Summer is a season of sunshine, holidays, outdoor activities, joy, and relaxation. However, it also brings challenges like sunburn, bug bites, hair dryness, and the need for cooling relief. Essential oils, with their natural therapeutic properties, can be excellent allies for maintaining wellness during the summer months. Here’s a guide on how to use essential oils to make your summer days more enjoyable.
1. Cooling Relief
Summer heat can be a significant problem that can ruin your mood. If you cannot visit the beach to cool down in salty water, essential oils can help you. Peppermint and Eucalyptus essential oils have cooling properties that provide instant relief.
- Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita): Known for its cooling sensation, peppermint oil can be used to create a refreshing spray. Mix 20 drops with 100ml of water in a spray bottle and mist over your body for a quick cool-down, paying extra attention to the neck area.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus): Eucalyptus oil not only cools but also provides a refreshing aroma. Add 5-6 drops to a cool bath or a foot bath, or make a cooling compress by adding drops to a cold washcloth.
Both of these essential oils provide their cooling effects when used in an ultrasonic diffuser.
2. Sunburn Relief
Always use good quality sunscreen and avoid sun exposure during midday. Spending time outdoors often leads to sunburn. If your skin becomes irritated and burned from the sun, essential oils like lavender and chamomile are excellent for soothing and healing sunburned skin.
- Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender oil is renowned for its soothing and healing properties. Mix 3 drops with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, yogurt, or a hydration cream, and apply to sunburned areas to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Chamomile Essential Oil (Chamomile Moroccan): Chamomile essential oil is gentle and anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Dilute 20 drops with a carrier oil and gently apply to the affected areas to promote healing.
3. Natural Insect Repellent
Preventing bug bites is even better than treating them. Essential oils like citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), peppermint (Mentha Piperita), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) are effective natural insect repellents.
- For Outdoor Use: Use a natural insect repellent containing these essential oils and spray on uncovered skin.
- For Indoor Use: Put 5-6 drops of these essential oils in an aromatherapy diffuser and enjoy summer nights. You can combine these essential oils to create a pleasant scent.
Insect repellent blend:
- 3 drops citronella essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oili
- 1 drop lemongrass essential oil
4. Bug Bite Relief
Mosquitoes can be a significant issue on summer nights and days. Essential oils like tea tree and lavender can provide relief from itchy and irritated skin caused by bug bites.
- Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Apply a diluted solution directly to bug bites to reduce itching and prevent infection.
- Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender oil can also be used to soothe bug bites. Apply a few drops directly to the bite or mix with a carrier oil for larger areas.
Lavender and tea tree essential oils can be used directly on healthy skin.
5. Energy Boost
Summer activities and heat can be exhausting. Essential oils like citrus oils and peppermint can provide an invigorating boost of energy.
- Sweet Orange Essential oil (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis) and Bergamot Essential oil (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia): Orange and bergamot oils have bright, uplifting scents that can enhance your mood and energy levels. Diffuse in your home or add a few drops to a personal inhaler for a quick pick-me-up, or take a sniff directly from the bottle.
- Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita): Peppermint oil not only cools but also invigorates. Inhale directly from the bottle or diffuse in your workspace to stay alert and energized.
6. Hydration and Skin Care
Summer sun can dehydrate your skin. Essential oils like geranium and frankincense are excellent for maintaining skin hydration and health.
- Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens): Geranium oil balances oil production and keeps your skin hydrated. Add 3 drops to your moisturizer (50ml) for extra hydration.
- Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia Carterii): Frankincense oil promotes healthy skin cell regeneration. Mix 20-30 drops with a carrier oil and apply to your face and body for nourished, glowing skin.
7. Allergy Relief
Seasonal allergies can be a summer hindrance. Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
- Peppermint essential Oil (Mentha Piperita): Peppermint oil can help clear nasal congestion. Diffuse in your home or inhale directly from the bottle for instant relief.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus Globulus): Eucalyptus oil opens up airways and eases breathing. Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam. Put 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil on the back of your pillow or diffuse 5-6 drops in an electric diffuser.
- Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender oil can reduce inflammation and provide relief from itchy eyes and skin. Apply a diluted solution to pulse points, avoiding the eye area, or diffuse in your bedroom.
8. Hair Dryness
Sun and heat can make your hair frizzy and dry. Essential oils can help treat your hair and make it shine and healthy again. You can always use a ready-made hair oil treatment, but if you want to make your own, the best essential oil for this is rosemary essential oil.
- Rosemary Essential Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis): Rosemary essential oil is well-known for promoting hair growth and health. It softens the hair and makes it stronger. Dilute 20-30 drops in 100ml of carrier oil or a mixture of carrier oils. A nice mixture is 30ml castor oil, 30ml coconut oil, and 40ml avocado oil. If these are difficult to find, you can use a simple carrier oil. Apply this miraculous oil to your hair and scalp and leave it in for 30 minutes.
Essential oils are versatile, natural solutions for many summer wellness challenges. Whether you need relief from heat, sunburn, bug bites, or allergies, there’s an essential oil that can help. Always remember to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin and perform a patch test to check for any sensitivities. Use only pure and authentic essential oils and enjoy their positive impact on your everyday life. By incorporating these natural remedies into your summer routine, you can enjoy the season to its fullest with enhanced well-being and comfort.
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