Summer is associated with the heartening, invigorating and revitalizing scents of blooming plant life, cooling expanses of water, freshly-cut grass, smoky aromas of barbecues and bonfires, sunblock, the earthy scent of sand and soil, juicy fruits – the list continues! Essential Oils with scent profiles that are similarly light, stimulating, reminiscent, and uplifting can inspire the buoyancy that may help us to revel, relax, get moving, undertake a new activity, and recover our joie de vivre during the dog days.
Whether camping, picnicking, gardening, swimming, travelling, or simply lounging indoors, Essential Oils not only help to mentally and physically gear up for, improve, or recuperate from countless summer pleasures, but they also exhibit a wide array of potential health gains that can replenish the strength of our minds, bodies, and spirits and protect us against summertime pests as well as the harsh effects of the elements.
Read on to discover recipes for natural suncare as well as the top restorative Essential Oils that can be incorporated into summer activities to repel insects, support immune function, and keep the body and mind feeling cleansed, comforted, clear, and energized.
| RECOMMENDED OIL | REPUTED BENEFITS |
|---|---|
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EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL |
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GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL |
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SANDALWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL |
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SPEARMINT ESSENTIAL OIL |
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LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL |
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ORANGE ESSENTIAL OIL |
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LIME ESSENTIAL OIL |
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GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL |
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CLARY SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL |
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ROSE (OTTO & ABSOLUTE) |
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PALMAROSA ESSENTIAL OIL |
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Caution: Avoid using Essential Oils with photosensitizing properties when being exposed to the sun, as they make it easier for the skin to become damaged by UV radiation. Examples of photosensitive Essential Oils include:
Pink Lemonade
Tropical Paradise
Taking the Scenic Route
Warm Sunshine
For natural Essential Oil blends that can help to protect against bugs – and their bites – try using any combination of the following effective Essential Oils. For enhanced skin safety and an alternative to topical application, these blends may be applied to fabrics or objects rather than the skin.
| FLORAL | HERBAL | CAMPHORACEOUS | LEMONY | WOODY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Catnip |
Rosemary |
Cajeput |
Citronella |
Clove |
Add a total of 100 drops of any preferred Essential Oils to a 60 ml (2 fl. oz) spray bottle filled with water. Cap and shake the bottle well to thoroughly combine all oils. To help prevent the oils from separating from the water, add 2 ml (½ tsp) Vegetable Glycerin. For a simpler blend, add 4-5 drops of a single Essential Oil to a spray bottle filled with ¼ cup of water.
These blends can be sprayed around the house, the patio, or onto cotton balls, which can be placed in corners of preferred rooms or outdoor areas to protect against insects that bite, such as mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, and sandflies, as well as against ants, spiders, ticks, moths, earwigs, cockroaches, and other unwanted creepy crawlies.
For topical application, dilute a total of 10 drops of a preferred Essential Oil in ¼ cup or ½ cup of a preferred Carrier Oil and massage the blend into exposed areas of skin.
The following moisturizing products are known to exhibit natural sun-protective properties – albeit in low amounts – and can be added to lotions and sunscreen formulations to fortify the skin by enhancing its defense against the harsh effects of overexposure to UV radiation:
Create an all-natural homemade sunblock formula with the following recipe:
Note: The approximate shelf life of this natural sunscreen is 6 months.
| SPF RANGE | ZINC OXIDE % OF INGREDIENT WEIGHT |
|---|---|
|
6-11 |
10% Zinc Oxide |
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6-11 |
10% Zinc Oxide |
|
12-19 |
15% Zinc Oxide |
|
>20 |
20% Zinc Oxide |
As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, our Essential Oils are for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using these oils for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Essential Oils without the medical advice of a physician, as they may have effects on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development. These oils should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.
Those with the following health conditions are especially recommended to be advised by a physician: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders, hormone-related ailments, or epilepsy. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation prior to use.
Prior to using any Essential Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of the Essential Oil in 4 drops of a Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Essential Oils must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Essential Oils include redness, rash, hives, burning, bleeding disorders, decreased speed of healing, low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, convulsions, and rapid heartbeat. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the products and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.
Due to the ability of photo-sensitizing Essential Oils to intensify the skin’s susceptibility to the harmful effects of the UV radiation in sunlight, it is not recommended to apply them topically (unless they are Bergaptene-free) when the skin will be exposed to sunlight; instead it is suggested that they be diffused or incorporated into air spray blends for safer application.