In the heat of the summer what better way to cool down than with a refreshing spray made with naturally cooling essential oils.
Peppermint is known for its capillary constricting abilities and is therefore used when cooling action is needed. It can be used to relieve itching, inflammation and sunburn.
To be on the safe side I like to recommend Peppermint be applied to the skin at no higher than 1%.
Peppermint is best avoided if you are pregnant or nursing and it may antidote homeopathic medications. Peppermint should not be used on children under 5.
What you will need:
- Dark glass spray bottle
- Clear glass measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Stirring utensil
Ingredients (for Adults):
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
- 18 drops of Peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita)
- ¼ cup / 2 oz of Distilled Water
Ingredients (for children under 12 it is it best to use under a .25% dilution just to be on the safe side:
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
- 4 drops of Peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita)
- ¼ cup / 2 oz of Distilled Water
Variation
Eucalyptus & Spearmint are also known for their cooling action on the body. For a variation to the above recipe you can substitute Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus smithii or Spearmint (Mentha spicata) in any quantity as long as you don't exceed the total number is drops in the formula above.
Instructions:
To make a simple travel sized 1% peppermint cooling spray, combine the peppermint and the glycerin together in a clear glass container and stir vigorously.
Wait for one hour to make sure that essential oil has not separated from the glyercin. If you see oil floating on the surface then it hasn’t emulsified completely and you need to add more glycerin.
Repeat the above steps until the essential oil and glycerin have completely mixed together.
Then add your water and shake. Store in a dark glass spray bottle. This recipe is best stored in the fridge. Shake before each use.
Leah Morgan, Clinical Aromatherapist