Preparing for summer

Summer brings with it its light, its promises of escape, rest, reunion...

But also, sometimes, a few little annoyances: skin overheated by the sun, legs tiring in the heat, over-curious mosquitoes, or simply the desire for a little freshness on the plate or in the air.

When the body is crying out for respite, nature can offer simple, soothing, and deeply sensible answers.

This article has been designed as a gentle, natural first-aid kit to accompany you during this period.

Step by step, it explores soothing gestures, easy DIY preparations, and sometimes little-known uses for hydrosols and essential oils, all to get you through the summer season with lightness and pleasure.

Take what speaks to you, leave what doesn't.

The plants are there, without forcing, just to accompany.

Through the sections that follow, you'll find concrete ways to relieve, refresh, soothe or simply enjoy summer differently, with simplicity, and in connection with what nature has most subtle to offer.

In summer, the skin is on the front line.

It receives light, heat, wind, salt, chlorine...

It protects, but it also tires. Redness, tightness, overheating or little boo-boos sometimes disturb the lightness of fine days.

Thankfully, some plants know how to talk to the skin.

To soothe overheating

When skin heats up or reddens after prolonged exposure to the sun, a few well-chosen hydrolats are often enough to restore a little balance.

To support repair

When the skin has been attacked (too much sun, small wounds, stings or scratches) certain essential oils can complement the action of hydrosols, carefully and sparingly.

Simple steps

Spray hydrosol directly onto clean skin, several times a day if necessary. - Apply a gentle vegetable oil (almond, calendula...) enriched with one or two drops of repairing essential oil. - Keep hydrolats in the fridge for an immediate freshening effect.

Skin has this memory of touch: when we take care of it with simple gestures, it soothes faster. And it's often the most discreet treatments that do the most good.

As temperatures rise, legs become heavier. The heat dilates the vessels, slowing venous return, and long days on your feet or car journeys don't help matters. This feeling of heaviness can be uncomfortable, even painful, and can spoil a moment of relaxation. Certain aromatic plants, known for their toning and circulatory properties, can offer immediate, natural relief.

Hydrosols to refresh and stimulate

Simple gestures that make a difference

Homemade mist: in a spray bottle, mix equal parts lentisque, peppermint and helichrysum hydrosols. Keep in a cool place and spray on as and when needed.

Circulatory footbath: a basin of cool water, a few spoonfuls of hydrosol, a few marble balls or pebbles under the feet... and ten minutes' rest.

Gentle massage: at the end of the day, massage the legs with a light vegetable oil enriched with a drop of cypress or mastic essential oil, always moving upwards from the ankles to the thighs.

We sometimes forget that legs need attention too. And that a simple gesture can be enough to lighten the body... and the mind.

As soon as the evenings warm up, mosquitoes appear. Discreet at first, then downright invasive, mosquitoes often invite themselves in without embarrassment, leaving behind itchiness, restless nights and even unpleasant skin reactions. There's no need to use aggressive solutions to regain a little peace and quiet: certain essential oils naturally possess repellent or soothing properties, and can be used with simplicity and care.

Keep at bay

Some ideas for use:

Outdoor diffusion: a few drops in a suitable diffuser (mist or gentle heat) on the terrace or near an open window.

Homemade room spray: in a 100 ml bottle, mix 50 ml 70° alcohol, 40 ml water and 10 ml hydrosol (lavender or geranium), then add 20 drops citronella essential oil. Spray around you, on fabrics, or into the ambient air (never directly on undiluted skin).

Body application: a fluid vegetable oil (sweet almond, apricot kernel...) + 1 drop of geranium or citronella EO for 5 ml, to be applied to exposed areas, with caution.

Soothing stings When the sting is already there, certain oils and hydrosols quickly soothe itching:

Summer often disrupts landmarks: we change places, rhythms, light... The nights are shorter, the temperatures higher, and the joyful hustle and bustle of the days sometimes has a hard time coming down. Even on vacation, finding sleep can be a challenge. Certain plants gently accompany this transition from day to night.

Soothing the nervous system

Simple rituals to establish

Pillow mist: in a small spray, mix a lavender or orange blossom hydrosol with a little alcohol or cider vinegar (for preservation). A few sprays on the pillow or in the bedroom before bedtime.

Evening gesture: drink a small cup of hot or tempered water with a teaspoon of lemon balm or orange blossom hydrosol, like a quick, light herbal tea.

Ambient diffusion: a few drops of real lavender, petit grain bigarade or Roman chamomile EO in a diffuser, to install a calm climate in the room.

Sleep isn't always automatic, even when everything seems to come together for rest. But with a little care, and a well-chosen touch of plants, the night can once again become a refuge.

In summer, the body seeks freshness. But between overly sweet sodas, acidic juices or bland waters, we don't always know what to drink... or offer. That's where hydrolats open up unexpected possibilities. Used in small quantities, they can transform a glass of water, a dessert or an iced beverage into a subtle, refreshing experience, with no gimmicks or added sugars.

Simple drinks, but never banal Water + hydrolat: 1 teaspoon of hydrolat in a glass of chilled water is enough to create a light, digestible, naturally flavored drink.

Homemade summer drinks: in a carafe, combine still or sparkling water, fresh fruit (strawberries, lemon, cucumber, watermelon...), mint or basil leaves, and a few spoonfuls of hydrolat for a thirst-quenching, elegant and natural effect.

Also on the plate Homemade granités or ice creams: a little hydrolat in the preparation is enough to subtly perfume without weighing it down. - Lavender + blueberry - Mint + watermelon - Orange blossom + white peach

Minute seasoning: sprayed or drizzled over fruit salads or raw vegetables, a hydrosol (rosemary, thyme, basil) enhances flavors without adding salt or vinegar.

A gentle alternative to industrial drinks What we drink every day counts more than we think. And hydrolats, by providing a discreet fragrance and beneficial action, make it possible to reconcile pleasure, hydration, and respect for the body. Drinking a hydrolat means offering the body a little more than just water. It's inviting plants to the summer table, quietly and without excess. Just what you need to feel good.

Trips, escapades, the unexpected... Summer invites you to get moving. But it's not always easy to take your entire plant wardrobe with you. The good news is that you don't need much. A handful of well-chosen essential oils, one or two versatile hydrolats, and you're ready to deal with the most frequent occurrences, with ease.

One small kit, many possibilities

Tip: carry empty roll-on bottles

They enable you to prepare ready-made mixtures in advance (stings, sleep, heavy legs...), which are easy to apply and discreet to use. When traveling, you don't always have everything on hand. But with a few well-chosen essentials, you feel equipped, confident, and ready to fully savor every moment.

Going on vacation often means changing habits: shifting schedules, a different diet, long journeys, adapting to a new environment...And these changes, however pleasant, can sometimes upset the body. Certain hydrolats and essential oils can then become precious allies: discreet, easy to take with you, and capable of acting gently.

Digestive comfort in unfamiliar territory

Natural hygiene on the move

In case of fatigue or motion sickness

Travel is all about the unexpected, but also about resources. Slipping a few drops of essentials into your bag is a discreet way to stay in tune with your body, even away from home.

Every summer is different, but the needs often recur: protecting the skin, lightening the legs, keeping mosquitoes at bay, getting back to sleep, digesting well... or simply refreshing yourself with pleasure.

In this article, we've gathered simple, accessible, sometimes little-known uses to accompany this season with lightness. Whether you're preparing a travel kit, looking for a sweet alternative to sugary drinks, or craving a little calm in your summer evenings... there are, among distilled plants, enough to meet many needs.

Take the time to explore, according to your desires, and above all, may this summer be sweet to you.