Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Staying cool in the heat with essential oils!



Summer brings some pretty intense heat and if you're like me, you often feel like melting into a pool of, well, blaaah....  I use essential oils to stay cool and calm and healthy through the summer months, and these are some of my favorite oils, as well as ways to use them!


Peppermint
Peppermint
contains a significant amount of menthol which has cooling and refreshing properties, and also eases tension and relieves aches and pains.  Peppermint is also soothing for the digestive system and it increases mental alertness!


Spearmint
 also contains menthol, but has a softer scent then peppermint. It is very nourishing for the respiratory and nervous system.


  
 Lavender
is an adaptogen, and therefore can assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. It is a great aid for relaxing and winding down before bedtime, yet has balancing properties that can also boost stamina and energy.  Lavender is also an amazing healing agent for the skin - especially when there is a burn.  Lavender is also soothing on cuts, bruises and even bug bites, so it is essential in the summertime! 

My favorite ways to
use essential oils in the summer:

Foot Soak

Soak your feet in a tub of cool water
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils and epsom salts if your feet are achy from summer fun! 
Body Spray / Mist
keep spray bottles handy with purified water and your favorite essential oils
I like 12 drops of peppermint and 12 drops of lavender in a bottle of purified water.
Cooling Bandanas
When hiking, in addition to a sun hat, wear a bandana dipped in ice water and a few drops of your essential oil of your choice.  There are even bandanas with little beads in them that absorb the water!   Check them out! 
 Cooling Bath
If you've been out in the heat or are feeling sunburned, take a lukewarm bath with a couple tablespoons of baking soda and 10-30 drops of lavender essential oil (which has healing properties for burns and skin health)
Add to lotion or oil
Essential oils can be added to your lotion and body oil.  Just add a few drops into your palm full of lotion or oil and slather yourself in the healing aroma. 
And of course, essential oils can be added to your massage treatment... just ask!

Diffuse into the air
Essential oils can be diffused into your home by adding some drops to your humidifier, or using a simple candle diffuser.  The most efficient way to distribute oils through air is with an electric diffuser. 

 
*When using essential oils, you want to be sure that you are getting the best quality because they are absorbed right into your blood stream.  Young Living Oils are some of the purest and cleanest you can find, and are even safe enough to ingest! 


 Laura Rose is a distributor for Young Living Oils -
contact me to order essential oil products for yourself!