Whether you like to go to the sea or the mountains, travel around the world or stay in your country of origin, this summer think about your essential oils. They are, in fact, your main natural and effective allies for a safe summer. Because yes, feeling good all summer without any hassle is possible! These little bottles fit into any small first aid kit to always be within reach. No excuses, they even fit on the plane!
Here's everything you need to know to best prepare for your trip.
Do essential oils work?
Let's get back to basics! What are essential oils?
For plants, essential oils are superb shields. They play the role of immune defenses, protecting them from bacteria and insects and also from sunburn. Essential oils are also the source of their irresistible scent that is sometimes soothing and sometimes energizing.
For us, essential oils are superb antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, immunostimulants, healing, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, energizing, relaxing.
Is aromatherapy powerful?
Aromatherapy is the science of essential oils. It is a gentle and powerful medicine. We must not neglect the actions of essential oils as well as their side effects in the event of abuse, burns or allergic reactions can occur.
Essential oils should ALWAYS be used with caution.
Please note, essential oils should always be used with caution.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, sick or have a serious history, avoid consuming it. If you have the slightest doubt, do not hesitate to seek advice from an aromatherapist or naturopath.
Essential oils work VERY well!
Essential oils owe their effectiveness to their numerous active ingredients which are also found in many medications such as terpenes, linalool, camper, alcohol, ether, phenol, etc.
Are essential oils endocrine disruptors?
NO ! Essential oils are not endocrine disruptors. Studies have been carried out on synthetic molecules created by man or denatured by himself which clearly prove that the latter have side effects on him, which on the other hand is not the case for essential oil concentrated which does not cause any.
The top 10 essential oils for the summer survival kit
Tea tree essential oil for little aches and pains
Tea tree essential oil ( melaleuca alternifolia ) or tea tree is essential and not just for summer. Antiseptic and disinfectant, this essential oil is very useful in case of cuts, abrasions or blisters on the foot.
How to use it ? Mix 1 to 2 drops in a carrier oil and apply to affected areas. Suitable for the whole family, even children.
CAUTION: Tea tree essential oil is not recommended for pregnant women.
Linalool thyme essential oil for sore throats
Linalool thyme essential oil ( thymus vulgaris and linalool) is anti-infectious and anti-bactericidal. It is therefore very useful in the event of a cold spell due to air conditioning in summer.
How to use it ? Mix 1 to 2 drops in a vegetable oil to apply to the lungs or throat. Suitable for the whole family including children.
CAUTION: Linalool thyme essential oil is not recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It is only used in diluted form on the skin.
Ravintsara essential oil for cold sores
With decompression, we are not safe from a cold sore showing the tip of its nose. Ravintsara essential oil, antiviral and immunostimulating, limits the risk of secondary infection. It is also useful in cases of nail fungus.
How to use it ? Mix 1 to 2 drops in a carrier oil and apply to the affected area or 1 pure drop directly to the nail. It is suitable for the whole family including children.
CAUTION: Ravintsara essential oil is not recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy and for asthmatics.
Lavender aspic essential oil for mosquito bites or sunburn
Aspic lavender essential oil ( lavandula spica ) is ideal for insect bites, nettle bites and small, non-extensive burns linked to friction, for example. Calming and regenerating, it is one of the summer essentials. In short, anything that stings or itch!
How to use it ? For mosquito spots, you can apply a pure drop without worry. On the other hand, for sunburns and light burns, combine 1 or 2 drops with St. John's Wort vegetable oil or aloe vera gel then massage the weakened area. Reapply every 20 minutes, up to 5 times in a row depending on the intensity of the sunburn.
CAUTION: Aspic lavender essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 6 years old.
Rose geranium essential oil to say stop to mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are our little summer enemies. Particularly active at the end of the day, they disrupt our outdoor evenings. In order to keep them away as much as possible, without resorting to products harmful to the environment or even to our pets, essential oils offer ideal solutions. Rose geranium essential oil replaces lemongrass very well.
How to use it ? Apply rose geranium essential oil to the skin, previously mixed with apricot vegetable oil. In diffusion it is also very effective.
WARNING: Rose geranium essential oil is not recommended for pregnant women.
Tropical Basil essential oil for stomach aches
Tropical basil essential oil ( ocinum basilicium ) or exotic basil is very effective in cases of intestinal cramps or menstrual pain thanks to its powerful antispasmodic properties. A good digestive tonic, it also helps eliminate gas in cases of bloating.
How to use it ?
- In case of bloating: 1 drop on a neutral tablet, a square of sugar or in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil or honey.
- In case of digestive spasms or painful periods: 2 drops with 4 drops of vegetable oil massaged on the stomach.
CAUTION: Tropical basil essential oil is not recommended for pregnant women during the first 3 months of pregnancy and for children under 3 years old. It can also be irritating in its pure form, so it is important to dilute it well.
Immortelle essential oil for bruises
Immortelle essential oil ( helichrysum italium) or Italian Helichrysum decongests tissues and prevents hematomas. It is therefore ideal in case of bruises, bumps or blows of any kind.
How to use it ? Mix 1 to 2 drops in a vegetable oil to apply to affected areas.
WARNING: Helichrysum essential oil is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old and people taking anticoagulants.
Wintergreen essential oil for muscle pain
Wintergreen essential oil ( gaultheria procumbens) contains methyl salicylate similar to aspirin. It is therefore incredible in cases of cramp, tendinitis, muscle or joint pain.
How to use it ? Mix 1 to 2 drops in vegetable oil. It is strongly not recommended in cases of allergy to aspirin or anticoagulant treatment.
CAUTION: Wintergreen essential oil is used externally only. Do not use it pure, it is always used diluted to a maximum of 20% in vegetable oil. Reserve it for localized application, avoid large surfaces. It is prohibited in the event of pregnancy, in children under 6 years of age, people allergic to aspirin as well as people on anticoagulant treatment.
Wild mint essential oil in case of travel sickness
As we risk hitting the road this summer, the essential oil of wild mint ( mentha arvensis) can be useful in case of travel sickness (plane, car, train). It also facilitates digestion after a heavy meal.
How to use it ? 1 drop on a neutral tablet, 1 square of sugar or 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil or honey.
WARNING: Wild mint essential oil is prohibited for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with epilepsy, children under 6 years old and the elderly. On the skin, always dilute it in a vegetable oil (30% max for localized application). Due to its powerful cooling effect, reserve it for limited areas for skin application. Never use wild mint essential oil in the bath. Avoid prolonged use without therapeutic advice, especially for internal use. For diffusion, use diluted (15% max) in milder essential oils.
Lemon essential oil for better digestion
Because in summer, we tend to overindulge in aperitifs, here is the essential oil to always have with you to facilitate digestion. Lemon essential oil is in fact a digestive tonic regulating liver function.
How to use it? 1 to 2 drops of lemon essential oil on a neutral tablet or on a piece of sugar to melt under the tongue.
CAUTION: Lemon essential oil is very photosensitizing. Therefore avoid exposure to the sun for at least 6 hours after application. It is not recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
And you, what are your essential essential oils for summer? What essential oils do you take when traveling?
A vacation with complete peace of mind. Take care of yourself.
