Essential Oils for Summer

by Grant Tecniqode June 14, 2010

Summer has (almost) officially arrived, and here are some favorite essential oils to have on hand for the bites and bothers that sometimes come with it.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Anthemis nobilis ) - This oil is so gentle and versatile, that it's truly a must have for any household. For relaxation and stress relief, dilute in a 10% solution with your favorite carrier oil and use in a bath or massage. Apply (again, in a 10% dilution) to sore and stiff muscles to help relieve achy and overworked muscles. Combined with helichrysum and/or lavender, this can be especially soothing and relaxing. We also like to use chamomile mixed equally with lavender in a spritzer for soothing sunburn. Add 5-6 drops of oils (total) per tsp of water and spritz as needed (also see recipe below).

Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) - Lavender oil is so versatile, effective for treating sunburn, relieving pain and itching from bug bites and skin irritation, and helping to relieve stress and anxiety. Lavender oil has natural antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities, and, combined with peppermint, can be a wonderful remedy for headaches. Add a drop or two in a tsp of carrier oil, and apply to nape of neck, or wherever muscles feel tense. Trouble sleeping? One or two drops underneath your pillow can help relax and lull you into sleep. For bug bites, apply one drop to affected area (lavender is one of the few oils that can be applied neat) to help with itching and aid in healing.

Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita) - For upset stomach, add a drop or two of peppermint to a tsp of carrier oil, and massage your belly in a circular motion. Peppermint is fantastic as a pick me up oil, and a good one to have in the car for long car trips. For motion sickness, peppermint oil can be a lifesaver. A drop on a cotton ball (again, store in a plastic baggie) can be inhaled as needed when feeling queasy.

Sunburn Relief Recipes: Here's a soothing recipe for sunburn relief using the above oils.
In a spritzer bottle, mix one ounce aloe extract, one ounce lavender flower water, one ounce chamomile flower water, 10 drops lavender essential oil, 5 drops chamomile oil and 2 drops peppermint. Spritz on affected areas for relief.

Even easier, adding a drop or two of lavender and chamomile in aloe vera gel (especially nice if kept cool in the fridge beforehand) can feel heavenly after a sunburn.

Essential Oils for Summer

Leave a comment