Beat the Heat with Essential Oils
by Infused Essence
Sweaty? Cranky? Exhausted? Nobody likes feeling overheated. Between record breaking temperatures and the rising costs of air conditioning, staying cool in the summer can sometimes feel impossible. Luckily, there are easier ways to chill out than sticking your head in the freezer. These simple hacks will give you instant relief from the summer heat, and all the icky feelings that accompany it. They're quick, easy, and can be used as much and as often as needed!
1) Topically
Essential oils with cooling properties, such as Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Lavender can all be applied directly to the skin for relief from the heat.
- To maximize the cooling effects, apply the oil to pressure points, such as behind the ears, the back of the neck, insides of elbows and wrists, bottoms of the feet, etc. You can also apply the oil from the neck all the way down the spine to stimulate more nerves into feeling cooler.
Avoid contact with eyes and mucus membranes. For sensitive skin, or to cover larger areas of your body, combine one tablespoon of a carrier oil, such as Jojoba, Coconut, or Almond Oil, with a few drops of your essential oil. Always spot test essential oils on a small patch of skin before using them topically.
2) Gel or Lotion
You can add essential oils to a light lotion or aloe vera gel for fast relief from heat and sunburn.
- Add 15 - 20 drops of your favorite cooling essential oils to 2 cups of lotion or aloe vera gel. Slather on sore muscles, sunburned areas, or all over for general relief. Store in the fridge for maximum cooling sensation.
Recommended Blend:
- 2 cups Aloe Vera Gel
- 7 drops of Peppermint Oil
- 5 drops of Lavender Oil
- 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil
3) Diffused
The refreshing, cooling effects of essential oils can be enjoyed by simply diffusing them! The aromas of these oils fill the room, adding a refreshing mist that both smells and feels cooler.
- Put 5 - 10 drops of essential oil in an oil diffuser to purify, deodorize, and cool the air.
Recommended Blend:
- 3 drops of Eucalyptus Oil
- 3 drops of Peppermint Oil
- 3 drops of Orange Oil
4) Cooling Spray
Mixing cooling essential oils with distilled water to make a hydrosol spray is one of the fastest ways to cool down in the summer. You can store the spray in the fridge for maximum cooling effects, or bring it with you to stay cool when you're on the go.
- Add 10 - 15 drops of essential oils to distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake to mix, and before every use.
Recommended Blend:
- 4 drops of Lavender Oil
- 3 drops of Eucalyptus Oil
- 2 drops of Peppermint Oil
- 1 drop of Lemongrass Oil
Pro tip: Add 1-2 tsp aloe vera gel to relieve sunburns and moisturize the skin!
5) Cold Compress
In a bowl, mix 6 drops of essential oil with 1 tsp of salt. Fill the bowl with ice water. Immerse a clean towel in the water, and then wring it out. Brush the towel over your body to freshen up. Drape it over your forehead, back of your neck, or on your tummy to cool down.
Recommended Blend:
- 2 drops of Peppermint Oil
- 2 drops of Lavender Oil
- 2 drops of Bergamot Oil
Helpful Hints!
- Important Note: These tips are not a cure for medical issues. If you are overheating regularly, or suffering from heat exhaustion or severe sunburn, please confer with your doctor.
- Avoid getting essential oils near your eyes and mucus membranes -- especially oils with menthol or eucalyptol! The tingle feels great on your body, not so much your eyes.