How Essentials Oils Help Cool the Body
When the summer heat hits full force, finding relief becomes part of our daily routine. Using natural aromatics is an enjoyable way to create a refreshing experience that can help us cope with the extremes of heat. There are many essential oils, such as peppermint, which can create a cooling and refreshing sensation due to their specific chemical components, in this case menthol, that triggers a sensory response in our skin in much the same way as we respond to cold temperatures. A lot of research has been done on menthol, so we know that when it comes into contact with our skin, it activates a protein called TRPM8 found in cold-sensing nerve cells, tricking our brain into thinking we’re experiencing a cooling affect!
Menthol isn’t the only natural component that behaves in this way, since other constituents such as 1,8-cineole in eucalyptus oil, linalool in lavender and geranium oils, and limonene in lime and sweet orange oil also offer cooling relief. These essential oils are all great used in summertime blends, to spritz on the skin, in footbaths or as air fresheners, since even without a drop in actual temperature, our body perceives a cooling effect from them. Many of the following aromatics are ideal for summer use, not just because they feel refreshing, but because they are also uplifting and energising which counters the sense of heaviness and sluggishness we can often experience when the temperature climbs.
The Best Essential Oils to Combat Summer Heat:
- Peppermint delivers an instant cooling effect with its fresh-minty aroma that is effective within seconds when inhaled, for example, in a room diffuser. It is one of the most effective oils for immediate relief from heat, due to its high menthol content. It is best used in foot soaks or after-sun aqua sprays to revive tired senses in the heat, or just by putting a few drops onto the base of a shower tray before taking a cooling shower.
- Eucalyptus has a crisp, invigorating aroma, which helps cools the body and fight fatigue brought on by summer heat when used in room vaporisers. It has a gentle, tingling effect on the skin and scalp, and is regarded as one of the most effective cooling essential oils due to its high cineole content. It is best used in the shower, by putting a few drops on the base of the shower tray, or as a cooling scalp treatment combined with a conditioner, after long sun exposure. Always dilute the oil before applying it to the skin.
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Lavender has natural cooling abilities, providing a calming sensation that aids in relieving heat-related discomfort, due to its linalool content. Lavender oil has a natural SPF of 5, which although very low, offers a small level of protection against the sun’s rays so is often used in natural sunscreen recipes. Lavender essential oil also works well at treating sunburn especially when used in combination with aloe-vera gel and also provides relief used in baths or foot soaks, or as an aqua-spray for post-sun relief.
- Geranium oil with its balancing, sweet-floral scent is a favourite with children and has a subtle cooling feel, due to its linalool and geraniol content. It also naturally supports sweat regulation and skin hydration which is especially valuable in hot humid weather. Use the oil in cooling baths, foot baths and showers. Also lovely used in a room diffuser to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Tea tree oil is naturally cooling, while its refreshing, clarifying properties make it a valuable aid in hot-weather, due to its specific constituents, including pinene and cineole. A must-have oil to take with you on your summer holiday because of its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-viral properties. Combine 10 drops with 50ml witch hazel water for soothing blemishes and bites or as a cooling body mist added to a spray-pump bottle. Shake well before use.
- German Chamomile oil soothes the skin with its gentle, anti-inflammatory properties, offering a calming and cooling effect that helps alleviate discomfort caused by overheating, thanks to its chamazulene content. Use the essential oil in soothing baths, foot baths and in room diffusers, or make a body mist by combining 10 drops with 50ml witch hazel water in a spray-pump bottle. Shake well before use.
- Lime oil has a lovely zesty freshness and a cooling effect that invigorates our senses and uplifts our mood, enhanced by its limonene content. Inhaling the oil, like other citrus oils such as lemon, bergamot or orange oil, provides an instant energy boost and improves mental clarity. Use in foot baths or add to the base of a shower tray to enjoy its bright, joyful scent.
Safety Note: Some essential oils, particularly citrus oils like lemon, lime, bergamot, and grapefruit, can cause phototoxic reactions when exposed to sunlight so needs to be used with care. Always check the label for any contra-indications before applying to the skin.
Cooling and Refreshing Botanical Flower Waters
We provide a range of handmade flower waters that are versatile & multi-purpose summer essentials. All are safe for use directly on the skin can be applied as a natural toner/cleanser as part of your daily skincare routine to help gently remove impurities, freshen, hydrate and protect the skin. A bottle of your favourite flower water also makes the perfect travel companion since it can be used as a refreshingly cooling spritz for imparting instant moisture to the skin during hot weather. All our flower waters are individually made to ensure the resulting scent is true-to-nature, reflecting the fragrance of the botanical plant and its essential oil.
Our botanical floral waters can also be used as natural room mists to help cool your environment down in the heat. Storing them in the refrigerator also helps to maximize their cooling benefit and to make them even more refreshing on hot days. Unlike essential oils that need to be diluted prior to application to the skin, all our flower waters can be used directly on the skin and also make delightful light travel perfumes – easy to pop into your bag when out and about on hot summer days.
Each of our flower waters has a range of individual properties:
Lavender water can aid restlessness sprayed onto the pillow on hot nights or help sooth sunburn when applied to the skin. Neroli Water helps soothe stress or anxiety sprayed liberally on the body or as a room spray. Rose Water provides a classic calming fragrance, while our Witch Hazel Water is a naturally cooling astringent.