The kids got out of school last week and couldn’t wait to hit the beach and the trails. When they came home with sunburns and bug bites, I decided to dedicate this blog to the 5 Best essential oils for summer!
Essential Oils for Summer
Insect Repellent
Purification™ blend contains several essential oils known for their insect repellent properties, including Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree™, Lavender™, Myrtle, Citronella. A study by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that Clove oil in the Parasympathetic® blend provided one and a half to three and a half hours of protection against mosquitoes. Research has also shown Peppermint™ to work as a natural insecticide that kills as well as repels mosquitoes. Finally, Tea Tree™ oil can help suppress annoying summer predators like as fleas, leeches, lice, and ticks. To make your own bug spray in a 4 oz clean spray bottle, combine ¼ cup of distilled water, 2 tsp of a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil), 2 tsp of vodka or witch hazel, and 30 – 50 drops of essential oils. Shake well before spraying on your skin.
Bug Bites
For bug bites including bee and wasp stings, apply Lavender™, Tea Tree™, Frankincense™, Histamine Balance™ or Liver Support™ to help reduce pain and swelling and speed up the healing process. Lavender is a terrific oil to facilitate bite or wound healing (including bee stings). Tea Tree™ oil and the oils in Liver Support™ blend (including Lavender, Geranium, Blue Tansy, Chamomile and Helichrysum) minimize the irritation and support healing from insect bites or bee stings. To apply, dilute a few drops with carrier oil, like olive or coconut oil and rub on the area of the bite.
Sunburn
Essential oils are instrumental in treating sunburn — not only for pain relief, but to reduce swelling and prevent scarring. To cool and soothe the affected area, mix a few drops of Frankincense™, Lavender™ and/or Liver Support™ (which includes sun oils to soothe the skin from sun over-exposure or burns, like Lavender™, Geranium, Blue Tansy, Chamomile and Helichrysum) into coconut oil or cool, refrigerated aloe vera gel. Apply to the sunburned area several times per day.
Heat and Fatigue
To combat intense heat or associated fatigue; consider Lymph™ blend applied to the sides of the neck, under the arms or along the bikini area or Peppermint™ or Energize™ applied diluted to the forehead or the bottom of the feet. You can also soak your feet in a cooling foot bath with a few drops of oils.
Allergies
To soothe seasonal congestion and sinus inflammation, Histamine™ blend, Breathe™ blend and Sinus Support™ are great choices.
Oils to avoid with sun exposure: Citrus-based essential oils absorb higher amounts of the sun’s energy, creating sun sensitivities. It is best to avoid applying citrus oils, including Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime or Tangerine to areas of the skin that will be in contact with the sun.
I hope these blends help keep your family healthy and happy this summer. Please feel free to leave a comment below.
Resources:
Ready to get started? Click the links below to order today:
- Breathe™ available here
- Energize™ available here
- Frankincense™ available here
- Histamine Balance™ available here
- Lavender™ available here
- Liver Support™ available here
- Lymph™ available here
- Parasympathetic® available here
- Peppermint™ available here
- Purification™ available here
- Sinus Support™ available here
- Tea Tree™ available here
