While most look forward to the monsoon season due to the drops of rain and it bringing along milder temperatures, for some it brings along recurring infections, seasonal allergies, and increased irritability alongside humidity. The spread of germs coupled with a lack of sunlight leads to what is known as “monsoon blues.” On the bright side, concentrated plant extracts known as essential oils can be extremely useful to these ailments, fighting to bolster your spirits and immunity. Outlined below are five essential oils designed to help you withstand these times with increased vitality and endurance.
Lavender Oil: A Soothing Elixir
Lavender oil is widely known for helping relieve stress and anxiety, let alone sleep. The monsoon is particularly challenging if we want to get plenty of rest because of the gray clouds and rain, but lavender oil can help! Lavender oil is more than just calming the mind. Its antiseptic qualities can also help heal minor but infected cuts or bug bites. Since we are prone to getting cuts and bug bites during the damp weather that’s common in monsoons, that’s some valuable help. Lavender oil also helps simply with better air quality. Ultimately, lavender oil is easy to use by simply putting a few drops in a diffuser, or as an oil mixed with coconut oil and massaging into the skin.
Eucalyptus Oil: Breathe Easy
The monsoon season often brings allergies, breathing problems, and a congestion for a considerable amount of people. The crisp and refreshing aroma of eucalyptus oil works wonderfully which help unclog stuffy noses. Eucalyptus oil steam inhalation is suitable since the active ingredient cineole eases breathing and helps thin mucus. Apart from respiratory health, eucalyptus provides immunity-boosting benefits by fighting bacteria and viruses that are present in the air. For protection against sniffles, seasonal coughs, colds, or respiratory issues, breathe diffusing eucalyptus oil in your living spaces, or applying a mixture of diluted eucalyptus oil and carrier oil on your chest.
Tea Tree Oil: Nature’s Antiseptic
During the monsoon period with an increase in moisture, the tendency for fungal infections is also on the rise. This makes a) Increased earwax accumulation, and b) fungal infections of the skin tea tree oil very useful antifungal and antimicrobial both externally and internally. Its useful in curing humid dandruff, skin infections, and even athlete’s foot. In small quantities, it sharp and pungent scent is also known to mentally alleviate fatigue and sharpen one’s focus. Mentally, smelling lavender oil can elevate one’s mood and lower anxiety, especially when paired with tea tree oil, it is able to promote a balanced and purifying atmosphere. But lavender is to be used in small quantities as too much of it can overbear and silence the sharp scent and aroma of tea tree. For disinfecting spaces spray infused water with tea tree oil or add some drops to your shampoo for fresh and clean hair.
Peppermint Oil: Invigoration For Your Senses
Despite the fact that many individuals feel exhausted following the onset of monsoons, a quick infusion of menthol odour through inhaling peppermint oil (essential oil) can provide an almost instant energy boost. Inhaling peppermint oil helps stimulate the brain while reducing headaches and easing mental fatigue. During monsoon, when some individuals also have bloating and indigestion, peppermint oil digests your food better. Lastly, peppermint oil helps in boosting up your immune system because of its antiviral properties. You can inhale peppermint oil following a few drops on temples or beverage (only food-grade) tea to help rejuvenate you both inside and out.
Lemon Oil: Feeling Better and Being Protected
Aromatic, fresh and sharp lemon oil is known to lift one’s mood as it induces serotonin release via limonene. In addition to this, it’s scent can lift up and remove gloom out of the surrounding. Besides its uplifting mood properties, lemon oil offers antibacterial and antiviral properties which enable to sanitize surfaces or enhance immunity when diffused. For a DIY lemon oil antibacterial drink, simply mix water with lemon oil and spray it wherever. Applying lemon oil on skin in the morning, especially on areas which are prone to acne strikes helps in astringent, however, I’d suggest avoiding the sun post application.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely
With the joys of using essential oils comes serious responsibility. Always remember to dilute them with a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil to avoid skin irritation if you plan on rubbing them onto your skin. And always conduct a patch test. When you use diffusers, refer to the instructions and remember not to exceed 30 grams in 30-60 collisions of the to not overwhelm your senses. Also, if you are pregnant, or if you suffer from certain conditions, always consult with your doctor before attempting to use essential oils.
No need for monsoon blues to dampen your spirit or health. With these five essential oils the wellness at home becomes amazing and achievable for everyone. Through diffusion, topical application or inhalation, these natural extracts embrace providing holistic and effortless ways to stay energized, emotionally balanced and resilient against numerous seasonal challenges. It is time to embrace the rain with a rejuvenated mind fortified body.
(Authored by Ridhima Kansal, Director, Rosemoore)
