Top Cooling Essential Oils

Feeling sluggish and hot in the summer heat? Luckily, there are ways to cool down without having to crank up the air conditioning or jump into a pool. Cooling essential oils are an all-natural way to provide a sense of relief, while also supporting relaxation, promoting easy breathing, and easing sunburns and bug bites. From peppermint to eucalyptus – learn about the benefits of cooling essential oils and how to use them for total relaxation and rejuvenation this summer.

Benefits of Cooling Essential Oils

Essential oils are extracted from plants and offer a variety of benefits to those who use them. Cooling essential oils in particular have many unique perks including:

• Promote a sense of calm
• Soothe sore muscles
• Ease irritation caused by sunburn
• Repel bugs and mosquitoes
• Relieve itchy bug bites
• Support clear breathing
• Promote mental clarity
• Freshen the home

Top Cooling Essential Oils

Each cooling essential oil offers its own unique benefits and can be used in a variety of ways. One thing to remember about cooling essential oils is that they can be irritating to some people, especially if they are used in larger amounts, so be sure to follow the directions carefully, use only a little bit at a time, and always avoid contact with your eyes and mouth. As with all essential oils, you should always combine them with a carrier oil before applying to your skin. Check out this article for more safety tips.

Some of the best cooling essential oils include the following:

Peppermint Essential Oil:

Peppermint essential oil is made by steam distilling the leaves from the peppermint plant. It contains menthol, a chemical component that gives it cooling properties that can soothe sunburned skin and make airways feel more open. Because peppermint oil is so strong, it’s important to only use a few drops, as it can be irritating. Peppermint oil is also great for boosting energy levels and mental clarity.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil:

Derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, eucalyptus essential oil has a minty-fresh scent and is renowned for its cleansing and cooling properties. It contains cineole, a chemical compound that helps to open up airways and facilitate clear breathing. Similar to peppermint oil, it should be used in smaller amounts.

Lemon Essential Oil:

Lemon essential oil is derived by cold-pressing the rinds of lemons and has many of the same properties as peppermint essential oil in that it is cooling, soothing, and invigorating. Just like the other two oils listed above, it’s best to use it in smaller quantities.

Lavender Essential Oil:

Lavender essential oil comes from the flowers of the lavender plant which is native to the Mediterranean region. While lavender essential oil is most well-known for stress relief, it can also be incredibly cooling on the body when applied topically with a carrier oil. Research has shown that inhaling lavender oil can significantly reduce cortisol levels as well as lower anxiety levels. It can also help improve sleep quality by reducing restlessness, which can be great during the hot summer months. 

How to Use Cooling Essential Oils

There are a few different methods of using cooling essential oils, depending on the effect you want to achieve. As mentioned earlier it’s very important to follow the right safety protocols and to only use a small amount and to avoid contact with your eyes and mouth.

Diffuse: One of the most popular ways of using cooling essential oils is through aromatherapy diffusers. Simply add 2 to 3 drops of oil to your diffuser (with water as directed) and let the scent permeate your home, patio, or workplace. Diffusing essential oils helps promote relaxation, clear breathing, and mental clarity while providing an invigorating atmosphere. It can also help to repel mosquitoes outside!

Soak: Another way to use cooling essential oils is by adding 2 to 3 drops to ½ teaspoon of honey and mixing it into a warm bath to soothe sunburn, sore muscles, or bug bites. 

Massage: 1 to 2 drops of a cooling essential oil can be mixed with ½ a teaspoon of a carrier oil, such as jojoba or argan oil, and applied to pulse points like wrists or temples for calming and cooling effects on both body and mind, applied to the chest to promote easy breathing, or massaged into sore muscles.

Freshen: You can also add 5 to 6 drops of cooling essential oils to a medium-size spray bottle with water, shake well, then spritz sheets before bedtime for quality sleep throughout the night.

Final Thoughts

Stay cool, calm, and collected all summer by incorporating these essential oils and others into your wellness routine. Just remember to follow the safety precautions outlined in this article to ensure you have a positive experience. To learn more about how you can use essential oils this summer, take a look at this article: Tropical Essential Oil Diffuser Blends.