PoD: Allergy Relief

Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica), Spike Lavender (Lavendula latifolia), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives), Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Sometimes I make a blend just because I have an intention, and lately I have been sneezing every morning..yep, Spring has Sprung! I adore this blend, its essence reminds me of a crisp morning while walking amongst the pine trees. This is definitely a great blend for our respiratory system to help calm the allergies down. I think you will love it too!

Route of Absorption is via Inhalation

Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, and therefore the central nervous system. (What a great way to calm down!) Additionally, inhaled essential oils come in direct contact with nasal passages, sinuses, trachea, and lungs. Physical contact between the essential oil and the internal structures of the respiratory system creates many benefits:

1. Inhaling essential oils can treat respiratory conditions such as colds, the flu, sore throat, sinus congestion, environmental allergies, etc.

2. The respiratory system is frequently a “first avenue” of infection. Inhaling essential oils can help prevent respiratory infections.

3. Essential oils can cross into the bloodstream from the lungs. This is a quick way to deliver essential oils to the whole internal system of the body via the blood.

Crossing the mucous membrane

The internal lining of the respiratory system is a mucous membrane. Mucous membranes are thinner than external skin, therefore essential oil can cross the lining more quickly. This membrane is also more delicate than the skin, so more care needs to be taken when choosing oils for inhalation than for applying to the skin. To get a quick sense of the difference, feel the internal lining of your cheek. Go ahead, stick your finger in your mouth and feel around! Compare the texture of this mucous membrane to the skin on your forearm. Now you have a clear sense of the different textures and sensitivities between the skin (an external covering) and mucous membranes (internal coverings).

One side of the mucous membrane faces the internal cavities—the mouth, nasal passages, sinuses, trachea, alveoli of the lungs, etc. Mucous membranes line just about all of the internal organs of the body, including the stomach, small and large intestine, and urinary bladder. On the other side of the mucous membrane are millions of capillaries, just waiting to pick up nutrients that “seep” through the membrane. Because of the rich bed of capillaries and thinness of the membrane, essential oil constituents picked up by the mucous membrane via inhalation are quickly absorbed into the blood. From these capillaries, the constituents can travel throughout the body with blood.

Benefits of inhalation

1. Very quick absorption into the bloodstream.

2. Direct effect on an infection within the respiratory system.

3. Direct effect on congestion within the respiratory system.

4. Direct effect on the central nervous system