Top 10 Essential Oils for Spring
Spring in your step?
Spring is the season of hope. The season of rebirth after a long death of Winter. The days are longer, and weather is getting warmer. Every season has its own unique intrinsic qualities and like nature, we too feel differently during the transitions. Humans are programmed to rest more when it’s dark and be more active when it’s light. With the extra daylight hours most people begin to feel more energized and alive. This is aligned with the changes we see around us in nature: trees are budding, flowers are blooming, animals are more active. Every season impacts us differently: from our energy levels, to moods, sleep, immune system, even digestion is impacted by the different seasons.
What happens to the human body when Spring arrives?
The seasonal shift can impact how we feel physically and emotionally. There is an increase of water on the ground, dampness and humidity in the air, abrupt changes in weather from sun, to rain, to hail (and even snow in some parts.) There are drastic fluctuations in outside temperatures, pollen and other allergens in the air, and adjustments to daylight savings time. It’s no wonder spring can at times make us feel amazing but other times uncomfortable as our bodies try to adapt and maintain homeostasis.
Ways the transition to spring impacts the mind and body:
1) Migraines and Headaches
Migraines and headaches are common in spring not only because of allergens but also due to fluctuations in weather. Research has shown storms and changes in barometric pressure can trigger migraines. (1)
2) Joint Pain
Barometric pressure, humidity, precipitation and temperature all seem to play a role for people who struggle with joint pain and arthritis. Some people claim that old muscle injuries also tend to give them trouble with changes in the weather. Scientists have done many studies on joint pain and weather but have yet to pinpoint this connection.
3) Allergies
Allergies are probably the most common association people have with the transition to spring when it comes to health. Plants release pollen which travel into our nose and our immune system tells the brain to get rid of it, thus we are sneezing nonstop. Spring allergies can also bring excess mucous and cause a runny nose or post-nasal drip. Some people complain of a tickle in back of the throat. The constant drainage of mucous can cause a sore throat and coughing.
What gives?
Allergy symptoms are caused by histamines which are chemicals released by the mast cells when they spot an invader (like pollen). Those histamines can also cause swelling and inflammation in the eyes hence the watery, itchy eyes.
4) Skin Flareups
If the weather is confused, so is our skin. As we adjust to spring winds and frequent temperature fluctuations, our skin isn’t quite sure how to compensate. Skin tends to get dry and itchy in the spring. For some, allergens can activate inflammatory responses within the body and cause skin inflammation and irritation. Those with eczema and other skin conditions may struggle more during this seasonal shift.
5) Growing pains
Did you know there is a growth spurt season? Interesting enough there has been some correlation with boys and girls growing more in Spring/Summer compared to Fall/Winter. (2)(3) Children also produce more growth hormone in the first few hours of sleep than during the day which could be a reason why they are waking up at night complaining of sore legs. (4)
6) We tend to get sick less frequently
Winter brings colder weather, decreased humidity and indoor heating. This makes air drier. This also leads to dry nasal cavities (which leads to nosebleeds and irritated sinuses). Mucous in the nose is designed to trap viruses. When it dries up, you’re much more likely to catch a cold. This is why it’s important to use a humidifier in the wintertime.
In the springtime, the weather warms up and become more humid, so the nasal cavity is moist again which helps decrease chances of getting sick.
7) Uplifted moods and more energy
The best thing about spring and summer is the extra daylight hours. Our circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock, telling us when to wake up and when to feel sleepy. It also plays a huge role in hormone release, temperature regulation, metabolism and moods. In the spring, you may start noticing you are sleeping a little less than in the winter, but your energy is up. Getting more exposure to sunlight increases our Vitamin D, serotonin and dopamine. Morning sun in particular can be helpful in syncing our circadian rhythm.
Morning Sun:
Is critical in syncing our circadian rhythms so we sleep better at night.
Improves our energy as it directly powers our mitochondria (increases number and function) which are responsible for our energy levels.
Can reduce anxiety and calm the mind.
Is essential for not only creating vitamin D but also other hormones like dopamine (reward chemical) and serotonin (mood stabilizer).
May support inflammation by increasing blood flow and the body's antioxidant defenses.
Can counteract the effects of blue light.
Want to learn more about morning sun? A neuroscientist, Dr. Andrew Huberman with Huberman Labs has done some fascinating research on this.
Notice a change in your mood and feeling more upbeat?
Studies have shown that the length of day is the main variable that affects mood. (5)
Feeling more creative?
Spring is the season of hope. People are more likely to start a new project, new diet, new exercise program in spring compared to other seasons. It’s a season of transition so some people will quit jobs and start new jobs in the spring. People also tend to declutter and reorganize their homes…spring cleaning anyone?
Research has shown that people feel more creative in spring compared to other seasons. The University of Michigan did a study in particular that showed people are open to new information, have more creative thoughts and have higher mood and better memory in Spring. (6)
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
8) Weight loss
In spring and summer we are in better moods and more active because we are spending time outdoors. We also crave healthier foods and sweat more. Research has shown that we digest our food more slowly in hotter weather, which leaves us feeling full longer. (7)
Using aromatherapy to help with the seasonal shift to spring
This is a great time to soak in the smells and sights of nature. Feel the fresh air against your face and in your lungs. Listen to the birds and the rain fall. Noticing and celebrating what’s happening with the weather, temperature, animals, trees, plants and feelings that spring brings allow us to be more centered, grounded and connected.
One way to really enjoy this season even more is to utilize aromatherapy.
