Aromatic Summertime Tips

 

If you are having trouble dropping off to sleep because of either worries, anxieties or simply the heat then try this blend on a tissue under your pillow.  1 drop of each of the following pure essential oils: bergamot, lavender, petitgrain & clary sage.

 

Monoi de Tahiti, gardenia infused coconut oil is a favourite with Tahitian women because it is a wonderful natural product to have as it’s great for hydrating the hair and makes a lovely aromatic after sun oil.  If you wanted to create a more masculine equivalent then look at putting 10 drops of sandalwood in 50ml of pure coconut oil.

 

If you truly want to indulge make a papaya body mask.  Mash the papaya flesh and sieve it into a bowl then stir in 1 drop of vetiver and 2 drops of mandarin.  Smooth the mixture all over your body and leave on for 15 minutes then shower or rinse off with warm water.  Not only is this summer heaven papaya is a great source of AHAs which act by exfoliating the skin.  If you have sensitive skin carry out a 24hr patch test.

 

If you want to keep your summer essentials to a minimum because of carrying the bags etc then these are our ‘don’t leave without’ oils:

 

Tea tree oil as it is antiseptic, antifungal & anti-viral and can be used diluted to wash wounds, spots and itchy skin.  Apply one drop neat on a cotton bud to cold sores, spots, insect bites and stings.

 

Peppermint as a drop on a tissue can be a real headache clearer and also nausea reliever.  Jetlag sufferers may also benefit from this minty oil to help them get their get up and go back.

 

Lemongrass is a natural repellent against mosquitoes, ticks, gnats and moths.  Add 2 drops to unperfumed lotion and apply to your skin, peppermint can be added for extra effect.

 

Lavender – did you think we had forgotten our favourite essential?

 

If you want to keep your tan don’t soak in a piping hot bath – it only encourages the outer layer of the skin to soften, flake or peel.  Opt, instead for this lukewarm bath which will calm the skin.  2.5ml diluted lavender oil, 2 drops of pure lavender oil and 1 drop of pure chamomile essential oil.

 

Aloe Vera gel is a great base for a soothing gel; add lavender oil for tremendous healing properties.

 

For a quick after sun spray put your lavender essential oil 20 drops with 250ml of still spring water in an atomiser and keep in the fridge or if you are planning ahead buy a lavender, rose, tea tree or neroli hydrolat (a hydrolat is the collected steam from the extraction of the essential oil) and keep those in the fridge.

 

Keep your toes cool and comfy with foot powders; excellent for when you can't wear your trusty flip-flops and have to opt for sensible work shoes and trainers. Just sprinkle liberally between the toes, or even into your shoes. Our powders contain pink clay for added moisture absorption and sodium bicarbonate to neutralise nasty niffs. The Lemongrass, Peppermint, Tea Tree and Lavender varieties are all great for deodorising, cooling and soothing those tired, aching 'can't wait to kick off my shoes' summer feet.