As the sun is now making a regular appearance (it’s about time!) and the temperatures begin to soar, summer can be both a delightful and daunting time. While basking in the warmth of the sun has its joys, staying cool and calm can become a bit of a challenge.
Aromatherapy offers some natural and effective solutions to help you beat the heat and maintain your peace. Here are some top tips to stay cool, calm and collected this summer…
Cool Down with Essential Oils on Pulse Points
One of the quickest ways to cool your body temperature is by applying essential oils to your pulse points. Add 1-2 drops of your chosen essential oil to aloe gel, perfumer alcohol or carrier oil, before applying to the skin. Pulse points, such as your wrists, temples, behind the ears, and the back of your neck, are areas where blood vessels are close to the skin’s surface. Applying the correct essential oils here allows for a more immediate cooling effect.
Recommended Oils:
- Peppermint Oil: Known for its cooling properties, peppermint oil can provide an instant feeling of refreshment. Its menthol content creates a cooling sensation that can help lower your body temperature.
- Eucalyptus Oil: As well as its cooling effect, Eucalyptus can also help with mental clarity, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
- Lavender Oil: While it’s well known for its calming properties, lavender also has a mild cooling effect, perfect for a holistic approach to staying cool and relaxed.
Practice Breathing Techniques
Breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress and enhance your body's ability to stay cool. There are many cooling breathing techniques to choose from, such as the alternate nostril breathing of Nadi Shodana or the sipping breath of Sitali. Incorporating essential oils into your breathing practices can help to amplify these benefits. Simply add some of your chosen essential oil to your room diffuser and then practice your favourite breathing technique.
Recommended Oils:
- Chamomile Oil: The soothing aroma can help calm the mind and reduce stress-induced heat.
- Rosemary Oil: Known for its refreshing scent, Rosemary can help clear your mind and improve concentration.
- Bergamot Oil: This citrus oil has a cooling and calming effect, perfect for alleviating summer stress.
Soothe Sun-Exposed Skin
Prolonged exposure to the sun can leave your skin feeling hot and irritated. Certain essential oils can provide relief and soothe your skin, offering a natural remedy for heat-related skin discomfort. Try adding a few drops to running water as you run a warm (but definitely not hot!) bath - but note you should not use them on broken skin.
Recommended Oils:
- Lavender Oil: Renowned for its skin-soothing properties, Lavender can help alleviate inflammation associated with sunburn.
- Aloe Vera Gel: While technically a gel, aloe vera is highly regarded for its soothing and cooling properties.
- Chamomile Oil: Its anti-inflammatory and calming properties can help reduce redness and irritation.
Create a Calming Environment with Essential Oils
Transforming your environment with essential oils can help you stay cool, calm and collected during the heat. Using a diffuser, you can disperse the calming properties of essential oils throughout your home or workspace, and even at night to get a better night's sleep in the summer months.
Recommended Oils:
- Sandalwood Oil: This grounding aroma can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
- Ylang Ylang Oil: Known for its ability to reduce anxiety and create a peaceful atmosphere.
- Bergamot: Bergamot oil helps prepare the body for sleep and has been shown to reduce stressful thoughts, which can be a common issue in getting a good rest.