Are you curious about essential oils for allergies that really work? If you want to treat your allergy symptoms naturally, these oils will do the trick.
Before I started using essential oils, allergy season felt like a never-ending battle between me and a box of tissues. I was practically a walking cloud of sneezes, sniffling my way through the day and wondering if I’d ever see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Mine are just seasonal allergies. What about some of you who deal with these issues all year round? Seasonal or not, let’s talk about some of the best essential oils to help eliminate those uncomfortable symptoms.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please see the disclaimer below for more information.
Do essential oils work for allergies?
For many, essential oils are proven effective for relaxation, promoting better sleep and improving massage therapy. What about more practical uses like allergy relief?
We often rely on anecdotal evidence for the effectiveness of natural remedies like essential oils, mainly because scientific studies are still limited. Nevertheless, I’ve found some reliable sources that support the idea that essential oils can be a great solution for allergies.
For one, Integrative Registered Nurse Grace Orosz from Hackensack Meridian Health says that oils, like lavender, peppermint, holy basil and eucalyptus, can reduce sinus and upper respiratory symptoms caused by seasonal allergies. Similarly, an Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine study on the effect of essential oils on people with perennial allergic rhinitis confirms that essential oils can be an effective treatment for individuals with this condition and are particularly effective for symptoms like nasal obstruction.
If you’re sick of dealing with discomfort, clogged sinuses, itchiness and many other uncomfortable symptoms, trying essential oils for some natural relief won’t hurt. Now, the question is which oils to choose.
Best essential oils for allergy relief
Do you have a chronic allergy condition? Or are you susceptible to seasonal allergies? Either way, here are some of the best essential oils you can try to relieve your symptoms.
Peppermint oil
If you’re feeling stuffy and congested, this oil can help open your airways and quickly relieve sinus pressure. According to the Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists, peppermint oil is both a decongestant and expectorant, which means it can help clear your sinuses of mucus.
Plus, peppermint is packed with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can soothe a scratchy throat and even help with those annoying allergy headaches. This is why it’s also one of my favorite essential oils for the flu.
Lavender oil
While most people know it for its relaxing scent, lavender is also a fantastic natural antihistamine, says Orosz. Lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can provide fast relief if you’re dealing with itchy eyes, sneezing or irritated skin. Plus, it helps calm your body’s reaction to allergens, making you feel more at ease during allergy season.
Eucalyptus oil
When clearing out your sinuses, eucalyptus oil is your go-to. It’s great for helping you breathe easier by opening up your airways and reducing congestion like peppermint oil.
Eucalyptus oil acts as a natural expectorant, which means it helps you get rid of that pesky mucus. It also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits, says Mount Sinai, so it’s perfect for relieving allergy symptoms like coughing and headaches. Try making a DIY essential oil blend for pain and inflammation with eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary to get those anti-inflammatory benefits all at the same time.
Tea tree oil
With strong antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil effectively targets bacteria and other nasties that can worsen your allergies. According to a tea tree oil review published by Clinical Microbiology Reviews, recent research confirms tea tree oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
It’s beneficial for skin-related allergy symptoms like rashes or hives but can also keep your sinuses clear and reduce nasal congestion. However, if you’re using tea tree oil topically, always dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation.
Lemon oil
Lemon oil is super refreshing and has some great natural antihistamine properties. It’s perfect for helping clear out mucus and soothing inflammation, especially when your allergies are acting up.
Plus, lemon oil has antibacterial properties, so it helps purify the air and reduce the allergens floating around. Mix it with lavender and peppermint oils for even more relief.
“I regularly diffuse lemon essential oils during seasonal allergy season. Not only does it make the house smell sunny and bright, but it naturally keeps the sneezing and sniffling at bay.”
— Sage Scott, Everyday Wanderer
Chamomile oil
Chamomile oil is one of my favorite oils to use in diffuser blends for relaxation. It’s known for its soothing and calming effects, which are great when you’re dealing with congestion, sneezing or itchy skin.
Author Manuscript states that chamomile has anti-inflammatory or antiphlogistic properties. These properties help ease respiratory issues, swelling and inflammation, and it’s gentle enough to use if you’re looking for a little extra relaxation during allergy season.
Frankincense oil
Frankincense oil has been around for ages, and for good reason. PubMed confirms that it reduces inflammation triggered by allergies, especially for respiratory problems like asthma or bronchitis. It also helps open up your airways, lessens mucus production and can even soothe irritated skin. Frankincense oil has a calming effect that can help with the stress and anxiety that sometimes come with dealing with allergies.
Tips for using essential oils for allergies
Want to give these essential oils a try? Here are some tips for using essential oils for allergies:
- Diffuse for relief: Add a few drops of essential oil like peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender to a diffuser to help clear your sinuses and purify the air.
- Topical application: Dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil, and apply it to pressure points like your temples, wrists or the back of your neck for targeted relief.
- Steam inhalation: Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply to open up your airways and reduce congestion.
- Bath soak: Mix essential oils with Epsom salts and add them to your bath for a relaxing soak that can also help relieve allergy symptoms.
- Inhaler sticks: Use an essential oil inhaler stick for quick relief on the go — just add a few drops of your chosen oils and inhale deeply.
- Pillow spray: Make a pillow spray with diluted essential oils like lavender and chamomile to help ease nighttime allergy symptoms and promote restful sleep.
Allergy-free the natural way
Give these essential oils for allergies a try — they might be just what you need to tackle those annoying symptoms naturally. You’ll be breathing easier and feeling more comfortable in no time.
Jessica Haggard is the creator of the blog Easy Homemade Life. She inspires and supports homemakers with easy recipes, natural home cleaning tips and DIY tutorials for personal care products to promote a happy and healthy home environment.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this article, made available via Food Drink Life, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The Content presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary changes. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk.
