By Cindy Smith
I love the scents of the more commonly used essential oils of Fall and Winter: Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Eucalyptus, and Pine, to name a few. Not only are they my go-to’s during cold and flu season, keeping airways open, immune system high, protecting against viruses and bacteria, they also keep my home and office smelling of warmth and holidays. When Winter gives way to Spring, however, I have to pause to remember the great essential oils for all things Spring and Summer: allergies, bug bites, mosquitoes, rashes, but also the fresh airy scents of warm breezes, sunshine, and budding gardens.
Here are some of my favorite oils and blends to help you have a healthier summer:
TO KEEP COOL
- Add 15 drops of peppermint essential oil to a 2-ounce spray bottle.
- Top with water and shake before each use.
- Spray on the back of the neck and wrists to help cool down the body.
- Avoid spraying face or getting in the eyes.
HEADACHES
Place a few drops of peppermint behind your ears or the base of your skull to relieve headaches. Peppermint also helps with focus when you’re trying to finish a project, but your mind continues to think about your exciting upcoming vacation!
MOSQUITO REPELLENT
In a spray bottle mix:
- 2 oz water
- 2 oz witch hazel
- 10 drops lemon
- 15 drops lavender
- 20 drops citronella
- Shake before using
BUG BITE RELIEF
- In a 10 ml roll-on bottle combine:
- 7 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- Fill remainder of bottle with witch hazel or almond oil
Sunburn Relief
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 10 drops lavender
- 10 drops peppermint
- For keeping gnats, whiteflies, aphids, and spiders away from plants
- Add 12-16 drops peppermint essential oil and 1 cup water in sprayer bottle.
- Spray around the base of your plants, not the leaves. You can also spray around baseboards or in cupboards where spiders like to build webs, and the spiders will stay away.
For a fresh and summery home and office, try diffusing these blends
Herb Garden
- 2 drops rosemary + 2 drops thyme
- + 2 drops lemon + 1 drop spearmint
Lemonade
- 4 drops lemon + 1 drop basil + 1 drop spearmint
- 4 drops lemon + 1 drop basil + 1 drop spearmint
Summer Breeze
- 3 drops orange + 3 drops lime
- + 1 drop spearmint
Blending oils helps to synergize the benefits of 2 or 3 different oils and can create new aromas; however, a single multi-use essential oil is great for traveling. My go-to Summer single oils are peppermint, lemon, lavender, and basil.
WOUNDS
Place a couple of drops of lavender on a Band-Aid, to help heal physical wounds faster. Lavender can also be used as an anti-anxiety sleep aid, a muscle relaxant, a pain reliever, an antibacterial for wounds and burns, and a topical treatment for dry skin, eczema, and insect bites.
Water retention and fat metabolism
Diffuse grapefruit or lemon essential oil or place a few drops on the bottoms of your feet. Also try adding lemon to body oil to help reduce cellulite! Add a drop or two of lemon or grapefruit to water to help flush toxins and get rid of extra water retention especially when traveling.
Recovery from fun-filled vacations
Apply Basil essential oil to fatigued or sore muscles and joints. Once you are back at work and feeling like you need a vacation to recover from vacation, you can also diffuse Basil to fight fatigue, although it may cause you to crave caprese!
There are many ways essential oils can be used. The safest and most efficient ways are diffusing and applying topically. When applying topically, the bottoms of the feet are the gateway to all nerve endings, and oils are absorbed quickly. When applying anywhere else, be sure to dilute with coconut or almond oil to prevent irritation or burning sensation. As always, when using an essential oil for the first time, be sure to check for any possible interactions with medications.
Cindy Smith
Cindy is a Certified Integrative Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer for professional women. She has been helping women achieve their health and fitness goals local and abroad for the past 15 years. For a free consultation, contact Cindy at cindy@whollydesigned.com.
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