Do you also enjoy the beautiful summer days like I do? High temperatures, the sun shining and warming us all day long, so many tempting treats everywhere, and a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere among people. It’s the perfect summer—what’s not to love? Of course, it always depends on perspective and context. One person loves sunbathing, another turns red in ten minutes (like me :)). Some enjoy various food combinations—grilled meat, ice cream, and a cold drink—but others may experience digestive issues from the same. In this article, I’ll introduce several essential oils that, based on my experience, are perfect for summer. I’ll highlight their benefits, wide range of uses, and some safety tips. At the end, you’ll find a few of my favorite recipes. Enjoy reading!

Summer, Sun & Sunbathing

Summer undoubtedly includes the sun with its soothing, healing, and warming rays. But often, we overdo it—our skin burns, we get sunstroke, dehydration, headaches, and other issues. How can just a few essential oils help?

Lavender: Known for its incredible ability to regenerate skin cells quickly. If you get sunburned, I recommend lightly spraying the area with lavender hydrosol (ideally), then gently massaging in a few drops of lavender essential oil. For larger areas like your back or legs, mix the oil with a light carrier oil like grapeseed oil, or use a fat-containing cosmetic product like after-sun lotion (ideally with panthenol). Aloe vera gel, stored in the fridge and applied chilled, also works wonderfully.

Homemade Repellent Is Often More Effective Than Store-Bought

Do you feel like insects are more persistent each year? If you enjoy spending time outdoors, a quality, homemade insect repellent—free of synthetic chemicals—is a must. The best essential oils for this include:

Geranium: Sweet, herbal scent for us; unbearable for ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and moths. It also has a slight cooling effect and helps with menstrual pain, stress, and tension.

Tea Tree: Repels practically everything. It’s highly antiseptic and antibacterial. Great against ticks, mosquitoes, flies, wasps, mites, ants, and spiders. It also helps heal insect bites, scratches, and minor wounds.

Lemongrass: Refreshing for us, unpleasant for flying insects like flies, mosquitoes, and moths. Caution: lemongrass can irritate pets, so always provide a way for them to leave the room.

Lavender: In addition to its healing properties, it’s also effective in repellents—against spiders, mosquitoes, moths, flies, and gnats.

Other options: eucalyptus (lemon-scented or globulus), clove, cinnamon, rosemary, and peppermint. The key is strong, antibacterial components.

First Aid for Digestive Issues

For diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, gas, or general digestive discomfort, start with orange essential oil. Important: citrus oils are phototoxic—avoid sun exposure on treated skin for at least 10 hours.

Also effective: lemon, bergamot, or spices like fennel, cardamom, caraway, and anise. Avoid clove and cinnamon—too harsh for this purpose.

Sunstroke, Heatstroke, and Overheating

Sunstroke comes from direct sun on the head/neck. Heatstroke is general overheating, even without sun (e.g., hot cars or rooms). Symptoms are: headache, nausea, weakness, fatigue, high fever.

Quick relief with:

Lavender: Calming, cooling, and healing. Mix with a carrier oil and apply to the forehead, chest, or arms. Avoid contact with eyes!

Citrus oils (lemon/orange): Refreshing and relaxing. Use for forehead massage or inhalation via diffuser. Beware of phototoxicity.

Peppermint: Strong cooling effect thanks to menthol. Use only for serious overheating or high fever. Not suitable for kids under 10 on the upper body. Start with a few drops only.

When the Pool Gives More Than Just Fun

Public pools = possible yeast, bacteria, or fungal infections. Use water shoes, change out of wet swimsuits, but sometimes it’s unavoidable.

Recommended oils:

Tea Tree: Antifungal, antimicrobial, disinfectant. Helps with cuts, insect bites, cold sores, dandruff, yeast infections, nail fungus, respiratory issues. For gynecological use, always via sitz bath or massage—never apply directly to underwear or sensitive areas!

Lavender: Soothing, regenerative. Not as strong as a tea tree but a great complement.

Geranium: Healing, antibacterial, supports menstrual and mental health. Ideal for massages or sitz baths.

Chamomile: Contains chamazulene for healing, pain relief, and fighting fungal/yeast infections.

Long Days, Big Fatigue

Picture a hot, muggy July afternoon—just imagining it makes you tired. Without enough water, fatigue hits hard.

Try:

Lime: The most refreshing and uplifting essential oil. Great for diffusers, air fresheners, or inhalers—ideal for office, car, or home.

Rosemary: Stimulating and improves circulation. Boosts energy any time of day. Caution: raises blood pressure—not suitable for those with hypertension.

Peppermint: Use for stubborn fatigue, lethargy, or sluggishness. Best via inhalation.

Eucalyptus globulus: The sharpest and most refreshing variety. Energizes, opens airways, and disinfects air. Combine with other fresh oils in diffusers or inhalers.

Summer Safety with Essential Oils

Let’s review key safety tips:

• Phototoxicity: Citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot, lime, etc.) can cause skin damage in the sun. Avoid sunlight on treated skin for at least 10 hours.
  
• Short shelf life: Citrus oils expire quickly. Buy small bottles and use within 10 months.
  
• Peppermint caution: Very cooling—not for kids under 10 on the upper body. Some adults may find it too strong for skin use.
  
• Never apply undiluted oils directly to skin, except tea tree or lavender for small spots (cold sores, bites, acne).
  
• Storage: Keep oils in a dry, dark place. Avoid direct sunlight and frequent opening.
  

Handy Recipes

Repellent Blend:

• 10 drops lemongrass
  
• 6 drops tea tree
  
• 7 drops geranium
  
• 5 drops lavender
  
• 3 drops clove
  

Blend for Gynecological Issues:

• 6 drops geranium
  
• 5 drops chamomile
  
• 4 drops lavender
  
• 3 drops tea tree
  

Cooling & Energizing Blend:

• 5 drops eucalyptus
  
• 4 drops lime
  
• 3 drops orange
  
• 3 drops peppermint
  

If you’ve read this far—thank you so much! I hope you enjoy a wonderful summer with the help of essential oils. If you’d like a personalized aromatherapy consultation, feel free to contact me via https://www.barborahrdlickova.cz/.