Top 8 Essential Oils for Springtime
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant."
– Anne Bradstreet
Spring is often a welcomed time of year for many of us, especially in the Northeast. It is often referred to as a "cold snap". Beyond that, things start coming to life. Birds chirping. Flowers blooming. Green everywhere!
Please, don't get me wrong, I love the winter for reasons of its' own. However, there are only so many cold days one can stand in the Northeast before we have decided enough is enough. Besides, we can finally start to get outside again and enjoy some fresh air. For those of us lacking vitamin D, the sunshine provides welcomed support. I particularly favor the warm weather because I am an outdoor enthusiast. The dogs particularly appreciate getting out of the house on more regular basis. Spring seems to be an ideal season for the expression of freshness, color, and increased light. These characteristics of Spring certainly have a positive impact on my mood and I definitely notice an increase in general motivation this time of year. Nature is now thriving. The plants, trees, and flowers are budding and blooming. Green grass galore! The world seems to take on a new form (at least for those of us in the more seasonal climates). "Where flowers bloom so does hope." – Lady Bird Johnson
Seasonal Difficulties
There is a downside for some of us when Spring rolls around. The environment changes and seasonal symptoms tend to arrive. This is a particularly sensitive time of year for those who struggle with environmental pollutants. They sometimes call it "hay fever". Itchy eyes. Watery Nose. Seemingly endless sneezing. These symptoms are the cost of the changing environment that some of us have no choice but to pay. As a healthy and physical education teacher, I sometimes have no choice -on some of the highest pollen days- but to be outside with the children. Personally, I have found some essential oils to provide seasonal support when I am having the greatest difficulty. As always, I believe that nothing should replace medical advice from a healthcare professional, but I still think it is important to share my anecdotes. Over the last several years, I have personally transitioned to a life with regular use of essential oils. I am excited to be on this journey and share with others what I have found to be supportive of my body during these challenging seasonal changes. Many of my readers know how much I value the Premium Start Kit as a great starting place. In that kit you can make one of my favorite, go-to blends - Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint (LLP). These essential oils are something that I cannot help but to share since I have experienced and heard so many excellent anecdotes regarding use of these natural plant extracts.
I have 8 essential oils that I routinely use for seasonal support during springtime. These oils stay with me when I go to work, when I travel, when I take the dogs for a walk, virtually everywhere! You will find that these 8 oils are soothing, calming, and provide support to the innate responses of the human body.
Top 8 Essential Oils for Springtime
1. Lemon
Lemon is an oil that I certainly use year-round. I use it for many things including diffuser recipes, roller blends, and added to drinks (I prefer using the vitality version). Lemon is an essential oil that is cold pressed from the rind of the lemon. It's not fruit juice! I repeat, it is not juice therefore there is no acid because the oil does not contain citric acid (apparently this is a common concern). I use Lemon often in roller blends and have found that it pairs well with Thieves in both diffuser and roller blends for seasonal support. I really like combining Thieves and Lemon for spring cleaning tasks as well! During the spring, I combine Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint. This is the infamous "LLP" blend. It’s important to know that Young Living also offers Lemon Vitality (pictured above), which can be used as a dietary supplement or used to add a burst of flavor to food and drink. Lemon vitality tastes delicious and helps me enjoy my water throughout the day. I use Lemon Vitality to make a few different capsules too, such as my LLP (pollen buster) and my wellness capsule for supporting immunity.
2. Lavender
Lavender is considered “the Swiss army knife” of essential oils. This is one that I reach for very often. Again, I do not only use this in the Spring, but rather year round. The properties of Lavender are very diverse and reported to be very calming. We use it for sleep support and relaxation. Lavender also finds its' way into many of our favorite homemade skin care products. You can also just apply a drop or two directly to skin for soothing qualities. Young Living also offers Lavender Vitality which can be added to lemonade, cookies, and other recipes for flavor but also used in capsules before bed or heading outside.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint is another versatile essential oil that has been widely studied for its potential health benefits. My husband and I use peppermint daily due to the many different ways it supports our lifestyle. I often start my day with peppermint to help get by butt moving in the morning. The sweet, stimulating aroma provides a little bit of motivation to take on the day at 5 am. I find the aroma refreshing to diffuse to help clear your mind, support with focus and occasional nervous tension that may come my way. If you stand close enough to me you are probably going to catch a nice scent of peppermint. I apply a few drops of peppermint on the back of my neck throughout the day to support energy, clarity, and combat the occasional head tension (maybe this is due to the hundreds of middle school students I deal with daily). My husband keeps a bottle of peppermint in his car to use the invigorating aroma to promote alertness and energy at work or during his commute. When using Peppermint, we often dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the temples, roof of the mouth (vitality oil), or the back of the neck. Please use caution and keep this away from your eyes! Peppermint from Young Living is a very pure, very potent oil! Due to its' potency, I have found that when I inhale this through the nostrils allows the air to flow quite nicely! Young Living also offers Peppermint Vitality which has a refreshing flavor that can be added to recipes in the kitchen. You may also add it to a beverage of choice and include it in a veggie capsule for digestive support* (we love doing this).
