How to Keep Cool with Aromatherapy

The early signs suggest we are in for a long, hot summer this year, so it’s a good idea to start thinking of ways you can keep cool, calm and collected as the temperature rises.

Some people use essential oils on skin to keep cool, either applying them directly (with a carrier oil) or by making their own mist sprays, which can bring instant relief.

We’ve put together some suggestions on how to beat the heat this summer, handpicking some of our favourite essential oils for this time of year.

What are the best cooling essential oils?

Some of the best cooling essential oils you can use to avoid overheating include:

Refresh and revitalise your skin with citrus oils

Citrus oils are perfect for lowering your body temperature during the hotter months of the year. Lemon, sweet orange and bergamot tend to work well when used in a mist spray – or If the heat has drained your energy levels, inhaling a citrus scent can give you a quick boost.

If you are going out into the sun, citrus oils may not be the best option if you want to spray or apply them to your skin, as they can be photosensitive, so are best used at home.

Mix 6-12 drops with 30ml of a carrier oil of choice and avoid contact with direct sunlight for a few hours.

Cool sunburnt skin using peppermint oil

It’s easy to get caught out by the sun on a hot day – although you may not notice you are sunburned until you return home to more regular temperatures.

The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties provided by the menthol in peppermint oil means it can help to calm sunburned skin and alleviate the stinging feeling it brings. One scientific review noted that it could be effective at reducing pain and inflammation, two common side effects of sunburn. [1]

When using essential oils on skin it is a good idea to carry out a patch test beforehand, especially if you are using the oil for the first time.

Tea tree oil can help you ward off bugs and pests

An increase in food sources and moisture levels, along with higher temperatures and more daylight means we interact with more insects during the summer.

If you tend to easily pick up bug bites or are more sensitive to their presence, applying tea tree oil can work as a repellent. Scientists have found it has strong repellent properties and can work just as effectively as commercial bug sprays in some instances. [2]

You can either use the oil in the same way as our mist spray recipe below, or if you want to apply directly to your skin, mix 6-12 drops with 30ml of a carrier oil of choice.

Where to use essential oils on skin

Applying diluted essential oils to your pulse points should help you to quickly lower your body temperature.

Your pulse points are areas where blood vessels are close to the skin’s surface and can be found on your wrists, temples, chest, neck, inner elbow, ankles and the back of your knees.

Once you have diluted your essential oil with a carrier oil, place 2-3 drops and leave it to air dry. Or, if you have a fan nearby, let this blow onto the oil to create a refreshing cooling effect.

How to make your own mist spray

You can use cooling aromatherapy oils by making your own DIY cooling spray, which gives you the freedom to spritz their cooling properties whenever you need.

To make an aromatherapy mist spray you’ll need the following:

• 60ml glass spray bottle
• 10 x drops of essential oils (lavender, rosemary or peppermint oils are popular choices)
• 60ml alcohol free unscented witch hazel

Directions

1. Pour the witch hazel into the spray bottle – you may find it easier to use a funnel to avoid spillages.
2. Next, add your ten essential oil drops of choice.
3. Screw on the spray lid and give the bottle a good shake to mix the ingredients.
4. Before you use the mist, give the bottle another shake and then spritz onto your skin as and when needed.

Other ways to keep cool this summer

Even if you aren’t using cooling aromatherapy oils to beat the heat this summer you could try:

Using your property insulation to keep cool

If you are at home, the best way to cool off on a hot day is to take proactive measures. Close curtains, blinds and shades during the hottest parts of the day to prevent the sun from heating up the room.

It may be tempting to open windows but that will also likely increase the temperature indoors – open them during the evening and overnight (if possible) as this will allow cooler air to flow into your home.

Investing in a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are becoming an increasingly popular way of lowering the temperature at home. They work by reducing the moisture in the air, which can be a godsend if your home overheats during the day. When the air is saturated, this impacts our body’s cooling mechanism, and when there is too much water vapour it affects our ability to sweat and cool down.

Carrying a portable fan

When you are out and about, there may not be a lot of shade to shelter in, and when the sun is beating down it can be difficult to stay cool. Using a small, handheld fan can bring instant relief and help you generate a cool breeze – splash a little bit of water on your forehead, arms, feet or the back of the neck and blow the fan onto these areas to enjoy faster relief.

Final thoughts

As much as most people love the sunshine, learning how to feel colder and cooler on a hot day can help you beat the humidity that comes with it.

Mist sprays offer an easy way to beat the heat, or you can dilute your favourite essential oil with a carrier oil and apply to your pulse points, which will help to lower your body temperature.

Keep curtains and blinds shut at home during the hottest parts of the day and you may want to consider investing in a portable fan so you can stay cool on the go. And most importantly, stay hydrated!