of the essential oils that have sedative and anti-inflammatory characteristics that are effective in managing asthma.
How to apply:;
- Its use and application can be achieved by inhaling a combination of lavender and eucalyptus or peppermint, which can relieve mild asthma attacks.
- Another way of using lavender for asthma attacks is adding several drops of the oil into a bowl with hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam from the bowl, which helps to clear your airways and cleanses your skin.
3. Roman Chamomile and Bergamot
Theseessential oils for asthma are antispasmodics. They relieve asthma symptoms by relieving muscle contractions that narrow bronchial passages. Roman chamomile and bergamot essential oils have sedative properties that relax the body. This relaxation is necessary because tension accompanies asthma attacks.
4. Tea Tree Oil
5. Eucalyptus
7. Oregano
Recommended Reading: Is Eczema Related To Asthma
Are Alternative Treatments Safe
Essential oils are not regulated the same way prescription medications are for asthma. Alternative medicine treatments do not undergo scientific review and may not be safe.
There currently is no scientific evidence that supports essential oils help people with asthma. In fact, diffused oils may cause greater harm to those who suffer from asthma. The FDA has issued warning letters to essential oil companies who make unsubstantiated claims about their uses.
Talk to your doctor before substituting an alternative medicine for an asthma medicine prescribed by your doctor. While the oils are considered natural, they release VOCs which have been associated with increased asthma symptoms.
Before substituting essential oils for medications, consult with a trained physician. If you suffer from asthma, get clear answers from the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida. Our doctors specialize in the treatment and management of allergy and asthma symptoms for children and adults.;Contact us for more information or;schedule an appointment online today.