School is out of session; the warm weather has arrived, days of abundant sunshine, outdoor activities and endless fun await us.
Because of all of this, there are likely things that will pop up that will need a little bit of assistance. Combating the bug biters both before and after the nip. Spending a bit too much time in the sun. Going on a road trip? Traveling to new and exciting places and wanting a little extra immune boost? Essential oils can provide you the support that you need.
Combating the Bugs
There are a variety of essential oils that have bug-repelling capabilities, enabling you and your loved ones to enjoy summer nights outdoors. Palmarosa (C. martinii martini) essential oil has traditionally been used as a mosquito repellent in India [1] [2] and is very effective, as are Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) according to Debboun, Frances & Strickman [3]. There are a wide variety of essential oils that can be useful to help repel bugs so you can enjoy the great outdoors. This uplifting essential oil blend will be effective up to two hours before there is a need to reapply. Spray on the clothing of little children.
Natural Bug Repellent
In a 4 ounce glass spray bottle combine:
Palmarosa (C. martinii martini) 15 drops
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) 9 drops
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) 7 drops
Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) 5 drops
Solubol (a natural dispersant) 2mls
Fill remaining bottle with water.
Shake before each use. Remember, this recipe contains water and no preservative, so you will want to use this up in one to two weeks.
Soothing the Bite
If you have found yourself with a few bug bites and are left itching and scratching, look to this skin-soothing blend of essential oils to calm the itch and encourage speedy healing.
Blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum) has a high level of chamazulene, a sesquiterpene, giving it anti-inflammatory properties assisting with maladies of the skin.
Both Cajeput (Melaleuca cajuputi) and Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) are also very skin healing.
In a 10ml roller bottle combine:
Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum) 1 drop
Cajeput (Melaleuca cajuputi) 2 drops
Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) 3 drops
Fill remainder with a carrier oil of your choice
*According to Peter Holmes, Cajeput (Melaleuca cajuputi) essential oil should be avoided in infants and babies [4].
After Sun Skin Care
Essential oils can be very beneficial to skin that has been kissed by the sun for a little too long. We will list two different versions of this blend. If the discomfort is severe enough, you may want to opt to spray the affected area.
Spray Bottle
In a 4 oz glass spray bottle combine:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 24 drops
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) 12 drops
Aloe Vera Gel 1tsp
Solubol (a natural dispersant) 2mls
Fill remaining bottle with water
Shake before each use. Remember, this recipe contains water and no preservative, so you will want to use this up in one to two weeks.
Oil Blend
In a 4 oz glass bottle combine:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 24 drops
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) 12 drops
Fill remaining bottle with jojoba oil
Use as needed. Store in the refrigerator for increased shelf life.
Road Trip?
Planning to take a road trip with the family this summer? There are a variety of essential oil blends that can assist with sleepiness for the driver, difficulty finding rest when needed, and kids in the back who are becoming restless. We think that you’ll like these blends as much as we do!
Eyes Wide Open Inhaler Blend
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) 6 drops
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) 5 drops
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 4 drops
Slowly drip the oils onto your cotton wick, place into the sleeve, and snap on the cap. Inhalers last 5-6 months, on average. Close tightly when not in use.
Sleep Eternity Blend
We at Barefut have taken the guesswork out of this one. Our Sleep Eternity blend is just what you need to be able to close your eyes and find the rest your body and mind is in need of on a long trip.
This powerful blend contains Clary sage (Salvia sclarea), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides).
Slowly drip 15 drops of this sleep eternity blend onto your cotton wick, place into the sleeve, and snap on the cap.
Calming Eternity Blend (Perfect for Kids)
Our Calming Eternity blend is the perfect answer to the restless ones in the car. If you have heard “are we there yet” more times than you can count, it is time to pull out a few of these inhalers and pass them around.
This fragrant bottle contains Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), Tangerine (Citrus reticulata blanco var tangerine), Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) and Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin).
Slowly drip 15 drops of this sleep eternity blend onto your cotton wick, place into the sleeve, and snap on the cap.
Immune Boost
Are you planning a big trip that requires air travel? If so, you are going to want to plan ahead for the recirculating air on the plane. You can get on board with inhalers for everyone in the family. The best part about inhalers is that you can rest easy knowing that no one around you is going to be affected by your essential oils.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) 5 drops
Lemon (Citrus limon) 4 drops
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) 3 drops
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 3 drops
Slowly drip oils onto your cotton wick, place into the sleeve, and snap on the cap.
We at Barefut have something for every need over your summer vacation, so you can rest, have fun, and make lifelong memories with your loved ones.
References
[1] J. A. Parrotta, (2001) Healing Plants of Peninsular India, Oxon: CABI Publishing
Additional Resources
Trongtokit, Y et al (2005) Comparative repellency of 38 essential oils against mosquito bites. Phytotherapy Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16041723