My top 10 favorite essential oils for spring:
1) Lavender
Lavender helps soothe symptoms during allergy season thanks to its ability to calm and reduce inflammation. It has been studied to reduce allergic inflammation as well as the enlargement of mucous cells. (8) (9)
Lavender also has been studied to soothe headaches and tension related to stress and anxiety. In one study of 129 headache attacks, 92 responded entirely or partially to lavender. The percentage who responded was significantly higher than the placebo group. (10)
2) Basil
Basil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe tension of muscles and joints. Basil is also a helpful oil for headache relief. It is a natural stimulant and has positive effects on the nervous system and adrenal glands. (11) Basil may restore mental alertness and fight fatigue.
3) Peppermint
One of the principal chemical constituents of peppermint essential oil is menthol. Menthol creates a somatosensory effect when applied to the skin which acts as a natural analgesic due to its cooling effect. Peppermint can be helpful to relieve tension as well provide soothing relief for spring allergies when inhaled. (12)
A randomized, double-blind, controlled study showed that applying a 10% peppermint oil in ethanol solution to the forehead and temples can significantly reduce headache intensity in tension-type headaches, making it an effective remedy for such headaches. (13)
4) Copaiba
Copaiba has the highest quantity of the constituent beta-caryophyllene of all essential oils which helps it to support a lot of systems in the body. Particularly the endocannabinoid system which is involved in a lot of physiological processes within the body. Copaiba has impressive anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe tension, arthritis, and joint pain. (14) It also has a calming aroma which is supportive for stress and anxiety. Copaiba been researched to have positive impact on acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions. (15) (16) (17)
5) Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus contains the constituent citronellal which has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. It is great for cleaning, helpful in massage oils to relieve pain and inflammation, eases cough and is a supportive decongestant. (18) (19)
Eucalyptus is helpful during spring as it has a cooling sensation you experience while breathing it in to provide relief from allergens in the air.
6) Rosemary
Rosemary is supportive for headache relief as well as circulation due to its natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It has a calming effect when inhaled and is helpful for stress relief. Rosemary aids in supporting the respiratory system, joint pain and inflammation. (20) (21)
Rosemary is a versatile essential oil which is also supportive in mental fatigue, enhancing memory and focus, healthy hair growth, cleaning and deterring pests in garden. (22) To learn more about rosemary and my favorite uses and recipes click here.
7) Tea Tree
Tea tree is an effective antiseptic agent. (23) It soothes irritated skin and has been shown to reduce histamine-induced skin inflammation. (24) It is also a helpful decongestant and expectorant.
In vitro work over the last decade has demonstrated that tea tree oil affects a range of immune responses, both in vitro and in vivo. (25)
8) Chamomile
Most people know about chamomile’s benefits for sleep (26) and calming the mind. But it’s also helpful for the skin as well as relaxing the body and soothing muscles. (27) It can be a great support in aiding tension headaches.
Thanks to the powerful anti-inflammatory function, chamomile oil can be supportive in reducing inflammation, irritation and redness of the skin. (28)
9) Lemon
Lemon brings a refreshing and cleansing aroma and is known to have powerful antioxidant properties. Like lavender oil, it is used in the supporting symptoms of allergies because it works as a natural antihistamine. It can help in clearing sinuses and reducing congestion. (29)
10) Lime
Lime essential oils is best known for its ability to reduce stress, anxious feelings and mental fatigue. It has a refreshing and stimulating aroma. Lime is often diffused while working or studying to help alleviate brain fog, mental fatigue and stimulate the senses. (30)
A few ways to use these oils:
diffuse into the air
use them in bath and spa products
apply to the skin (diluted)
make a room spray and spray into the air
use in massage oil, salve, lotion or balm recipe
make a roller and apply to temples and neck to support head tension
breathing them in directly from the bottle or make an aromatherapy inhaler
*Note: It is not recommended to apply eucalyptus (cineole rich) to or near the face of infants or children under the age of 10. The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy does not recommend use of peppermint oil on children ages 30 months or less.
*Be mindful of photosensitive essential oils. Photosensitization is a reaction to a substance applied to the skin that occurs only in the presence of UV light. Some essential oils contain furocoumarins, a special class of constituents that can cause photosensitization of the skin. The most commonly found furocoumarins in essential oils are bergapten and oxypeucedanin. Most photosensitive essential oils are citrus but other oils contain compounds or mixes of compounds that have the same effect meaning they aren’t sun safe either. A few oils to be cautious with are lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, bergamot, tangerine, rue and cumin (and blends containing these oils).
A few of my favorite blends to support allergies this season:
Lavender + Lemon + Peppermint
Eucalyptus + Tea Tree + Cedarwood
Eucalyptus + Rosemary + Peppermint
Eucalyptus + Cypress + Tea Tree + Lemon
Marjoram + Fir + Laurel lea
Sandalwood + Frankincense + Ravensara*
Use these blends in the diffuser, roller recipes or in aromatherapy inhalers.
* A randomized controlled trial showed that the inhalation of blended oil from Ravensara, frankincense, and sandalwood alleviated subjective symptoms, improved the disease-specific quality of life, and reduced fatigue for those with allergic rhinitis (hay fever). (31)
Now that you have these aromatic tools to help you through this season…
Let yourself out of the cocoon! Feel the sun on your face, open the windows, plant something, fly a kite, have a picnic, ride a bike or go for a walk! It’s time to play in the light!
Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
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