If you feel like you suffer from terrible allergies, you're not alone! It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans have experienced some sort of allergy each year. I am definitely one of those Americans who suffer from those bothersome seasonal spring allergies and that means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose - the works.

While there are solutions out there like oral corticosteroids and antihistamines, there have been studies that have shown long-term use of these medications can cause negative effects. These negative side effects can include cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, stomach ulcers, and increased blood sugar (YIKES). 

If a more natural alternative in managing your allergy symptoms is something you're interested in, then read on to learn what the best essential oils for allergies are. 

Best Essential Oils for Allergies That Are Worth Trying 

1. Lavender

You might think lavender is recommended to help relax and calm you while being all stuffed up with allergy symptoms, but did you know that lavender essential oil also has anti-inflammatory properties? A study showed that the inhalation of lavender EO suppressed allergic airway inflammation as well as the enlargement of mucous cells. 

How to use lavender EO for allergies: Try adding a few drops in your diffuser or using an aromatherapy shower spray. 

2. Eucalyptus 

Eucalyptus is personally one of my favorites when dealing with congestion from allergies or from just respiratory problems (in general). It has expectorant properties which encourages the clearing of the air passages, helping to suppress coughing and loosen mucus. 

How to use eucalyptus EO for allergies: Mix with a carrier oil and rub a very small amount on your chest or breathe in the steam in your shower from a eucalyptus shower spray.  

3. Lemon 

When seasonal pollen makes its appearance, lemon essential oil will always be there for you. Lemon can work as an all-natural antihistamine, helping to clear your sinuses and reduce congestion, all of which are common allergy symptoms. A research study on patients with allergies used a nasal spray infused with lemon pulp and reported that those with the lemon pulp felt better than those that did not. The study also noted that the lemon surely had an anti-inflammatory effect. 

Even on your toughest days when your allergies are out of control, smelling the bright citrus aroma of lemon will also uplift and invigorate you. 

How to use lemon EO for allergies: Diffuse lemon to help kill bacteria in the air or keep a lemon aromatherapy inhaler handy for when allergy symptoms strike.

4. Peppermint

With allergies, I personally tend to get more frequent headaches - I feel thumping sinus pressure in my temples that never seems to cease. Peppermint essential oil is not only handy for congestion and sinus relief, it is also there to relieve headache pain or general pain in your body. Research has shown that peppermint oil has pain-relieving properties by having a relaxing effect on the muscle. 

How to use peppermint EO for allergies: The next time you have a sinus headache from allergies, try creating a topical rub with 1 to 2 drops of peppermint oil mixed in a carrier oil. Apply this rub to your temples and the back of the neck. 

5. Frankincense 

Is persistent and annoying coughing from grass allergies or summer allergies getting you in the dumps? Then frankincense essential oil may be the all-natural solution you never knew you needed. 

Frankincense essential oil is packed with anti-inflammatory goodness which help to break down mucus deposits within the respiratory tract and sinuses. It also encourages deep, easy breathing as studies have shown it also may be beneficial for people with asthma. 

How to use frankincense EO for allergies: Take a bowl of steaming hot water and adding a couple drops of frankincense oil into it. Slowly lean your head over the bowl, cover yourself and the bowl with a towel, and gently inhale the steam for 2-3 minutes. 

6. Rosemary 

Who would have guessed rosemary had other benefits from just seasoning your food, but believe it or not, rosemary essential oil could also be added to your arsenal of products when dealing with spring allergies. 

Rosemary contains something called a-pinene, a compound that helps to open constricted airways, as well as cineole, which can assist like a cough suppressant by supporting healthy lungs, circulation and cleansing. 

How to use rosemary EO for allergies: Add a few drops of oil in a plug-in diffuser or try dry evaporation which involves adding a few drops onto a piece of towel or cotton ball then holding the material up to your nose and breathing in. 

7. Tea Tree Oil 

If skin allergies is your concern than tea tree oil might be your new favorite essential oil. Since I was a child, I always remembered my eczema flare-ups would occur when there was an environmental change (especially if the temperature would start getting warmer outside). 

Many people with skin allergies or eczema are turning to this star essential oil to relieve their symptoms more naturally. Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that lessen the skin irritation, anti-fungal properties that may help reduce itching, as well as antiseptic properties that can help soothe the skin.

How to use tea tree EO for skin allergies: Always do a skin patch test 24 hours prior to applying any essential oil mix onto the skin. 

Once you have confirmed that there are no irritations from your skin test, mix 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil with about 12 drops of carrier oil. Dab a dime-sized amount of this mixture to the irritated area of the skin, rub the blend in and do not wash off. Let the mixture absorb into your skin like a lotion. 

The Takeaway 

I hope that this blog gave you a better understanding of some of the best essential oils for your allergies and how managing your symptoms in a more natural approach may be suited for you. 

Always keep this in mind before using essential oils:

• Be cautious when first using essential oils, especially if you have allergies. 
• Never apply direct concentrated essential oil to the skin. 
• Do not ingest essential oils. 
• Consult your doctor prior to essential oil use if you have any questions or concerns.