While most of us love summer, this season creates a variety of health challenges including too much sun, skin issues, bugs, mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, and seasonal allergies!  Here are some essential oil helps for summer!

Soothing Salve

A good salve can be the base to many amazing recipes. Similar to the texture of petroleum jelly, you can customize this salve with essential oils to meet your needs. Add Breathe to help maintain feelings of clear airways, Serenity or Lavender to support calming rest for your body, or Citrus Bliss for an invigorating moisturizer. The options are endless!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup grapeseed oil

1/2 cup almond oil

2 tablespoons beeswax

1 tablespoon vitamin E oil

5 drops Lavender, Cypress, Melaleuca, Frankincense, and Eucalyptus essential oils

Directions:

  1. Melt beeswax in double boiler.
  2. Once melted, add grapeseed, almond, and vitamin E oil until melted.
  3. Once combined, set aside for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add essential oils and stir.
  5. Pour in container and allow to set for 2 hours.

(DoTerra also sells Correct-X for skin irritations or injuries.  This has Frankincense, Helichrysm, Melaleuca, Cedarwood, and Lavender—all CPTG essential oils known to help assist in soothing skin irritations—form the base of dōTERRA Correct-X. This multi-purpose, all-natural ointment helps soothe skin and keep it clean while recovering from distress. This petroleum-free, preservative-free ointment absorbs quickly and is gentle and non-irritating, making it ideal for sensitive skin.)

 

Natural Bug and Tick Spray

This does not have the greatest smell, but it is effective when taking a walk through bug and tick infested areas!

1 cup apple cider vinegar

10 drops Peppermint oil

10 drops Lavender oil

10 drops Rosemary oil

10 drops Thyme oil

Put ingredients in a spray bottle and shake.  Spray on clothes and body before going out.

(DoTerra sells two different TerraShield repellant blends that are already mixed together.  This newly updated formula contains a select blend of essential oils including Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea, Arborvitae, Nootka, and Vanilla Bean Absolute—all of which possess specific chemical compounds known to protect against environmental annoyances. The addition of Tamanu oil provides added support)

 

Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes hate the smell of some essential oils. Take advantage of this by creating your own mosquito repellent. Mix one drop of eucalyptus oil, one drop of peppermint oil, one drop of citronella oil, and one drop of lemongrass oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil. Store in a small container and apply to the skin as needed.

 

Natural Sunscreen

Essential Oils can help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays….BUT AVOID CITRUS OILS!!!  They tend to attract the sun!

Recipe 1

1 ounce fractionated coconut oil, sesame oil, or olive oil

40 drops Myrrh oil

10 drops Helichrysum

5 drops Lavender

3 drops Chamomile

Mix and Apply on skin every few hours.

Recipe 2

Mix three drops of helichrysum oil and three drops of lavender oil with one cup of coconut oil, ½ a cup of shea butter and 3 teaspoons of zinc oxide. Apply to the skin for a gentle sun barrier that is non-toxic.

 

Seasonal Allergy Relief

The Top 5 Essential oils for seasonal threats are:

  1. Peppermint Oil: Diffuse 5 drops of Peppermint oil and inhale deeply to soothe respiratory passageways.  You can also add a couple of drops to some water, coffee, or a smoothie and drink
  2. Basil Oil: Add one drop to soup, salad dressing, or another food.  You can also add 2-3 drops of oil to equal parts fractionated coconut oil and massage onto the chest, the back of the neck, and the temples
  3. Eucalyptus Oil: This oil opens up the lungs and sinus passageways, improving circulation and reducing effects of seasonal threats. You can diffuse 5 drops of this oil and enjoy; you can also boil a cup of water and add a few drops of oil to that.  Put a towel over your head and lean over the cup, inhaling deeply for 5 – 10 minutes.
  4. Lemon Oil: Add daily to your water for good lymphatic drainage and internal cleansing. You can also add to a spray bottle with water and spray on furniture, sheets, carpets, and curtains.
  5. Melaleuca Oil: This powerful oil can eliminate airborne pathogens and irritants that can cause histamine reactions. Use topically on skin rashes or hives, and use as a cleaner.

For an allergy blend:  Combine 2–3 drops of pepperminteucalyptus and lavender oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil and massage the mixture into the temples, behind the ears and into the bottoms of the feet.

(Rather than mix or blend your own, you can simply use DoTerra’s TRI-EASE Seasonal Blend Softgels.  TriEase Softgels were developed to protect against seasonal and environmental elements and to promote a healthy respiratory system when needed most.  Each softgel contains equal parts of Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint essential oils, known for their ability to maintain clear breathing and a healthy immune response when combined together.) My husband used to react to my sister’s cats when we visited, but now that he uses these softgels, we can enjoy long visits together without any discomfort!!