With summer in full swing, many individuals are looking for ways to keep cool. While it may seem like the only option is to turn the air conditioning up to full blast and deal with the costly electricity bill later, this is not the case. Certain Essential Oils are excellent at helping you naturally cool off without breaking the bank.
While many individuals use the mint based Essential Oils to flavor candies, they are also excellent for keeping you cool due to their light and refreshing qualities. The science behind this benefit is the menthol content in theses oils. Menthol can trick brain receptors into thinking your body is cooler than it actually is. Spearmint and Peppermint Essential Oils both contain menthol and are great for combating the relentless summer heat. Plus, these oils are both excellent at helping you relax, combat headaches, and reduce muscle fatigue.
Eucalyptus is another Essential Oil than can help alter your brain’s perception of your body heat. This is because the eucalyptol content functions in a very similar method to menthol within the brain. If you are particularly sensitive to menthol or just simply do not like mint, eucalyptus oil is an excellent alternative to help keep you cool. As is the case with most essential oils, Eucalyptus oil has multiple benefits. In addition to helping regulate your body temperature, it is also an excellent anti-inflammatory.
Essential oils do not just help combat excessive body heat, however. Some oils, such as Lavender and Melaleuca Oil, are particularly helpful for soothing sunburns. A mix of water and one of these oils in a spray bottle goes a long way to providing sunburn relief. Lavender will also drastically reduce the duration of your sunburn—another major bonus!
Plus, did you know Essential Oils can help you deal with hot flashes? No woman enjoys a sudden hormone induced heat surge, but certain oils can help reduce the effects. Rose, lavender, spearmint, and peppermint are all excellent for this purpose.
Something to be aware of is certain essential oils should not be used if you are going outdoors. While you may prefer to add citrus oils to your cooling sprays for a fruity-mint scent, this may spell disaster for you. Citrus oils are photosensitive and will react in the sunlight. Some other Essential Oils you should not add to your cooling spray if you plan on going outdoors include ginger, bergamot, cinnamon leaf, cumin, and more. Research any oils you wish to add to your cooling spray to ensure they are not photosensitive.
With the right essential oils, you can avoid the sweating and headaches of excessive heat and enjoy a pleasantly cool summer instead!