Nature provides us with many challenges over the summer; bugs, heat, sunburn, hay fever and more. Thankfully, nature also provides some wonderful remedies for the problems that summertime brings. Aromatherapy essential oils are natural, non-toxic and a great addition to your summer first aid kit.
Here are 5 Ways for Aromatherapy to Rescue You This Summer
Bug Repellent 101
They are the bane of the summer months. As soon as you get the barbecue out, or sit by the pool, you’re dive-bombed by mosquitoes, wasps and other bugs that ruin your sun-time. Commercial bug repellents are effective but can be unkind to the environment. So if you feel unfairly plagued by flying insects, just take some of these aromatherapy superheroes with you and keep them off!
Mosquitoes
They hate the smell of citronella, which is available in garden candles that can be burned outside at key mozzie times. Other aromatherapy oils they hate include peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, basil, clove, thyme, lemongrass, geranium, and lavender; make up a spray or burn a combination of your favourites in a vaporizer and watch the pests fly away. Be cautious about using essential oils around animals, as they can be affected as much as humans. Fleas
These can be more prevalent in hot weather, and hate cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass, lavender, orange, and pine.
Ticks
If you’re in an area that’s known for these unpleasant critters, keep them at bay with rose geranium, juniper, rosewood, thyme, grapefruit, and oregano spray.
Sunburn Soothers
Lavender is your friend
Lavender essential oil is a great healer as well as a bug repellent, so always carry some with you. For sunburn, you can use lavender oil topically to soothe the burns and minimize scarring. If you do get bitten by something nasty, lavender is a general skin-soother and unlike many essential oils, it’s safe to use neat. Massage some diluted sandalwood oil into the skin if the sun has caught you out, and inhale it at the same time, as it can deepen and relax your breath. Sandalwood also works on sunburn, it helps to reduce skin puffiness and soothe soreness. Be careful not to overuse lavender as it can cause headaches and drowsiness in some.
Cooling Oils for Sticky Days
Some days the heat can feel a little oppressive and you just want to cool down. An instant cool-down and relax essential oil is peppermint. Apply a tiny dab of lotion infused with peppermint oil on the back of your neck and not only will it instantly cool you off, it will help to keep bugs away and stop any itching from existing bug bites (this can be an aloe vera based lotion and kept in the fridge for added effect). Chamomile is also helpful, as it’s a cooling and anti-inflammatory oil so combining that with peppermint can be very powerful.
As soon as you get the barbecue out, or sit by the pool, you’re dive-bombed by mosquitoes, wasps and other bugs that ruin your sun-time. 5 Ways Aromatherapy Can Rescue Your Summer #aromatherapy #essentialoils Click To Tweet
Say Goodbye to Allergies
Chamomile is super helpful with allergies, as is peppermint. If you are feeling stuffed up with summer colds or hay fever, deep inhalation of peppermint oil helps you to breathe easy, while chamomile has antihistamine properties that will calm the allergic reaction.
Fluid Retention
Flying, walking a lot, and even just being too hot can all lead to retained fluid over the summer months. A massage with geranium oil can really help to boost lymphatic flow and shift excess fluids trapped in body tissue, especially the type those that you get after flying.
Take Care Using Essential Oils
Be sure to take care when using essential oils, never ever apply them directly to the skin, apart from lavender and tea tree. Please consult a trained aromatherapist about using essential oils who can tell you which one is best for you and how much you should use as well as any cautions you should take. Do not use essential oils on animals, children or those with medical conditions or who are on medication without consulting a fully trained and insured aromatherapist.
If you would like to arrange one to one advice about using aromatherapy or oils, or are interested in any therapies using oils, then please do get in touch to see how I can help you. I offer a free consultation call to assess your needs and can also supply oils to you through Neal’s Yard.