Natural Summer Remedies with Essential Oils

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Summer is upon us!  In a few days, we will be heading on a cross country camping trip from North Dakota through Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas!  I’ve been looking high and low for all the oily tips and tricks to use on this adventure, and that’s what we are going to talk right now.  

Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint

The first thing I want to cover is seasonal issues.  With summer comes pollen and bug bites.  The LLP blend is a must have for these issues.  If you start to feel the sneezing, sniffling, itchy throat, or watery eyes coming on, use Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint!  You can layer these on, or my favorite, put the blend in a roller bottle for convenience.

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• Lavender is a natural antihistamine
• Lemon is naturally an antibiotic & antiviral
• Peppermint contains menthol

3 drops of each to a shot glass of water the most effective for me.

If layering, I just smudge my finger with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, then Lavender, then Lemon, and finally Peppermint, to my pulse points or bottoms of feet, and my forehead.  I also like to apply to the spine.  You can apply directly to any insect bites for a soothing effect.

To make a 10ml roller bottle blend, take the same essential oils….I do 10 drops each….and then top with the carrier oil.  If using on younger children, dilute more with carrier oil.  I apply to the same areas as if layering.  If applying to a younger child, stay away from the face.  The best bet is to apply to the spine or bottoms of feet.

This is also a great blend to have going in your diffuser if you are able to do that!

I have a great way to get these three oils at a great discount.  Email me for more info...thenaturalcollective514@gmail.com

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Insect Repellent

DEET (also known as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide ) is an additive in many insect repellent products used to repel biting pests. Sounds great right? Prevents bites so what’s the problem?

DEET has also proven to be harmful when consumed, inhaled, or used in excess. You better believe those toxins and pesticides in bug sprays are absorbed and eventually enter the bloodstream potentially creating awful side effects. Have you even read the warning labels on a can of bug spray?  The EPA clearly states: “Do not apply to eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays do not spray directly onto face; spray on hands first and then apply to face. After returning indoors, wash your child’s treated skin and clothes with soap and water or bathe." And the Centers for Disease Control: “Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an adult do it for them. Keep repellents out of reach of children." (source)

Thanks for the warning!

Want to avoid it all together?  I do too.  Here’s how….The Repellent Blend!

Per Dr David Hill, this super concentrated blend only needs to be applied every 4-6 hours. A couple of drops on exposed skin. You can also use 15-20 drops of The Repellent Blend, with water or Fractionated coconut oil, in a small, dark, glass spray bottle. You want the bottle to be dark so the oil doesn’t loose it’s effectiveness. If you choose water, shake before each use.  If you’ve already been bit try a couple of drops of Lavender or Melaleuca oil to relieve itching.

Sunscreen

Exposure to the sun aids in vitamin D absorption.  Low vitamin D levels can lead to many health issues.  But, we can't just sit out and bake in it all day.  We need some level of protection.  Here's a DIY recipe to make your own healthy moisturizing sunscreen.

This recipe is roughly around SPF 20* with the help of Helichrysum essential oil and zinc oxide. Zinc oxide can absorb ultraviolet radiation of sun and protect the skin from sunburn and other damaging effects of UV radiation. Because it absorbs the broadest spectrum of ultraviolet radiation, the FDA has approved its use in sunscreen, lotions, creams, makeup, deodorant, soaps, and more.

*Note: this recipe is not suitable for SPF protection during water-related activities.  Avoid citrus oils in sunscreen because they are photosensitive.

What you need:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil

1/4 cup beeswax

2 tablespoons zinc oxide (you can purchase zinc oxide here as well as at some pharmacies)

1 teaspoon vitamin E

2 tablespoons shea butter

12 drops Helichrysum essential oil (or Geranium)

Note: You can purchase beeswax and shea butter at most health food stores or Amazon.

Directions:

Add everything except zinc oxide and Helichrysum essential oil in a medium sized glass mixing bowl.

Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat. Place the glass bowl on top of the saucepan so that the saucepan is cradling the bowl.

As the ingredients start to melt, stir occasionally to mix.

TIP: Use a popsicle stick to help stir for an easier cleanup.

Once all ingredients are melted, remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 3 minutes.

Add the zinc oxide and Helichrysum essential oil and stir well to mix.

Note:  Adding additional zinc oxide will increase the SPF factor.

Pour into a pint-sized tin or mason jar and store in a cool place (like a refrigerator). Use within six months.

TIME-SAVER SUNSCREEN

If you are in a rush to head to the beach or pool, you can still make an effective sunscreen with fewer ingredients.

What you need:

1 tube Spa Hand and Body Lotion

12 drops of  Helichrysum essential oil

2 tablespoons of zinc oxide

Directions:  Add ingredients to a 8-10 ounce empty lotion bottle and mix well by either stirring the mixture with a straw or shaking vigorously. Apply before sun exposure and reapply every couple of hours.
Pin it here!

I also found a neat Sunscreen Bar recipe here!

Sunscreen Bar Ingredients:

1 cup coconut oil     1 cup shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter (or a mix of all three equal to 1 cup)     1 cup beeswax (can add an extra ounce or two if you want a thicker consistency, which leaves less lotion on the skin when used)     2 tablespoons (or more) of Zinc Oxide (available online or in many stores on the diaper aisle, just make sure it is pure zinc oxide- For those concerned about contaminants or nano-particles, this version has larger particles)   5-10 drops of your favorite Essential Oil  (she  recommend Lavender since its soothing to the skin – especially in cases of burns. Do not use Citrus Oils since most can cause skin sensitivities in the sun.)

After Sun Spritzer  

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Just in case you do get a little red, here is a great after sun spritzer…

1 oz Water

2-4 Drops of Lavender

2 drops of Peppermint

1 Drop Helichrysum (both found here)

1/2 teaspoon of Pure Organic Aloe Vera

  

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle suitable for holding essential oils and spray as needed.  You can find the bottles on Amazon.  I personally keep it in the fridge.

Tension Support

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Ever get that tension feeling in our head and neck?  I do every time we travel. Doesn't matter how we get there or where we go.   There is a simple fix- peppermint!  A drop or two of peppermint rubbed on the temples, forehead, and/or back of neck and that vice grip starts to loosen.  Vacation can go on.

For those more persistent afflictions you can also try The Tension Blend (a blend specifically for the needed support), Soothing Blend, Frankincense, or Lavender.

Aches and Soreness 

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Summer is an active time….hiking, water sports, sleeping on the ground under the stars…. And with an increase in physical activity come sore muscles and joints. Although sore muscles can remind you that you are alive and active (and man can they remind you!), the morning after a boating trip sleeping on the ground can make you feel anything but awesome.  But the ache doesn’t have to stop the fun!

Oils for aches and soreness are:
Wintergreen Leaf, Camphor Bark, Peppermint
Plant, Blue Tansy Flower, Blue Chamomile
Flower, Helichrysum Flower, and Osmanthus
Flower essential oils.

Email me to find out how to get a wonderful Soothing Blend!
thenaturalcollective514@gmail.com

Cooking

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I only recommend a certain brand of oils for internal use.  Not all brands are created equal.  I love to cook out during the Summer. With edible essential oils, even if you are cooking in, it makes it a special occasion. Here are some oils to help you make some beautiful Summer meals.

Essential Oils for Summer Cooking:

Basil

Cilantro

Coriander

Thyme

Rosemary

Marjoram

Oregano

Lemon

Lime

Grapefruit

Wild Orange

You can have a safe and natural summer with essential oils!  Email me for more info!
thenaturalcollective514@gmail.com

  How do you use essential oils?

Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, psychological, or psychiatric problem, or a disability that requires medical attention, then you should consult your licensed medical doctor or appropriate health care provider. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.