Summer is upon us! For those of us living in northern climates, it’s high time to get outdoors, soak in the sun, and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts!
Of course, summer isn’t all sunshine and roses. Many people struggle with allergies, stress and headaches in the summertime. And there’s the looming nuisance of insects!
Luckily, there are many essential oils that can go far in remedying these summer downers. The following are 12 essential oils to help you through the season.
Note: If you have a medical condition, or are pregnant, ask a health professional you trust before using these essential oils. Do not use these oils on young children without checking with a doctor first.
Insect repellant
Picnics and barbecues in the great outdoors are a summertime tradition, but the bugs can be a huge annoyance at an otherwise fun event. Try these essential oils to keep them away:
- Citronella
- Tea tree oil
Both of these oils are a deterrent to many types of insect. You can pour a few drops of either (or both) on washcloths or small sponges and place them around the perimeter of the party area. Natural citronella candles can also go far to keep mosquitoes and biting flies away.
You can also mix a few drops of each of these oils with witch hazel and water to make your own homemade bug spray — DEET and artificial additive free. Other essential oils, such as catnip, rosemary, eucalyptus and clove, also work well in this spray.
Allergies
The flowers are abloom, pollen is in the air, and many people’s allergies are acting up! Before you turn to over-the-counter allergy meds, which can lead to drowsiness or other side effects, give these essential oils a try:
- Roman chamomile
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
Roman chamomile essential oil can be diluted with a base oil, such as organic coconut oil, to help control skin allergies. Two or three drops of essential oil in about a teaspoon of coconut oil is all you need. You can also add a few drops to a warm bath to reap these positive effects.
Both peppermint and eucalyptus oil can help to open up airways. Put a few drops in a diffuser, or dilute in a base oil and rub onto your chest, neck and temples, being careful to avoid the eye area.
Stress
The weather has warmed up, the kids are on break from school, there are tons of events to host and attend, and lots of people to see. This can be a world of fun, but also, at times, a world of stress.
There are many essential oils that can help ease the burden of stress. The following are four great aromatic options:
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Marjoram
To make the most of these oils, try making your home an aromatherapy haven by adding a few drops to an essential oil diffuser. You can also add a few drops to a washcloth and place the washcloth over your shower drain for several minutes.
Alternately, you can mix a few drops with a base oil, such as organic coconut oil, and apply to pressure points, such as your temples and wrists. Lavender oil is gentle enough that you can use a drop or two undiluted, but for the others, be sure to dilute, so as not to irritate your skin — essential oils are potent!
For a great meditative experience, rub some diluted cedarwood oil onto the bottoms of your feet. The pungent, woody scent can help to expand your awareness and your sense of calm.
Headaches
Whether they’re from allergies, stress, hormones, or just an adjustment to the warmer temperatures, we all experience summer headaches from time to time. The following essential oils may help soothe the pain:
- Wintergreen
- Basil
- Rosemary
Dilute these oils in a base oil, and apply to your temples in a circular motion. It may also help to rub them between your palms, and breathe their aromas deeply. These oils can also be applied to the back of your neck, as your neck muscles tend to tense up when you have a headache. They can also be added to a diffuser, or a soothing bath.
Wintergreen is a great oil for pain relief; rosemary is calming and anti-inflammatory; and basil is effective in relieving tension.
Did your favorite oils make the list? Tell us which essential oils you turn to in the summertime!
—Tanya Rakhmilevich