Enhance Your Summer "Staycation" With Aromatherapy

At HHA, we’re firm believers that a little aromatherapy makes everything better...including summer!

Of course, it goes without saying that this summer is a little different than most. As the pandemic interferes with our traditional vacations and festivities, 2020 is the year of the “stay-cation” -- and what better way to keep calm and invite all the varied, tantalizing scents of summer into your home than with essential oils?
 
At Hudson Healing Arts, we honor the notion of medicine as anything used to facilitate healing, and we use only the highest-quality oils, Young Living Therapeutic Grade A Essential Oils. Essential oils promote well-being of the mind, body and spirit, and are especially wonderful for soothing stress (you can learn more about these benefits on our previous blog post). Many people are familiar with using a diffuser to reap the benefits of aromatherapy, but the opportunities for enhancing your summer with essential oils are truly endless… check out some inspiration below! 
 
❖      After a long day of sun, refresh yourself by adding a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or Panaway blend to a cold washcloth. Place it on your forehead, the back of your head, or over any achy muscles. For a maximum cooling effect, pop the washcloth in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before using.
 
❖      To carry your favorite summer scents with you all day long, add a few drops of oil to your laundry soap or natural dryer balls.
 
❖      Did you know essential oils are highly effective for natural bug protection? Citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, clove, eucalyptus, mint, cedar, and geranium are all wonderful insect-repellent choices — and the fact that they smell far better than conventional bug sprays is just the icing on the cake! You can make your own spray bottle mix (with water, natural witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, and/or vinegar), squeeze a few drops on a crackling camp fire, or dab on your clothes or wrist. For ease of use and no mixing, Young Living offers a wonderful blend called Purification that’s superb for protection and repelling insects. Already targeted by mosquitos? A drop or 2 of Purification will soon soothe the itch and help calm swelling.
 
❖      For super skin-soothing and hydration after being out in the heat, add a few drops of lavender oil to all-natural aloe vera gel and massage into your skin.
 
❖      If your outdoor furniture is looking a little grungy, add a few drops of tea tree, lavender, lemon, spearmint or lime essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water for a nice-smelling polish. You can also freshen up old beach towels!
 
❖      For sweeter-smelling sunscreen, add 2-3 drops of carrot seed, lavender, or sandalwood to your SPF. Just make sure to be mindful not to mix any photosensitive essential oils to your sunscreen or lotion, because these make you more sensitive to the sun’s rays (here’s a helpful guide to photosensitive oils from the Young Living blog).
 
❖      If your hair is feeling the frizz from Hoboken’s heat and humidity, you’re not alone! Tame flyaways by adding a few drops of geranium, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender to your shampoo, hair serum, or oil.
 
❖      We love this nourishing DIY nighttime exfoliant from the Young Living blog! Simply mix 1 tablespoon jojoba oil with 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and 4 drops lemon essential oil. Gently apply the scrub to your face and massage in a circular motion for about 1 minute. Rinse and then moisturize.
 
❖      Whether you’re working out in the garden or your AC simply isn’t doing it for you, beat the heat with a refreshing face mist. Add a few drops of peppermint, lavender or chamomile oil to a glass spray bottle filled with water. Spray on your head, neck, and chest, being careful to avoid your eyes and also to avoid using photosensitive oils.
 
❖      To freshen things up in your car, add a few drops of your favorite summer scent to a cotton ball and place it in your car vents. An added bonus is that essential oils are known to reduce stress and increase mental alertness, which is extra helpful for long road trips. Think peppermint!
 
❖      During the dog dogs of summer, getting enough water is extra important. Adding a few drops of lemon, lime, or other citrus oil essential oil to your H20 is a wonderful way to give it a little flavor and inspire you to get enough to stay well-hydrated. Be sure you’re using a therapeutic or food-grade oil for this purpose, since many brands contain substances that may not be safe for consumption.
 
We hope these ideas spark your inspiration and invite some relaxing summer aromatherapy into your life! As always, we’d love to hear from you and learn about your favorite ways to embrace essential oils during the summertime in the comments section below! Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy summer making new memories :)
 
If you’re interested in ordering any of Young Living’s products, visit www.youngliving.com and use #220708 as the referral number. Or call us– we’re glad to be of help!