In the midst of the ever-flowing cycles of nature, we find ourselves in the season of spring. Like nature, our bodies ebb and flow, constantly responding to each seasonal shift. A great way to get into a healthy rhythm with mother nature is by incorporating essential oils that are particularly beneficial for each given season.

Here are some tips on how you can use essential oils so that you can get the most out of this rejuvenating time of year.

How to Use Essential Oils
Before we get into the springtime specifics, we've got to make sure that the basics are covered. The main ways to use essential oils are:

Aromatically -- Add 1-5 drops into a water-filled diffuser and enjoy the pleasant aromas.

Diluted -- Dilute 3-5 drops of essential oils in a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil. The same amount can also be added to lotions, body butters, and other natural recipes.

Undiluted -- Many oils should be diluted in a carrier oil because they can cause allergic reactions and irritations in some people. However, there are some oils that can be safely applied directly to skin. They include lavender, chamomile, and rose.

Before using any essential oil, it's best to test it out on a small patch of skin before using it on a larger part of your body. Once you know your skin is safe, you can enjoy the benefits that essential oils have to offer your body, mind, and surrounding environment.

Battle Allergies & Breathe Easy
Spring means flowers + flowers mean pollen + pollen means sad sinuses and lots of sneezes. Rather than reach for your allergy medicine, give an essential oil a try. In particular, eucalyptus, myrtle, and peppermint can work wonders and leave you with a refreshed nose and clear system. You can try these on their own or blended together.

With everything in bloom in spring, our bodies are being introduced new bacterias, which can potentially throw them off balance. A natural anti-bacterial is lavender and can be incredibly soothing to just about every skin condition. To offer your system some support for seasonal shifts, add 3 drops of lemon essential oil, 3 drops of lavender essential oil, and 3 drops of peppermint essential oil to a diffuser. For many, it provides some relief to itchy eyes, throats or noses.

Bring the Outdoors In
This time of year, the world is full of blooming flowers and citrusy fruits. Celebrate this by inviting their aromas into your personal environment. A nice way of doing this is diffusing 3 drops of geranium, 5 drops of grapefruit, and 2 drops of lime essential oils.

Another lovely springtime essential oil is bergamot, which comes from the citrus fruit, citrus bergamia. Its clean, refreshing fragrance is not only perfect for spring, but can be an effective antidote against physical and psychological disturbances, such as anxiety, depression, and nervous indigestion.

Enhance Your Gardening Experience
Essential oils can be great items for every gardener's tool box. When it comes to chasing away garden pests, improving the health and supporting the growth of plants, or restoring gardener aches and pains, essential oils can help.

An example of an essential oil for the vitality of plants is using basil as a companion for tomatoes. Try adding a few drops of basil essential oil into your watering can. The basil will be absorbed through the root system and the tomato plant will have vigor for growth and resistance to harmful outside sources.

To fend off pesky garden pests, spray your plants with water infused with protective essential oils. Some include peppermint, thyme, geranium, cedarwood, and lemongrass.

At the end of a long day of gardening, you can provide your sore muscles and joints with some relief. Try combining 5 drops of peppermint, 5 drops of copaiba, 5 drops of wintergreen, and some almond oil in a roller bottle and apply it to your joints, back, and neck.

Strengthen Your Spring Cleaning Routine
There are plenty of essential oils that can provide chemical-free and effective cleaning support. A classic one is lemon, which has been used for years -- not only for its energizing aroma, but cleansing effect as well. A combination of about 15 drops of lemon essential oil and about ? of a cup of castile soap mixed into warm water can be used to scrub dirt from surfaces. Another must-have for your cleaning regimen is lavender. It has a soothing scent and is an effective cleaner as well.

Take a Moment of Calm so That You Can Press the Reset Button
Spring is all about new beginnings and provides the perfect opportunity to let go of what you no longer need. Essential oils can help immensely with the process of slowing down so that you can start fresh.

One effective essential oil in particular is bergamot. It can help us relax and let go by encouraging us to release locked-up emotions that can lead to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Its citrus aroma is incredibly uplifting. You can start your day on a positive note by adding 5 drops of bergamot essential oil to a dry washcloth and then placing it on your chest while taking a hot shower. Enjoy the vapors by taking deep breaths and positive energy will start to charge up your mind and body.

 

Lavender and frankincense have calming and uplifting effects as well. A nice way to incorporate them into your routine is by adding 3 drops of lavender, 3 drops of frankincense, and 3 drops of bergamot essential oils to your bath water. Soaking in it will be peaceful and rejuvenating.

 

How do you like to use essential oils this time of year? Let us know in the comments below!