6 Essential Oils For Relieving Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

While they won't cure seasonal allergies outright, essential oils may be able to help you manage their symptoms. Certain scents show promise in tackling uncomfortable stuffy noses, scratchy throats, and pesky sneezes. Here are seven oils that have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties and could become your secret weapons come springtime.

Lavender is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory1 oil, making it a natural choice for easing seasonal allergies. It's been found to decrease allergy-induced airway inflammation2 in multiple animal studies. Its pleasant, calming scent also makes it a popular option for relieving stress and promoting sleep.

If you're feeling congested in your nose or chest, peppermint essential oil might help. "Peppermint has a high level of menthol content, which also helps open up airways and bronchial tubes," functional wellness practitioner, Mariza Snyder D.P., tells mbg. It can also work wonders for headaches3, if sinus pressure has got your head feeling achy.

Lemon oil has proven effective at lessening mucus and cleaning up the upper respiratory system in some studies. It can be especially helpful if you suffer from post-nasal drip (mucus accumulation in the back of the nose and throat that can lead to coughing and sinus infections).

Eucalyptus essential oil is known for supporting the respiratory system4 by easing scratchy throats and chest congestion. If you've ever used Vick's Vapor Rub, you've smelled this one in action!

Natural skincare expert Sarah Villafranco M.D. reaches for frankincense when she's dealing with allergies. It's known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects5, and one study found that it can help ease symptoms of bronchitis and sinusitis. 6

Another favorite of Villafranco's, sandalwood has been shown to reduce stress7, which "may play a role in the degree to which the body responds to allergens."

Lastly, Snyder recommends cardamom oil as a less intense alternative to eucalyptus. It helps open up the airways and support respiratory health8 in a similar way, and contains antimicrobial properties.

If you want to give them a try the next time your allergies flare up, here are a few ways to start:

Consider adding 5-10 drops to the bottom of your shower so they can vaporize slowly in the hot steam. "I love using eucalyptus essential oil in the shower to relieve nasal congestion, inhaling the aroma for about five minutes," Villafranco notes.

Snyder will often add 5-10 drops of a lemon, eucalyptus, and peppermint blend into her bowl of hot water and breathe in the invigorating scent. "All that steam penetrates every area of your upper respiratory system and really helps clear everything out," she says.

You can also add the three aforementioned oils into a rollerball with a carrier oil like jojoba or argan and run them on your wrist for some quick relief. Or, you can rub the blend in your palms and hold your hands up to your face for a few deep, soothing breaths.

Seasonal allergies are no fun, but these well-studied essential oils are great ones to turn to when you're in need of some relief.