4. Copaiba
Copaiba is made with the gum resin tapped from the copaiba tree native to Brazil. It is known for its' high amount of beta-caryophyllene content and sweet aroma. Beta-caryophyllene is a cannabinoid. Before everybody gets up in arms let us please define what a cannabinoid is. A cannabinoid is a family of chemical compounds that effect the endocannabinoid system which alter neurotransmitter release in the brain. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the common psychoactive component of cannabis, is an example of a cannabinoid. Beta-caryophyllene is another example of a cannabinoid. THC and beta-caryophyllene are different compounds and do not exert the same effects on the brain. Therefore there is no concern of a psychoactive component of beta-caryophyllene because it is a different chemical compound than THC. Copaiba Vitality has a pleasant and complex taste. When taken internally as a Vitality oil, it can promote overall wellness*! Young Living uses the purest extract of Copaiba found near the Amazon rainforest which allows it to be classified as Therapeutic Grade essential oil. Copaiba is one of the oils found in the Premium Starter Kit. This starter kit is largely considered a great place for getting started with essential oils! A unique property of Copaiba is that it is considered to be a magnifier oil. What that there is believed to be some chemical component of Copaiba that displays synergistic effects and amplifies the other essential oils it is mixed with. It is difficult to find the exact science on this but it basically means that by blending it with other oils, you can use less of them! This is especially important when considering using it with your more expensive oils. We add Copaiba Vitality to our Ningxia red drinks, occasionally to our dogs' food, and frequently include it in our wellness support capsules. We also use Copaiba to our "Sore No More" roller and also include it in our skin care recipes. Since the Spring usually hits me hard at times, I sometimes use Copaiba to magnify the properties of by LLP blend for an added boost.
5. Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile is distilled from the flowering top of the chamomile plant and contains very unique constituents that are difficult to find in other oils. It has a relaxing, herbaceous scent and is mild enough that generally only the most sensitive skin will require dilution when applied topically. It's fruity aroma is sometimes used in creating a relaxing environment for supporting sleep, creating a calming environment for easing feelings of tension, and encourages a positive outlook due to its' unique scent. It is found in many popular Young Living blends such as Forgiveness, Harmony, and Gentle Baby. It has become one of my key ingredients for my Pollen Buster recipes (I will discuss that below). It may be added to LLP blend to create a peaceful environment in your home that’s perfect in the spring. Roman Chamomile really is a highly sought after essential oil and there are plenty of good reasons. After all, it is the oil said to be used in Rome to help encourage soldiers to be courageous during a wartime.
6. Eucalyptus
There are three kinds of Eucalyptus essential oils available from Young Living: Eucalyptus Blue, Eucalyptus Globulus, and lastly Eucalyptus Radiata. These three essential oils are powerful and vibrant with invigorating aromas. These are used because breathing is an essential function and it is no fun when you are having difficulty. During the Spring there are many folks struggling with proper respiratory function and have some difficulty with shallow breathing. I have found that the pungent, yet sweet, fruity aroma encourages me to take a deep breath when I notice things are getting a bit shallow. Eucalyptus Radiata is one of the key ingredients found in the Thieves essential oil blend.
I occasionally add a few drops in the corner of the shower to make a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere before work or even before bedtime. I find Eucalyptus to be stimulating and rejuvenating. It affords me a very refreshing environment. It pairs perfectly great with many other essential oils so be creative!
7. Raven
Raven is a powerful blend of Ravintsara, Lemon, Wintergreen, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus Radiata. It is now a Premium Starter Kit favorite due to its' fresh aroma. Sniffleease is a comparable essential oils pre-diluted for little ones under 6 years old. Both Raven and Sniffleease can be used for providing support when you are finding yourself a bit stuffy. The naturally occurring constituents of Raven provide an invigorating and empowering experience which makes it a great pre-workout essential oil*. I often choose to add Raven to a soothing chest rub, wellness bath salts, or my locker room diffuser.
8. Frankincense
Frankincense is one of the oldest essential oils and it is considered the “holy anointing oil” in the Middle East. It has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. It was well known during the time of Christ and referenced in the bible for healing and anointing. Frankincense, as we all remember, is one of the three gifts Christ received at his birth from the three wise men. Within the bible there are 52 references to Frankincense. During this time Frankincense was valued more than gold. Anciently, the Chinese used frankincense to support overall health. Frankincense is a great essential oil because it is so versatile. I use it for skin, sleep, and emotions. At night, I diffuse it or apply my “sleepy roller”. I add the essential oil to many roller recipes such as wellness roller, pollen buster roller, or calm yoga roller. Using the 8 Spring Essential Oils Aromatically:
Diffuser Blend Recipes:
There are several options that you can enjoy for a fresh spring smell but I have a few favorites that support my body specifically in the spring season. Any of the seven essential oils can be mixed and matched in the diffuser. Pick a blend that you enjoy and use it throughout the day. Remember, if you do not have an essential oil just simply leave it out. We have our diffuser going all the time. I really love waking up to a blend of fresh aromas! When I am feeling sub-par, I diffuse Raven, Lemon and Eucalyptus in a steamy bathroom or adding a drop to the corner of your shower! Here are some more ideas: Pollen Buster Diffuser Blend - The LLP or Pollen Buster is a perfect blend to diffuse around your house, office, and car during the spring.
Breathe Easy Diffuser Blend:
Spring Fresh Diffuser Blend: These essential oils support staying above the wellness line and create a clean and fresh environment for all around.
Spring Calm: a supportive aroma for a relaxing and calming diffuser blend
An alternative method of attaining the benefits of essential oil aromas is to inhale your oils through cupped hands.
Using the 8 Spring Essential Oils Topically:
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Disclosure: These posts may contain affiliate links wherein I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.
The Oil SisterMy name is Missy and I am the owner of Essentially Well LLC and the primary author of "The Oil Sister". Challenging myself to learn about natural health and wellness has been a life-changing experience for me. I want to share what I have learned with YOU!
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