Summer is here in full swing now.  Kids are out of school and around the pool.  Family times include sitting outside around a fire or having fun at a playground.  Time outside is great fun, but the bugs like it too!  Summer can be a time of sweaty itchiness.  Be prepared for dealing with bites and stings with natural combinations that don’t have negative side effects.  Many products contain other harmful ingredients that may have a negative effect on the body in the long run.

Essential Oils are a great way to help with many different areas in health & wellness.  They are naturally occurring in all plants and some have proven to be more beneficial than others.  It takes many pounds of plant pieces to extract the oils, and it is an extensive process so many companies sell inferior product due to costs, but the label name looks the same!  Be sure you have a good reliable source should you choose to try these.  In the long run, it takes just drops to do the job, so the overall expense is usually much less plus you can use the same oil for other things as you will see.

Basic products needed:

·         Lavender Oil:  The most widely used of all oils.  It’s a natural antibiotic & antiseptic while helping to detoxify, heal and calm.  There are many ways this can be used all year round!

·         Eucalyptus Oil:  An antibiotic, antiseptic, analgesic and anti- inflammatory while helping to cool the body in summer and warm it in the winter.  You don’t have to wonder why this is on the list!

·         Rosemary Oil:  Another antiseptic, disinfectant and detoxifier while stimulating the immune system.  Rosemary also helps mental clarity.

·         Tea Tree Oil: similar to Lavender as an over antiseptic including against fungus and touted as the single most effective oil for disinfecting.  It is also great for respiratory problems.

·         Chamomile Oil:  Stress relieving and mostly known for its anti-inflammatory properties and soothing skin.  Very good for bug-bites, burns rashes and fevers.

·         Peppermint Oil:  Great for digestion as well as muscle pain while relieving the pain of headaches, sunburn, and insect bites.

·         Myrrh Oil:  Great for cold, flu and skin.

·         Geranium Oil: Great for skin, cuts, burns and wounds.  Also helps balance hormones and is uplifting.

·         Carrier oil: olive, coconut or grapeseed:  Any of these are great natural, pure moisturizers for the skin

·         Witch Hazel: for mixing with water to make an effective spray

·         Rescue Remedy Bach Flower Essence: Good to calm people in all circumstances.

As you can see,                 each of these oils is used for all kinds of issues.  When they are blended, they work at a higher level synergistically.  As you get used to using them, you will find yourself researching recipes for various things using just these few.  Here are the recipes I recommend for summer time:

Mosquito Bites:  Apply Lavender followed by Myrrh for many hours of relieve both in swelling and itchiness.  Lavender itself works well too

Bug Bite Mix: Blend Lavender & Eucalyptus (3 drops each) with Chamomile (2 drops):  Can be applied directly to skin, added to a basin of water for washing the area or blend with 2 TBS. carrier oil or cider vinegar before applying.  Can also be added to a baking soda and water mixture.

Flea Bites: Eucalyptus applied directly on them.

Poison Weed Rash Relief: Chamomile, Lavender & Tea Tree (5 drops each) and Geranium (2 drops):  Mix in 1 cup of water and apply or put ½ of the blend in your bath water.  Adding dry oatmeal to your bath can help with itching too (put it in a cloth bag first!)

Sunburn Relief:  Lavender (8 drops) & Peppermint (4 drops) in 8 ounces of water.  Spray on skin.

Insect Repellent: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary & Tea Tree (4 drops each):  Add to 2 ounces witch hazel and 8 ounces of water.  Put in spray bottle and apply to skin and surrounding ground/patio areas.  For more protection, add the oils to 5 tsp. carrier oil and rub on skin especially at insect loving pulse points on the neck, wrist and ankles.  Can also be sprayed on pets to deter fleas too!  Eating lots of fresh garlic or taking the pills can help deter bugs too as you sweat out the garlic smell; you might want to ask your friends & family about this first!

These are just a few sample recipes.  Sometimes just one essential oil will work for your skin type and other times people are more attracting to insects!  If you really don’t want to do the mixing, many health food stores carry commercial blends using these oil in combinations instead of the dreaded DEET and other harmful ingredients.  Plus making your own saves you money in the long run and keeps you away from preservatives that have accumulated side effects.  Be safe this summer and enjoy yourself!