Essential Oils for Spring
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic properties. They can be used for a variety of purposes, from relaxation and stress relief to improving respiratory health and digestion. Spring is when we reemerge from our winter slumber, and incorporating certain essential oils into your routine can help you feel great, maintain good health, and enjoy spring with open arms. Here are six essential oils commonly associated with spring: lavender, lemon, peppermint, geranium, grapefruit, and eucalyptus.
We will reference topical and consumption uses of essential oils. When in doubt, seek professional advice that can specifically reference your concerns. We are all unique and should always approach any health care with a great understanding of safe use.
Does it matter where you buy essential oils from?
We use and recommend Mountain Rose Herbs essential oils for many reasons. First, Mountain Rose Herbs is a well-respected company offering a wide range of high-quality essential oils. They are organic and sustainably sourced. They use a high-quality distillation process, working to preserve the oils’ therapeutic properties. Mountain Rose prioritizes extensive quality control testing for each of their oils. The company is transparent with their products and offers education on each product. Finally, we recommend Mountain Rose Herbs because of the variety of oils available. There’s no question about it; we love using Mountain Rose Herbs oils in the clinic as well as recommend them to our patients.
Overall, Mountain Rose Herbs essential oils are a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality, sustainably sourced oils that are rigorously tested for purity and potency.
Do you really need to dilute essential oils?
When using essential oils, it’s important to dilute them properly before applying them to your skin or using them in other ways. Here are some general guidelines for diluting the oils safely.
For most adults, a 2% dilution is recommended. This means adding no more than 12 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
For children, elderly individuals, or those with sensitive skin, a 1% dilution may be more appropriate. This means adding no more than 6 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil.
When using essential oils in a bath, add no more than 5-10 drops of essential oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil, milk, or Epsom salt before adding to the water.
For use in a diffuser, add 3-5 drops of essential oil to the water reservoir.
It’s important to note that some essential oils may require more or less dilution depending on the individual and the specific oil. Always read and follow the instructions on the label, and if you have any questions or concerns, consult with a certified aromatherapist or healthcare professional. Additionally, perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any essential oil blend to larger areas of the body to ensure there is no sensitivity or allergic reaction.
Essential oils for spring
Now, on to the oils. The list below is just a few of the many we have available at Rising Sun Chiropractic. Keep in mind, you can special order any of Mountain Rose products at any time.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant through steam distillation. It has a calming and soothing scent that reduces stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation, and improves sleep quality. We have personally seen positive change when lavender oil is applied to mild burns, stings, and bites. In fact, this popular spring oil also assists with tissue healing and reduces infection risk. During this season, incorporating lavender oil into your routine can help you stay calm and grounded as you navigate stressors. To use lavender oil safely, it’s important to dilute it before topical application and patch test it first. You can also use lavender in a diffuser to enjoy its aromatherapy benefits. Lavender essential oil blends well with: lemon, eucalyptus, cedarwood, and rosemary.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is extracted from the peel of fresh lemons through cold-pressing. It has a fresh and uplifting scent that improves mood and energy levels. Lemon oil is also believed to have cleansing and detoxifying properties, which makes it a great addition to any spring cleaning routine. To use lemon oil safely, it’s important to dilute it before topical application and avoid direct sunlight exposure after use. Lemon essential oil blends well with: peppermint, tea tree, and other citrus oils.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant through steam distillation. It has a refreshing and invigorating scent that alleviates headaches, improves digestion, and promotes clear breathing. During the spring season, incorporating peppermint oil into your routine can help you stay alert and focused as you tackle seasonal allergies. To use peppermint oil safely, it’s important to dilute it before topical application and use caution around children and pregnant women. Peppermint oil can be ingested but we would advise putting it into a drink in a diluted state and avoiding direct contact with the skin or other mucus membranes. Peppermint essential oil blends well with: basil, pine, geranium, and lavender.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the geranium plant through steam distillation. It has a sweet and floral scent that promotes relaxation and hormone balance. Geranium oil is also believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to any spring skincare routine. To use geranium oil safely, it’s important to dilute it before topical application and avoid use during pregnancy. Geranium has been reported to have uterine-stimulating effects; we recommend not using it during pregnancy. Geranium essential oil blends well with: grapefruit, lavender, and lemon.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit essential oil is extracted from the peel of fresh grapefruits through cold-pressing. It has a sweet, tangy, and refreshing scent. No wonder why it is said to uplift mood and promote a positive outlook. Grapefruit oil is also believed to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a great oil to use for spring cleaning. To use grapefruit oil safely, it’s important to dilute it before topical application and avoid direct sunlight exposure after use. Grapefruit essential oil blends well with: peppermint, lavender, frankincense, and ylang-ylang.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree through steam distillation. It has a strong, fresh, and medicinal scent, promoting respiratory health. Eucalyptus oils also alleviate coughs and colds. During the spring season, incorporating eucalyptus oil into your routine can help you stay healthy and ward off any seasonal illnesses. To use eucalyptus oil safely, it’s important to dilute it before topical application, avoid use on sensitive skin, and avoid ingestion. Eucalyptus essential oil blends well with: geranium, grapefruit, peppermint, lemon, and lavender.
Essential oils can be a wonderful addition to the spring season. Lavender, lemon, peppermint, geranium, grapefruit, and eucalyptus oils each offer unique therapeutic properties to help you stay calm, focused, healthy, and uplifted during this season of renewal and growth. By using these oils safely and effectively, you can harness their benefits to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So go ahead and try incorporating these springtime essential oils into your daily self-care routine and enjoy their many benefits!