Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy essential oils that are uplifting, cooling, refreshing, and naturally suited to the season.
Whether you are spending time outside, cooling down after a hot day, or simply wanting your home to smell bright and fresh, a few well-chosen essential oils can be beautiful summer companions.
Outdoor-Friendly Essential Oils
Lemon-scented eucalyptus is one of the best-known essential oils traditionally associated with helping keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay. In fact, Puregard repellent uses a derivative of this oil in their Health Canada-approved formulation. We have used their spray, formerly known as Atlantick, for years and love it. These days, we often have a hard time keeping it in stock!
Citronella and cedarwood are also popular summertime oils that have traditionally been used in outdoor blends.
Refreshing Oils for Hot Days
Peppermint and spearmint are wonderfully cooling and refreshing oils for summer. Try adding them, properly diluted, to a cooling foot bath for instant relief after a long, hot day.
You can also blend mint oils with citrus oils for a bright, lively summer aroma. Please note that many citrus oils can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so use care before applying them topically.
After-Sun Care
If you happen to get too much sun, apple cider vinegar is a traditional home-care favourite. Lavender essential oil is also commonly loved for skin-care blends and is often used in soothing after-sun preparations.
Summer Diffuser Blend Ideas
Need some inspiration? Here are a few simple diffuser recipes to get you started.
Blend 1: Bright Citrus Mint
- 3 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 2 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 1 drop peppermint essential oil
Blend 2: Calm Summer Woods
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 1 drop cedarwood essential oil
Blend 3: Patio-Inspired Blend
- 3 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 drops citronella essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
Using These Blends Topically
You can also apply these blends topically by diluting them properly in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil. Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.
Summer Essential Oil Safety Tips
- Many cold-pressed citrus oils, such as bergamot, lemon, lime, and grapefruit, are phototoxic and should not be applied to the skin before sun exposure.
- Choose FCF bergamot or steam-distilled citrus oils when appropriate.
- Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.
- Stay well hydrated, as heat can make aromas seem stronger than usual.
- Avoid using high concentrations of “hot” oils like cinnamon or clove during very hot weather, as they may increase skin irritation.
Enjoy your summertime!