Essential oils for summer

Summer is coming! For many of us, summer increases our internal sense of harmony, it is the time of holidays, travelling, picnics and long evenings outdoors. The heat of summer is welcomed especially by those (me included) who never seem to be able to stay warm in the winter months. On the other hand, hot- natured individuals who prefer a cool climate, dread the summer months due to discomfort of the heat as summer intensifies. Essential oils can be helpful to both, easing the discomfort and enhancing the sense of harmony.

A note on photosensitivity: citrus oils are among the most common essential oils that cause photosensitivity. That’s because compounds found in citrus oils—known as furanocoumarins—greatly increase UV sensitivity. And while most photosensitive oils are citrus, other oils can contain compounds or mixes of compounds that have the same effect as furanocoumarins, meaning they’re not sun-safe either. Always check the label before application to determine the oil’s photosensitivity (I use Young Living essential oils and all of those that cause photosensitivity are labeled as such.)

Using photosensitive oils at nighttime helps reduce the risks associated with these oils. Feel free to add these oils to your nightly skin care routine, evening body wash or lotion, bedtime bath, or relaxing before-bed foot, neck, or back massage. Blocking UV rays by covering up will also help reduce your risk of reaction. Apply oil to the back, lower chest, or temples and wear a hat and long sleeved shirt.

My favorite essential oils for the summer months

Orange Essential Oil: wonderful at dispelling tension and fear (and don't we all need exactly that right now?). Inhaling orange is comforting and offers feelings of optimism. It supports healthy breathing and digestion and calms inflammation.

Lavender Essential Oil: Extremely gentle and full of therapeutic properties, helps ease insomnia, stress, worry, headaches, and more, skin healing and anti-inflammatory properties make it a top choice for bug bites, burns, bee stings, rashes, and skin irritations.

Lemon Essential Oil: for natural cleaning and purifying air, its bright, sunny aroma promotes a positive mood and outlook on life, inhale to improve concentration, energy, anxiety, depression, and grief, supportive to digestive, immune, and respiratory body systems

Peppermint Essential Oil: Assists with nausea, digestive issues, motion sickness, and more, awakens, energizes, refreshes, and uplifts the mind, use in DIY blends for muscle pains and headaches due to analgesic properties

Recipes for amazing summer with essential oils

DIY nighttime exfoliant: Mix 1 tablespoon jojoba oil with 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and 4 drops lemon essential oil. Gently apply the scrub to your face and massage in a circular motion for about 1 minute. Rinse and then moisturize.

Hydrating face mask: Mix ¼ cup aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and 3 drops helichrysum EO. Apply to your face and wear for at least 10 minutes to get maximum moisture. Rinse and shine!

Body balm: Add 3 drops each of geranium EO and grapefruit EO to your body butter, and apply to your skin for a healthy dose of hydration.

Add 2-3 drops of carrot seed EO to your sunscreen.

DIY aftersun lotion:

• 14 drops Lavender Oil

• 10 drops Peppermint Oil

• 1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel

• 2 oz Glass Lotion Pump Bottle

Directions: Add all ingredients to the bottle and shake to blend. Apply to skin as needed.