Essential oils can provide several ways to help prepare for (and deal with) all the things that come along with summer – from sunburn to travel stress. With the summer season in full bloom, now is the perfect time to take a look at what oils you might already have in your home and perhaps add others to your collection that will serve you well over the next couple of months. We turned to two expert aromatherapists on their top essential oil picks for the warmer weather to help guide you further. Keep reading for their tips.
Vital Note: This article has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Your licensed healthcare professional can best provide you with the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and assist you as well in deciding whether a dietary supplement will be a helpful addition to your regimen.
The Best Essential Oils You Need This Summer
Lavender
Both our experts agree that lavender is a top pick for summer. "Lavender is an all-time favorite fragrance, as well as a must-have for your summer travels and self-care," says Irina Gubenko, Founder of Fragrant Wellness and holistic certified aromatherapist. "It's extremely calming, soothing and cooling … It's also a valuable insect repellant. If you can afford only one essential oil, make it lavender," adds Stephanie Tourles, Certified Aromatherapist, licensed esthetician/herbalist, certified foot and hand reflexologist and Author of Stephanie Tourles's Essential Oils: A Beginner's Guide.
In terms of uses, Gubenko suggests mixing two drops of lavender with tea tree oil and applying to mosquito bites, minor bruises, cuts, scratches and sunburns. For another sunburn cooling tip, Tourles notes you can fill a 2 oz. dark glass spritzer or PET plastic bottle with aloe vera juice and add 12 drops of lavender essential oil. "Simply shake vigorously before use, spray on hot, irritated skin as needed and keep the bottle refrigerated for up to one month," she says. Additionally, Tourles tells Lively that to give tired feet a bit of relief, "rub a few drops of lavender essential oil onto the soles of your feet then soak in a warm foot bath with added Epsom salt to relieve stress. For a headache, apply a cold compress with 4 drops of lavender oil on it to the forehead and temples or nape of neck and relax."
Peppermint
I don't know about you, but I'm up for trying anything that'll offer a cooling effect during those 90°F days – and peppermint can help. "A universal favorite, a quick whiff of peppermint essential oil is cooling, energizing and refreshing!" says Tourles. Gubenko adds that "peppermint delivers cooling benefits for the body and oxygenates the brain while opening up breathing passages." During summer workouts or after being in heat for an extended amount of time, Gubenko recommends diluting one to two drops of peppermint in a carrier oil (coconut, olive oil, jojoba) and applying to the body. "Rub the mixture onto your head, neck and shoulders for a refreshing sensation, and then cup your hands over your nose and take a few deep breaths, allowing your lungs to expand," she explains.
Tourles also notes that "peppermint's cooling, astringent action quickly relieves tired legs and hot feet." She shares with Lively a chilling spritzer suggestion involving this oil: "Combine 1 cup of unflavored (plain) witch hazel with ½ teaspoon vegetable glycerin and 30 drops of peppermint essential oil in an 8 oz. PET plastic or dark glass spritzer bottle. Shake well before each use and spray onto legs, feet or face (keeping eyes closed) several times per day to comfort and cool! Refrigerate for a more bracing effect!"
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Tea Tree Oil
I've been using tea tree oil for a while now to heal blemishes and it turns out it’s great for a variety of issues. "Similar to lavender, tea tree oil does not need to be diluted, and is one of the most healing oils to use on our skin," says Gubenko. “Often referred to as 'nature's first aid tree,' tea tree essential oil is a very effective broad spectrum antibacterial [and] antifungal…," adds Tourles. "It's gentle on the skin and amazingly effective against a wide range of ailments."
Since this oil does not need to be diluted, Tourles recommends using it as a spot treatment for all the potential discomforts of summer – "blemishes, insect bites and stings, athlete's foot, fungal nails, cuts and scrapes, localized rashes, burns, toothache and puncture wounds."
Rosemary
Rosemary oil serves as a great addition to shampoo or conditioner since it can aid in "enhancing shine, balancing an oily scalp, and controlling dandruff, as it tones, tightens and astringes skin tissue," notes Tourles. "Add 24 drops to each 8 oz. bottle of shampoo and conditioner. Shake well before each use."
Cedarwood / Citronella
Finally, cedarwood and citronella are two essential oils that are ideal for summer. "Cedarwood and citronella are often used as natural insect repellents and can be applied on the skin directly," says Gubenko. "Pour a few drops into the palm of your hand and rub into skin. These oils are equally beneficial, so it is just a matter of an individual scent preference," she adds. Interestingly, Gubenko also tells Lively that cedarwood and citronella are known for their emotional balancing properties.
Where to Buy Essential Oils
If you’re looking to add a few new essential oils to your arsenal, we asked our experts for their top product picks/brands. "I prefer to use essential oils that are derived from either certified organic crops that are properly managed or from plants that are ethically wildcrafted," says Tourles. "Essential oils must be distilled or cold pressed using impeccable industry standards and the bottles labeled with all pertinent information including Latin name, any contraindications, and batch number," she adds. To that point, her three favorite essential oil companies include Mountain Rose Herbs, Simplers Botanicals and Pranarom.
