5 Ways to Use Essential Oils This Summer
We keep the cabinet stocked with essential oils as they do more than just delight the senses— they provide a myriad of physical and mental benefits. Extracted from varieties of herbs, flowers, trees and grasses, the oils are an ancient remedy and when used properly, can prove to be much more safe than conventional household products. Here are a few creative ways to harness the healing power of essential oils!
- Ease Your Ailments
Whether you are vacationing or just relaxing in the sun, summertime is bound to bring a few more “ouchies” for you or your family. If these ailments come in the form of sunburns, insect bites, or muscle aches from a road trip, essential oils may just be the answer to melt away your pain. Said to be nature’s antihistamine, lavender oil possesses the incredible ability to soothe sunburns and insect bites. Frankincense oil also exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect and comes highly recommended to help ease muscle pain. Combine frankincense with peppermint and lemongrass oils to promote circulation while providing pain relief.
Check out our “Sunburn Soother” and “Muscle Mix” essential oil recipes.
- Enhance Your Meditation
We know you are extra busy this summer, but be sure to make time for a meditation practice— it might just be the break you need to calm your mind and rest the body. As breathing is at the core of both meditation and aromatherapy, the two complement each other quite nicely. Essential oils help to create an environment conducive to relaxation and may guide you to a more grounded or focused state. Our favorite meditation oils are lavender for calming, palo santo for grounding, and lemongrass or orange to inspire creativity. Permeate the air with an oil diffuser or make your own meditation room spray!
- Make Insect Repellent
When you take your meditation outside, you can skip the lavender as you’ll have the therapeutic scents of the good ‘ole outdoors; however, you may need insect repellent to prevent critters from interrupting your practice! Conventional insect repellents are concerning due to their potential impact on both human health and the environment, so we prefer natural repellents such as eucalyptus or citronella essential oils. Combine a few drops with a carrier oil to apply directly onto the skin, or mix the drops with water and aloe vera to create your own de-bug spritzer. A more friendly way to spray the bugs away!
- De-Stress at Your Desk
When it’s too hot to catch a fresh breath of air outside, stop to smell the lavender… at your desk! Research shows that essential oils such as lavender and bergamot can aid in relaxation and help to reduce levels of stress and anxiety. When you inhale the aromatic molecules, they’re transported through your nose to your brain, stimulating the limbic system and influencing serotonin communication. You can inhale essential oils directly from the bottle or place a few drops on a tissue or handkerchief to waft under the nose. Relax and enjoy!
- Boost Your Energy
Need a quick pick-me-up to power through a project or an important meeting? Before you head to the break room for that espresso shot, try a sniff of peppermint aroma. Peppermint has a stimulating, energizing effect on the brain and studies show that it can even improve memory and alertness. Or, put some “zest” in your day with orange, lemon or grapefruit oils which also hold uplifting qualities. You may feel more refreshed and alive without the coffee crash!
Important
Essential oils are highly concentrated and are therefore effective in very low dilutions. Always use just a few drops of essential oil and combine with carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba before applying topically. (One pound of essential oil could be derived from hundreds of pounds of plants, wow!) Be sure to choose essential oils that are 100% pure and of a therapeutic grade, avoiding those labeled with “fragrance.” Store your solutions in dark or tinted glass bottles as clear glass or plastic may not preserve their full potency. Keep essential oils away from children and don’t use them for internal purposes unless you are experienced in their use or you’ve first consulted with your healthcare provider.
Need more energy? Combat mental fatigue with these nutritional tips.
Medical Disclaimer
The information and reference guides in this website are intended solely for the general information for the reader. The contents of this web site are not intended to offer personal medical advice, diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on any exercise, medication, nutrition, or supplementation.