Aromatherapy Blends for Spring/Summer

Aromatherapy is a healing tool that uses aromatic ingredients from plants to improve health and well-being. These aromatic ingredients are called essential oils and may come from herbs, flowers, fruits, barks, and even the roots and resins, of trees. Believed to be the life force of plants, these essential oils contain complex chemicals, including ketones, terpenes, esters and alcohols, that are capable of helping us achieve balance, health and harmony in our lives.

One of the easiest ways of using essential oils is to simply place some drops into an oil burner or diffuser. Through this process the oils are gently released, filling each space with their wonderful healing and nurturing properties. As we inhale the droplets, it is estimated to take approximately 22 seconds for essential oil molecules to reach the brain and about 2 minutes to reach the bloodstream, where they are able to impart their many therapeutic benefits. In particular, essential oil droplets affect our limbic system, which mediates and controls our emotions and memories. In this way, essential oils can be a wonderful and simple tool to help support our health and wellbeing.

The warmer months of the year, when many of us emerge from our winter slowdown, are a perfect time to refresh our indoor spaces, and support our energies and emotions, using the unique gifts of diffused essential oils.

Below are some blends I like to use during spring and summer, which you may like to try:

Spring Clean blend

A blend to help freshen your space as we move out of the cooler months:

2 drops Lemon

2 drops of Lime

1 drop of Tea Tree

1 drop of Peppermint

Garden Fresh blend

A blend to bring the sweet and uplifting aromas of the garden into your indoor space:

2 drops of Rosemary

2 drops of Geranium

2 drops of Lavender

Allergy relief blend

A blend traditionally used to help provide symptomatic relief of allergies and other spring/summer sniffles.

2 drops of Lavender

2 drops of Lemon

1 drop of Peppermint

1 drop of Frankincense

Energy Boost blend

A blend to use when you need to work, study or be active. This blend can also help to clear our minds.

3 drops of Orange

2 drops of Peppermint

1 drop of Lemon

Citrus Fresh Blend

A beautiful, light and uplifting blend, perfect for those warmer days.

2 drops of Bergamot

2 drops of Orange

2 drops of Lime

Sleepy time Blend

A soft, calming and relaxing blend to help us unwind and settle on hot summer nights.

2 drops of Marjoram

2 drops of Cedarwood

2 drops of Lavender

Summer bliss blend

A light, breezy blend to bring the feel and energy of summer to our indoor space.

3 drops of Grapefruit

3 drops of Ylang ylang.

In general, it is recommended using 100% pure essential oils in your blends to ensure you receive the full therapeutic benefit. Reputable oil brands and burners/diffusers are usually available at health food shops and pharmacies. A maximum of about 6 drops is advised to add to most oil burners or diffusers, to give you a pleasant, subtle aroma without being overpowering. Less is often more with aromatherapy! Once you begin using essential oils be encouraged to mix and match the oils as you prefer, you may in fact find your own unique blend that suits you!

By Kerrie Clayton

Kerrie has been a member of the AHHCA for 10 years and is currently part of its Committee of Management. She is a qualified Holistic Health Practitioner, Aromatherapist and Reiki Master. Kerrie may be contacted via www.wellnesswithkerrie.com