If you have itched, sneezed and streamed your way through the summer so far, you are not alone. Up to 1 in 3 people are thought to suffer from hay fever, with numbers continuing to grow.
Hay fever occurs when an allergen – commonly grass or tree pollen – sends the body’s immune system into overdrive, triggering an explosive release of histamine. This activates an inflammatory response, and the miserable tell-tale symptoms of sneezing, a runny nose and sore, streaming eyes.
Recent research suggests that the climate crisis is going to make the hay fever season last a whole lot longer, potentially stretching into the autumn. Symptoms are also likely to intensify, with up to three times as much pollen floating around between March – October by the end of the century.
There is currently no cure for it, but there are some effective ways to manage it. Over-the-counter antihistamines work to prevent or control the symptoms, and the use of nature’s own essential oils – or aromatherapy – is scientifically proven to provide much some needed relief.
Karl Murray, owner of premium essential oil company Kotanical and Ireland’s only Essential Oil Master Distiller, has recommended a cooling hay fever blend that will soothe inflamed sinuses, help with breathing and even reduce the body’s histamine response to pollen.
Cooling Hay Fever Blend
- 2 drops Peppermint essential oil.
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil.
- 2 drops Eucalyptus essential oil.
- 2 drops Lemon essential oil.
The uplifting scent of lemon helps to banish brain fog, whilst the peppermint and eucalyptus oils open the airways and facilitate easier breathing. Lavender is a natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine, helping to prevent and calm blocked, irritated sinuses.
Diffuse the blend if you’re at home – or if you’re on the go, drop the oils straight onto a good old-fashioned handkerchief. Place it over your nose and mouth and breathe in deeply whenever you need some relief.
How to Diffuse the Blend
- Ensure the diffuser is off.
- Remove both cover and the plastic lid.
- Approximately add 100ml of water in the tank.
- Add the essential oils.
- Put the plastic lid and cover back on the diffuser.
- Turn your diffuser back on.
- Choose your preferred light and mist settings.
As well as their 40 premium essential oil products, Kotanical stock a range of award-winning, hand-crafted stone diffusers that present as a sleek piece of home décor. Their easy to use, plug-in-and-play piece is designed to enhance the ambience of your space, with additional features such as an LED light adding a candle-like glow to your room.
Hand-crafted Stone Diffusers – £53/€59.99
Essential Oil Range – £9/€10 – £53/€61
Essential Oil Roll-On Blends – £20/€22
Diffuser & Essential Oil Bundles – £121/€138
All products are available to buy directly via the Kotanical website www.kotanical.ie and are stocked in Reuzi, The Kind and Ballyseedy Plants.