**In this post we are going to be making nasal inhalers with a blend you can rely on for seasonally allergy & environmental threat support!**

Allergy Blend Nasal Inhaler

This post may contain links but they are not affiliate links. I am not in any sort of affiliate program at this time. They are links to things I actually use. All formulations shared on this blog have been formulated for personal use only, not for resale.

This post is meant to accompany the Allergy Tea blend that was shared a few weeks ago. In that post we talked about the allergy response, common symptoms of an allergic response as well as some possible treatment options. Check that out HERE in case you missed it.

While I can’t make any sort of claims that this will cure your allergies, it may just help you feel better & in my opinion, that gets to be enough.

One thing to keep in mind is you don’t actually need to have allergies to benefit from this nasal inhaler. Perhaps you’ve come across an environmental stressor that is letting its presence be known via congestion or itchy & watery eyes, this inhaler may be able to help with those stressors.

Let’s talk how about our olfactory system, or our sense of smell works

Did you know that odor signals reach the brain within 100 to 150 milliseconds after being inhaled through the nose. This means as soon as the aromatics reach the brain the body starts to react to the therapeutic benefits.

Smell the aroma
Odor molecules dissolve into the olfaction mucosa after it enters the nasal cavity
Receptor cells are then activated by the odor molecules binding with the olfactory receptor neurons.
An action then occurs in the olfactory bulb, the limbic system is then activated which then presents a physical response in the body sending messages to the brain about the scent.

This blend consists of 4 different essential oils. Feel free to adjust or change the oils to suit your preferences & needs.

I will also be sharing some more suggested essential oils you can use once we get to the notes & substitutions portion of this post

Cedarwood Texas

*Botanical name: Juniperus ashei*
Image courtesy Canva.com

Helps to clear mucus & congestion from the lungs as it holds some expectorant properties
Holds calming & grounding properties helping to promote relaxation while reducing stress
Contains a compound called cedrol which is a natural sesquiterpene commonly found in conifers that have been shown to calm the nerves, soothe anxiety & help promote a restful sleep

Note:

Middle

Dermal max:

N/A

Safety precautions:

None known

**Lemon**

*Botanical name: Citrus limon*
Image courtesy Canva.com

Helps to support lymphatic system drainage as well as inhibit the growth of bacteria & boosts the immune system
Helps inhibit the release of histamines
Stimulates the production of white blood cells helping to support the immune response
Improves mood & can help combat fatigue

Note:

Top

Dermal max:

2%

Avoid all forms of UV rays after topical application for 12 hours

Safety precautions:

Phototoxic if used above 2% dilution

**Lavender**

*Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia*
Image courtesy Canva.com

Hold calming & anti-inflammatory properties
May help prevent allergic inflammation as well as reduce mucus cell enlargement
Helps inhibit the release of histamines
Provides a calming feeling helping the body feel more at ease

Note:

Top/Middle

Dermal max:

N/A

Safety precautions:

None known

**Peppermint**

*Botanical name: Mentha X piperita*
Image courtesy Canva.com

Expectorant action which can provide some relief for allergies as well as colds, coughs, sinusitis, asthma & bronchitis. Due to the expectorant action it can discharge phlegm & reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a leading cause of allergic reactions
Contains a compound called menthol that can help relax the muscles in the nasal passages.
Helps inhibit the release of histamines

Note:

Top

Dermal max:

5.4%

Safety precautions:

Avoid use around children’s faces
Contraindicated for G6PD deficiency (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency)
Can be problematic to some with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Use with caution during an asthmatic flare

If you have an allergy or a suspected allergy to any of the essential oils recommended, please change what you need to accordingly.

Allergy Blend Nasal Inhaler

Before we get to making these nasal inhalers we need to first talk about safety when using essential oils.

I do understand that this formulation is for a nasal inhaler, but we need to make sure we are always using Good Manufacturing Practices & being aware of this information is one of those practices.

Essential oils, also called volatile oils, are the aromatic compounds extracted from plants. These compounds move energetically up & out, as opposed to a down & in motion.

There are 3 very important skin reactions that you need to know about when using essential oils.

Irritation → generally localized to the area where the product is applied
Phototoxicity → a light- induced redaction to a photoactive essential oil that requires contact with the aromatic then subsequent exposure to UV light
Sensitization → an allergic reaction that shows up in places other than where the oil was applied.

If you experience any of those skin reactions, STOP USING THAT ESSENTIAL OIL IMMEDIATELY! Once you experience sensitization due to a specific essential oil you may never recover from this type of allergy.

These reactions can occur due to improper use, misuse & over exposure.

They may develop over time & they don’t improve. Once you develop this type of allergy there is no coming back from it.

One way to avoid any adverse reaction to essential oils is to never, ever, ever apply an essential oil “neat” (without dilution) onto the skin. This means always wearing gloves when handling the oils & staying within the recommended safe dermal limits.

The last thing you would want to do is sensitize your skin simply because you weren’t wearing gloves.

A good resource for essential oil properties, uses & benefits can be found HERE

Equipment:

Digital scale
Gloves
Weigh boat or glass container for measuring
Glass rod for stirring
Tweezers
Nasal inhaler tubes

I grabbed my empty nasal inhalers from ezelements.ca, it cost $19.50 for 50 pieces.

Formulation:

25% Cedarwood EO

25% Lavender EO

25% Lemon EO

25% Peppermint EO

I only wanted to make a 5 gram batch so I used:

1.25 g Cedarwood EO

1.25 g Lavender EO

1.25 g Lemon EO

1.25 g Peppermint EO

Instructions:

Put on your rubber gloves
In a weigh boat or container weigh out your essential oils
Stir until fully incorporated
Place the cotton wicks in the weigh boat, cover with plastic film & allow the oils to soak into the cotton wick for a couple hours
Put the inner tube into the outer tube & screw shut
Using a pair of tweezers pick up a wick & place it in the tube
Snap on the end cap by pushing it on a table or firm surface until you hear it snap shut. Repeat as necessary.

Dosage:

Inhale 1-3 times per nostril or as needed

Additional notes:

Other ways to use this blend:

In a diffuser. If using on an adult, diffuse for 30 minutes to a maximum of 60 minutes & then take a break for 60 minutes. If using on a child, use a shorter diffusing time, maybe 15-30 minutes with a 60 minute break. You need to put a time limit on your diffusions, as to not overwhelm your senses
In a steam inhalation. Place 3 drops of your master blend into a bowl of hot water. Drape a towel over your head & inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes, take a break for about 30 & repeat if desired.

Contraindications:

Do not use peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils on or around a child under the age of 3.

Substitutions & recommendations:

Other essential oils that can help with allergies

Basil: can help lower the inflammatory response of allergens. It can also help detoxify the body from bacteria & viruses
Chamomile: holds antihistamine & anti-inflammatory properties. It should be avoided by those allergic to ragweed as it may cause a reaction if you’re extremely sensitive
Eucalyptus: opens the lungs & sinuses which can improve circulation & thereby reducing allergy symptoms. It can be used as a support for upper respiratory tract infections. It is not to be used on a child under 3 years of age.
Frankincense: helps to soothe the respiratory system & reduce nasal congestion & coughing.
Rosemary: can help clear blocked tissues caused by allergies
Sandalwood: holds anti-inflammatory properties & may reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis
Tea tree oil: can destroy airborne pathogens that cause allergies. When diffused it can kill mold, bacteria & fungi.

Comment down below & let me know what are your go-to essential oils you like to use during allergy season.