What’s the best way to treat your summer woes naturally depends on how you experience the season (e.g., allergies, sweating, dry or sunburned skin, bug bites). Each summer is a bit different too.

Here we’ll look at using aromatic plants as a great option. First, we’ll focus on the distinct properties of these plants in their holistic, highly concentrated, and very powerful form as essential oils. Then, we’ll cover some simple applications for specific conditions.

Some of the typical summer complaints in our area are overexposure to sun and sunburn, uncomfortable heat reactions such as excessive sweating and heat rash, bug bites and bee stings, poison ivy outbreaks, and other skin sensitivities, allergies, and symptoms of overindulgence (tiredness, hangovers, etc).

Many summer complaints can be avoided or lessened provided some precautionary or protective measures are taken. For example, the use of sunblock can decrease the incidence of sunburns, and wearing protective clothing can reduce insect bites and contact with poison ivy. So, the first line of defense is avoidance and protection.

How Aromatic Plants Can Treat Your Summer Woes Naturally

Insect repellent

Several essential oils can be considered all-purpose insect repellents such as citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), cedar (Cedrus atlantica), lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) and patchouli (Pogosterum cablin). Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata or Syzygium aromaticum) is also effective, but it can cause skin irritation. It’s worth noting that not all insects are repelled by the same substance so it’s wise to modify the repellent blend in accordance with the relevant insect population. For example, catnip (Nepeta cataria) is particularly effective at repealing mosquitos while juniper (Juniperus communis) works on ticks and fleas.

Insect Bites

Cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputi), everlasting (helichrysum italicum), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), melissa (Melissa offinicalis), patchouli, tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Everlasting, geranium, lavender, and patchouli also facilitate bite or wound healing.

Bee and Wasp Stings

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) and lavender. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is said to be particularly effective on wasp stings. Like clove (mentioned above), cinnamon can cause skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Overexposure and Sunburn

Australian blue cypress (Callitris intratropica), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), everlasting (Helichrysum italicum), lavender, Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Sunburns imply skin damage, and overexposure without burning is still tough on the skin. For skin healing and rejuvenation, try calendula, carrot seed (Daucus carrota), cistus (Cistus ladanifer), lavender, everlasting, or frankincense (Boswellia cateri). See our blog on Aromatherapy and Essential Oils for sunburn Relief.

Overheating

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and spearmint (Mentha spicata).

Allergy symptoms

Sometimes hay fever and allergies are symptoms of, or exacerbated by, congestion in the liver and lymph. So, essential oils that detoxify or clear the liver can be very beneficial. These include cypress, helichrysum B., juniper, lemon, and orange. Hay fever and allergies are typically accompanied by headaches, nasal congestion, and mental fogginess so oils listed under these conditions can also provide relief.

Nasal Congestion and Stuffiness

Allergies typically come with congestion and sinus inflammation. Some essential oils that act as an antihistamine, clear decongestion, and calm include cypress, peppermint eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives), hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), helichrysum B. (Helichrysum bracteiferum), pinon pine (Pinus edilus), ravintsava (Cinnamomum camphora), rosemary and Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris).

Tiredness

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), black pepper (Piper nigrum), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

Hangover

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), ginger (Zingiber officinale), juniper, peppermint, and rosemary for the various hangover symptoms: headache, nausea, upset stomach, mental fogginess, impaired balance, etc.

How You Can Treat Your Summer Woes Naturally

Aloe Vera Gel For Sunburns

Aloe vera is simply the best carrier or base for after-sun and sunburn applications. It goes on smoothly and cools the skin. It actually feels cool. While it is readily absorbed, it leaves a very light residue that continues to soothe the skin.

Most sources recommend adding some lavender essential oil, but I prefer everlasting, tea tree, or geranium. I’ve just found they work better with my skin type. Geranium has wonderful restorative properties too. I just don’t care for the scent of geranium so I tend to blend it with the other two.

Spritzes and Sprays

A cool liquid is a terrific way to cool down on a hot day or to get immediate relief from insect bites and stings. Essential oils can be added to distilled or pure water in the proper dilution (see below and my blog on proper dilution of essential oils).

Since essential oils and water don’t mix well, make sure to shake the mixture before using. Spritzes are great for light, non-sticky insect repellent, and sun exposure relief.

As a wonderful alternative to water, use hydrosols as the base and benefit from their additional therapeutic properties. For example, use clary sage, peppermint, and spearmint hydrosols for cooling. Make sure that you use hydrosols and not floral water.

Selecting Healing Balms, Butters, and Lotions

Dry and sun-damaged skin, muscle stiffness, bruises and bites, cuts, and scratches cry out for natural treatment. Here, the carrier really matters. Use carrier oils and butters that have complementary healing properties, e.g., rosehip seed oil (Rosa rubiginosa) for sun-damaged skin.

Lotions are the lightest and absorb into the skin quickly while balms and butters stay on the skin longer.

The application choice is partly a matter of personal preference, but not completely. For surface issues like bites and scratches, it’s best to apply something which will stay on the skin longer such as a balm.

Limitless Applications of Personal Inhalers

A healing inhaler can be used for decongestion, quick pick-me-ups, grounding when exposed to a lot of sea breeze, or relief from hangovers arising from too much of a good thing. It’s easy to design your own blends with appropriate oils.

Candles to Diffuse Aromatic Healing

Most people are familiar with citronella-scented insect repellent candles.

You can easily make your own. Light a candle and let the wax soften. Blow out the flame and add just a few drops of citronella or essential oil blend. Mix the melted wax a little to work in the essential oils. Light the candle again. Be careful! Essential oils are flammable. Be sure to put out the candle before adding essential oils and keep an eye on the candle once relit.

Do NOT add more than a few drops to the candle. Otherwise, the scent can become overpowering, annoying, and even a bit sickening.

NOTE: Essential oils are extremely concentrated and can cause irritations when used improperly.

Use the Right Concentration to Treat Your Summer Woes Naturally

As a general rule use the following dilutions:

• 3% for products applied to specific limited areas of the body
• 1-2% for body oils and other applications applied to large portions of the body (e.g. body butter)
• 1% dilution for children, the elderly, and those with sensitive skin or compromised systems
• 100% essential oil or essential oil blend for inhalers
• 3-6 drops (100% essential oils or essential oil blend) for a diffuser (for a 12 ft x 12 ft room). Less for energetic blends.

People with certain medical conditions should be aware of the counter-indications of some essential oils. If concerned, consult a professional aromatherapist to determine the appropriate essential oil blend for you and your specific condition or intention.

For More on Using Healing Aromatic Plants Or Natural Healing and Wellness, See:

• My Mind Body Spirit blog and use the search term Energy Healing and Wellness,

Contact me.

Updated July 19, 2022