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5 essential oils to take with you on holiday this summer

Bites, sunburn, minor mishaps: the essential oils that come in handy in summer, and the key rules for using them safely.
24 July 2025 by
Siprès

Summer often means sunshine, hikes, bites and sometimes a few minor mishaps… So, to travel with peace of mind, here are the 5 essential oils to pack in your suitcase this summer, all selected for their benefits. With the exception of the last one, you can easily find all of them from French sources.

We use the first three lavender aspic, helichrysum and fine lavender as active ingredients in our 100% natural and local cosmetic products.


1. 💜 Spike lavender: the ally for bites and minor burns

Why take it with you?

Pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, healing and anti-venom, spike lavender is remarkably effective against wasp and mosquito bites, jellyfish burns and also nettle stings. It also works on minor burns such as sunburn.

A little memory trick: spike lavender is for everything that stings. 

How to use it ?

  • In the event of a bite, apply one drop to the bite, 2 to 3 times a day. 
  • In the event of sunburn, dilute spike lavender essential oil to a maximum of 5% in an anti-inflammatory plant oil and massage the area.
  • Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or on children under 6 years old.

And at Siprès…

We use spike lavender in our Summer Dry Body Oil which, in addition to boosting melanin production, can also be used as a highly effective after-sun treatment if your skin is a little red after sun exposure.

You will also find spike lavender essential oil in our Nourishing Hair Oil Treatment. Some customers use it on their children’s hair when they have head lice.


2. 🌼 Helichrysum: the natural anti-bruise

Why take it with you?

Helichrysum essential oil, also known as immortelle, is the oil for bumps, bruises, knocks and sprains… It has exceptional anti-bruise and circulation-boosting properties. It is much more powerful than arnica.

How to use it ?

  • 1 pure or diluted drop in a plant oil on a knock or bruise, as soon as possible.
  • Repeat several times over the next few hours.
  • Do not use pure during pregnancy or on children under 6 years old.

And at Siprès…

You will find helichrysum essential oil in the Immortelle Flowers Balm. It was formulated so it can be used on adventurous young children to soothe bruises, bumps and other minor mishaps.

You will also find it in the Anti-Redness Oil Serum to stimulate microcirculation and soothe skin prone to couperose.


3. 🪻 Fine lavender: to soothe the skin and promote sleep

Why take it with you?

Calming, healing, antibacterial and pain-relieving, this is the basic essential oil to always have on hand. It is used to soothe irritated skin and in particular to calm sunburn, insect bites and minor burns. It is gentler than spike lavender, so it can be used on young children.

It also helps calm the mind and makes it easier to fall asleep. It helps soothe hyperactive children. It is also used to ease muscle cramps.

How to use it ?

  • In case of stress or sleep troubles: 1 drop on the pillow.
  • On a bite: 1 drop directly on the skin, it is well tolerated, even when used pure.
  • Diluted in a plant oil and massaged onto the skin in case of sunburn.

And at Siprès…

You will find fine lavender essential oil in the Lavender Flowers Balm. It was formulated so it can be used from a very young age to effectively soothe all minor irritations, redness and dryness.

You will also find it in the Radiance Oil Serum because it helps soothe and repair the skin, while also supporting cell renewal anti-ageing.


4. 🌿 Bay laurel: the immunity ally

Why take it with you?

This is a broad-spectrum antibacterial essential oil, which makes it useful in cases of respiratory, skin or oral infections. It is used to boost natural defences, but also in cases of fungal infections, mouth ulcers and gingivitis. It also acts as a nervous system balancer to help improve concentration.

How to use it ?

  • In case of a mouth ulcer or fungal infection: place 1 drop of bay laurel essential oil on a cotton bud previously soaked in plant oil. Apply directly to the ulcer or fungal infection 3 times a day until it disappears. 
  • In case of flu or a cold: dilute one drop of bay laurel essential oil in plant oil and massage the back and chest.
  • For morale or self-confidence: 1 drop on the wrists or in a massage oil. 
  • Do not use pure during pregnancy or on children under 6 years old.

5. 🍋 Lemon eucalyptus: a natural repellent and muscle comfort support

Why take it with you?

A powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory essential oil, it quickly soothes muscle or joint pain after a hike or a long drive, as well as cramps, muscle soreness and tendonitis.

Its lemony scent also makes it highly effective at keeping mosquitoes away, whether diffused or applied to the skin in diluted form.

How to use it ?

  • As a massage: on painful areas, diluted.
  • It can be used by pregnant women after 3 months of pregnancy and by children over 3 years old.

🧳 In summary: your summer aromatherapy kit

Essential oilMain benefits
Spike lavenderBites, burns, sunburn
Fine lavenderSoothing, healing, sleep
Bay LaurelImmunity, mouth ulcers, fungal infections
Italian helichrysumBruises, circulation, knocks
Lemon eucalyptusAnti-mosquito, pain relief, anti-inflammatory

In most cases, remember to dilute your oils well in a plant oil for safe application. And if you have children, health conditions or are pregnant, ask a professional for advice.

🌞 Wishing you a wonderful summer, in nature and in good health — with Siprès in your suitcase.

⚠️ Essential oils are powerful and should always be used with caution, especially with children and pregnant women. Essential oils do not replace medical advice.