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10 Essential Oils for Summer (and How to Use Them!)
It's no secret that essential oils have a range of health benefits. As we become more aware of the toxins and chemicals that we are being exposed to in our every day lives, more and more people are reaching for these natural alternatives and working them into their summer routines.
But which essential oils deserve a spot in your beach bag?
Check out the best 10 essential oils that will have you looking and feeling your best this summer.
1. Lavender
Ahh, lavender. So versatile, so delicious. Lavender is soothing and relaxing and a MUST for summer, especially if you need a little extra help falling asleep with these longer, lighter days. Try adding a few drops to a spray bottle full of water and misting your pillow before bed. Or, you can mix it with coconut oil and apply it as a lotion before hitting the hay.
Lavender is also antibacterial and can be applied to any wounds or burns to reduce itching and soothe the area.
2. Sandalwood
Known for its cooling properties, his oil can reduce puffiness and soothe even the worst sunburn. And hey, it's also a well-known aphrodisiac, so while you're at it you might as well pop a few drops in your diffuser.
3. Lemon
Lemon is my go-to for cleaning and can be used on almost any surface! But here's a tip: it's an amazing natural pest repellant. Mosquitos buzzing around your backyard? No problem. Add a few drops to a jar of liquid coconut oil and pop it on a table. Fruit flies storming your kitchen? Keep a spray bottle of water with a few drops of lemon oil handy to wipe down surfaces. It will keep those fruit flies away.
4. German Chamomile
The flowers are blooming and the pollen is flowing - and my allergies are OUT. OF. CONTROL. Luckily, German Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and relaxing properties that keep my allergies under control. Dilute with a base oil, such as organic coconut oil, to help with skin allergies.
5. Peppermint
A few drops of Peppermint oil on the back of your neck will help you cool off instantly. It also repels bugs and insects! Not to mention it is super stimulating - simply inhaling this oil can help alleviate bloating and nausea.
6. Patchouli
Patchouli is an amazing oil for skin care. It is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Add a couple drops to a carrier oil (I looove Grapeseed oil for my face!) to get a smooth, glowing complexion. It also reduces the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, and any skin imperfections so you can be makeup free alllllll summer long!
7. Rosemary
Summer brings sweat. Sweat brings germs. Kill those germs by adding a few drops of rosemary to your bath water or to a carrier oil and apply topically. Rosemary is also calming and anti-inflammatory, so if you're finding yourself prone to headaches due to the rising temperatures out there, dilute a few drops in a base oil and apply to your temples in a circular motion.
8. Grapefruit
What can't Grapefruit oil do?! Besides smelling amazing, it packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. It has natural anti-inflammatory benefits and can be applied to wounds, cuts, scrapes, sore muscles, joints, or help soothe a sore throat.
It also helps relieve water retention that we are all prone to during these summer months. AND it metabolizes fats! Add a few drops of this to your water to reap the benefits.
9. Geranium
If you're like me and find yourself constantly on the go all summer, this is a must-have. Busy schedules mean disrupted sleep. Geranium is a natural stress reliever and mood booster, so keep this one on hand to diffuse when you're feeling restless and in need of a lift.
It also helps to release toxins and balance hormones.
10. Clary Sage
I may have saved the best for last here! Clary Sage is an amazing, well-rounded, multi-faceted essential oil. It has antibacterial, astringent, and aphrodisiac properties (see, I said it was amazing!) It also helps with digestion, can be used as a natural deodorant, and improves mood and reduces stress... phew!
Clary Sage can be used in your diffuser, added to your bath, combined with coconut oil and applied topically, or added to your shampoo and conditioner to promote healthy hair and scalp.