It’s Summer! Tips for Keeping Cool and Detoxing with Food and Aromatherapy
It’s Summer! Tips for Keeping Cool and Detoxing with Food and Aromatherapy
Written by Lisa Cadman, 26/07/2021
Well summer has definitely been with us for a lot of this month – we have had some scorching temperatures and wonderful long, sunny days. That said, the last few days have been very wet with flooding in some areas too – most strange weather at the moment!
With Covid restrictions lifting, perhaps you are drinking a little more alcohol than usual, or eating more at those BBQs or pubs and restaurants, making up for lost time! Maybe you are just feeling a bit bloated, having over-indulged during the various lockdowns, due to being bored or feeling fed up or anxious. All of this is completely understandable (I have put a fair bit of weight on myself this past year!), but our bodies may need to detox a little more, now that things are starting to get back to some kind of normality. I’ve just put a few suggestions together below to help you to stay cool and cleansed!
Obviously the most important thing when its hot (and any time!), is to keep hydrated with plenty of water. Not drinking enough water in hot temperatures can lead to fatigue, headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, heat stroke etc. It is also important to keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, and use good quality, high grade sunscreen. Many foods can also help to hydrate us and are good for detoxification, such as those with a high water content, as the examples listed below:
- Lettuce (96%)
- Cucumber (95%)
- Courgette (95%)
- Celery (95%)
- Tomatoes (94%)
- Watermelon (92%)
- Bell Peppers (92%)
- Strawberries (91%)
- Canaloupe Melon (90%)
- Lemons (89%)
- Grapefruit (88%)
Eating these products not only help with hydration, they are also healthy, giving us few calories, yet many of the essential vitamins we need, as well as fibre and anti-oxidants. They support both our Lymphatic and Digestive body systems. It is easy to incorporate these into your daily meals, or as smoothies, or why not drop some sliced cucumber, lemon or strawberries into your water to make it more interesting!
Wear loose, comfortable, breathable clothing when it is hot, keep your windows open but curtains closed in the daytime, and lights off, to keep your rooms cooler (especially bedrooms). Cut down on caffeine, alcohol and high amounts of sugar, and wear a sunhat to keep the direct heat off your head. You can also cool yourself down quickly by running some cold water onto your wrists. Take regular cool showers, and use fans to keep the air cool in the house.
There are some fantastic Essential Oils that support our ‘Lymphatic’ System, to help us to detox as suggested below. Please note – important safety info: all the Citrus oils listed should be used to cool/detox you after you have been in the sun, not before or during, as Citrus Essential oils can be potentially phototoxic. Please also read the safety notes for Peppermint Essential Oil.
Bergamot (Citrus Aurantium Subspecies Bergamia)
Bergamot is an uplifting oil. It is calming and light, and helps us deal with anxiety and tension, as well as supporting the Lymphatic system. It is safe for almost everyone, but like Lemon, it is not advised to sit in strong sunlight after application, due to its possible phototoxicity. FCF (Furocoumarin free) Bergamot oils are therefore recommended, and the only ones I use in my practice.
Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisii)
Grapefruit oil is cleansing, uplifting and revitalising, and has a cooling, refreshing effect on the body. It decongests and tones our Lymphatic System, as well as clearing the mind. Grapefruit is a tonic for the liver and the gallbladder, and helps with abdominal bloating, constipation and indigestion. It is an astringent aerial antiseptic. It is bactericidal, diuretic and a lymphatic and digestive tonic. Generally safe for everyone, but as with most Citrus oils, it is not recommended to have strong sun exposure following application.
Juniper Berry (Juniperus Communis)
This oil is great for detoxifying when we feel sluggish, and also demonstrates itself as a mosquito repellent – so an extra benefit in the summer months! It should not be used for people with kidney problems, and may be too strong for those with hypersensitivity. It should not be confused with the herb ‘Juniperus Savin’ which should not be used in Aromatherapy, and definitely not in pregnancy.
Lemon (Citrus Limonum)
This oil has almost all the same properties as Grapefruit, so is a fantastic tonic for the liver and gallbladder, and is a cleansing, toning, uplifting and refreshing oil to add to your blend. It is wonderful for bloating and lymphatic congestion. As with all Citrus oils though, sun exposure should be avoided after use.
Orange, Sweet (Citrus Sinensis)
Orange is a wonderful nerve tonic, uplifting, yet still calming and relaxing, which leads to a wonderful sense of wellbeing. I’m yet to meet someone who doesn’t like the smell of this oil! It is great for the Lymphatic and Digestive systems and is really refreshing – a brilliant tonic. It is also useful for headaches and migraines, and also helps with poor concentration and fatigue. It is a safe oil for everyone, and very popular with children too.
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita)
Peppermint oil is refreshing and cooling. This is mainly due to its high menthol content. It is highly invigorating and stimulating, and good for the Lymphatic and Digestive systems. Please note: Peppermint has some important safety data to bear in mind – it is not safe at all for use around or on babies or children under 7, and should also be avoided with anyone with heart problems, those taking homeopathic remedies, those with sensitive skins or those who are pregnant. For adults though with no health issues, a couple of drops on the feet (or in a foot bath!), or used on a cool compress on the forehead or behind the neck, can really cool you down.
A great blend of these, for a healthy adult that I would recommend, would be 30ml of whatever Base/Carrier oil is your preference – I use Sweet Almond – then the following drops of Essential Oils. Or if you can’t use them all, or would like to use different ones, then use a combination (up to a total of 12 drops) per 30ml of Base oil.
- 4 drops of Grapefruit
- 4 drops of Lemon
- 3 drops of Juniper Berry
- 1 drop of Peppermint
Other good ways of using Essential Oils to keep cool, are to add a couple of drops of Essential Oil to a cold compress and apply to the forehead, or back of the neck for instant relief! You can pop these (briefly) in the fridge to keep them cool and ready to use when you come in from the sun.
You could use a few drops of Essential Oil in a lovely footbath too, or vapourise some into the room for freshness. I use Peppermint Essential Oil mixed with Lemon Essential Oil to make myself gorgeous Bath Bombs to put into my Foot Bath – absolute heaven at the moment after long days on my feet! Shout if you want me to make you any too! These are £10 for 6, or I can make you up a gorgeous large decorative jar full (holds 24!) for £45. Have a look at my ‘Products’ page for more information.
This month I have been trying to raise money for ‘Outline Surrey’ – a Woking-based charity supporting the LGBTQ+ community. 10% of product sales this month as pledged, only gave me £14.50 to send them, so I have decided to donate £50 to this great charity anyway, as they do such wonderful work. Many thanks to those clients who did buy products – it is much appreciated by myself and the charity.
Next month I am going to continue to do a charity donation from products sold – but this time to ‘Refuge’ - as I am taking part in their ‘Walk 62 miles in August’ challenge to raise vital funds to help them support women and children affected by domestic abuse. More information next month.
If you would like to discuss any ways in which my treatments or products might be able to help you, please do not hesitate to contact me on: 07710 173354 or email me at: lisa@soulspace.biz. I would really love to hear from you.
With all my love and hugs, please stay relaxed and happy all. See you next month!
Lisa
xXx