Essential Oil Recipes for Simple Summertime Relief
Essential oils are robust powerhouses that can change the way we feel with only a few drops. But they also lend themselves well for summer do-it-yourself projects.
So if you’re ready to get a little craft going, one that can save you money and give you comfort during the hottest months of the year, try out these approaches to skin care, sunburn and bug spray that have essential oils at their center.
Homemade Sunscreen
Ingredients
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate oil
- ¾ cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- Water
- Glass jar
Directions
- Combine all ingredients except the zinc oxide in a jar.
- Place a saucepan with 2 inches of water on stove over medium/low heat.
- Place jar in saucepan and stir contents until ingredients start to melt.
- Once all ingredients are combined, add zinc oxide and stir well.
- Store in a cool place.
Note: Shea butter is derived from the nuts of shea trees. You can find it online or in specialty shops or organic food sections of many supermarkets.
Source: Avera Medical Group Integrative Medicine
Sunburn Aide
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 3-7 drops lavender essential oil
Directions
- Mix 1 or 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 3 to 5 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Apply to hot skin.
Source: Avera Medical Group Integrative Medicine
Spray-On Bug Repellent
Ingredients
- Carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or avocado oil (not too greasy)
- 10-20 drops essential oil of your choice
- Small spray bottle
- Distilled water
- Vodka or witch hazel
Directions
- In a 2-ounce bottle or jar, mix 1½ tablespoons of distilled water, 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, 1 teaspoon of vodka or witch hazel, and 15-25 drops of essential oil.
- Shake well before spraying on your skin.
- Notes: You can also make this repellent as a rub-on product. Just mix the carrier and essential oils in a small jar and omit the water and vodka or witch hazel.
- Recommended essential oils to use for this depend on the bugs you hope to repel, but these guidelines can help:
Mosquitos: Peppermint, lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, geranium, clove, sage, cinnamon or rosemary.
Flies and gnats: Peppermint, eucalyptus, geranium, cedar wood, patchouli or rosemary.
Ticks: Peppermint, geranium, thyme, melaleuca or cedar wood.
Source: Avera Medical Group Integrative Medicine
