The 5 Essential Oils to Pack in Your Suitcase This Summer

Whether you're heading to the beach or the mountains this summer, you're not immune to minor summer injuries… Your best natural ally? essential oils ! Aromatherapy has more than one trick up its sleeve. 5 essential oils to have on hand for a stress-free summer.

Essential Oils in the Summer: Precautions for Use

Before I introduce you to 5 essential oils that are a must-have for a natural summer, I’d like to remind you of a few precautions to keep in mind when using them. 

• Essential oils are photosensitizing, which means you should avoid exposing the parts of your body where you have applied them to the sun.
• The essential oils listed here are contraindicated during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, for people with allergies or asthma, and for children under 7 years of age. 
• Before applying the product to your skin, be sure to test it on the inside of your elbow 48 hours beforehand to check for any possible allergic reactions. 
• Essential oils should be chemotyped and, if possible, organic. 
• Essential oils are not "alternative medicine." They are powerful, and if used improperly, they can be extremely dangerous.
• The essential oils and advice provided below are in no way a substitute for consulting your doctor or for your current or future treatments. 

1. Geranium Essential Oil ( Pelargonium graveolens)

Thanks to its geraniol content—a compound known for its powerful repellent properties— geranium essential oil is ideal for keeping mosquitoes away.   

Directions for use: Diffuse in the bedroom for about ten minutes before going to sleep, or apply a few drops to your sheets, pillowcases, and pajamas. However, the effect is only temporary; repeat as needed. 

2. Carrot Essential Oil ( Daucus carota)

Rich in beta-carotene, wild carrot essential oil is a natural self-tanner. Before vacation, it prepares the skin for sun exposure. At the end of summer, it helps maintain your tan. 

In addition, it is just as effective at protecting and cleansing the skin when dealing with skin conditions (acne, rosacea, sunburn…) and premature aging (wrinkles and fine lines). 

Directions for use: Add 1 to 2 drops to your day cream or body lotion. Caution: This essential oil is photosensitizing!

3. Lavender essential oil ( Lavandula latifolia)

Thespike lavender essential oil is a versatile remedy. Not only does its distinctive scent repel mosquitoes, but it also soothes itching and helps heal scrapes and blisters. This essential oil can be used on children ages 7 and up.

Directions for use: Place 1 drop on a tissue or a small piece of cloth, then apply it to the pimple, itchy area, or blister. 

4. Chinese cinnamon essential oil ( Cinnamomum cassia)

To alleviate bacterial or viral digestive disorders such as “turista”—also known as traveler’s diarrhea— Chinese cinnamon essential oil is an effective antibacterial agent for these conditions. It eradicates pathogenic microorganisms while protecting your gut flora. 

Directions for Use (for prevention): 1 drop with breakfast and dinner for the first 3 days. 

​5. Peppermint Essential Oil ( Mentha Piperita)

Peppermint Essential Oil has a vasoconstrictive effect and therefore has a cooling effect. It can provide relief in many situations where heat is causing you discomfort.

Many people suffer from motion sickness: kinetosis. 

Dizziness, sweating, nausea, and even vomiting are signs of discomfort caused by a mismatch between visual input and the vestibular system. To alleviate these symptoms, peppermint essential oil can come to your rescue!

Simply apply 1 drop to each temple, inhale gently directly from the bottle, and take 1 drop orally on a plain tablet or a small piece of bread. 

In addition, peppermint essential oil is very useful for relieving heavy legs. Dilute 2 or 3 drops in a cream or even invegetable oil should be massaged in with light, gliding strokes, starting from the feet and moving toward the pelvis in the direction of lymphatic flow and venous return. 

As lymphatic and blood circulation are stimulated, intra- and extracellular exchanges are consequently activated. A refreshing effect is guaranteed!

With these 5 essential oils, you'll be all set for a wonderful summer!