Bugbites and Burns! Essential Oils for Summer Use
Disclaimer: The following information has not been approved by the FDA. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice and is not a substitute for a visit with a medical care professional. Always speak to your doctor about any health concerns.
Five years ago, I didn’t even know what an essential oil was. These days, I am known around The Healthy Place as the essential oil nut – if you are sick, tired or grumpy I will hand you an oil and say, “Here, smell this!”.
These plant derived extracts aren’t merely fragrant; they are powerful tools that can enhance your quality of life. There are no mistakes in nature – each scent has a purpose!
The versatility of essential oils makes them easy to incorporate into a variety of summer formulas. Whether you are mixing up an essential oil bug repellent, looking for essential oils for bug bites or wound care, or wondering if there are essential oils for treating sunburn and cooling the body – essential oils are a fantastic addition to your summer routines!
Here are some of my favorite essential oils for summer use…
Essential Oil Bug Repellants
I have met many skeptics over the years – those who can’t believe that an essential oil could be as effective as chemical mixes for repelling insects. I don’t need to convince anyone that it’s possible. They just need to be willing to give it a try. I enjoy the moment when a skeptic becomes a believer!
Rose Geranium – A Natural Tick Repellant
Geranium Rose is one of my favorite essential oils to repel ticks. It is safe for children and dogs AND it smells wonderful.
Place a few drops on wrists, ankles and neck to deter ticks this is one of the few oils that does not need to be diluted. You can also create a spray with 1 drop of oil per 1 oz of water and mist over the entire body. I suggest reapplying every few hours for maximum benefit.
Rose Geranium Safety
- Non-toxic, non-irritating and generally non-sensitizing.
- Rose Geranium can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
- Not for use in children under the age of two.
Eucalyptus Citriodora – A Sweet Smelling Bug Repellent
Eucalyptus Citriodora is a specific variety of eucalyptus known to repel insects. Don’t get this confused with the popular eucalyptus globulus, a sweeter smelling variety used for cold relief (think vaporub). It has a woody, sharp scent similar to citronella.
Pro Tip: Place a few drops on an unscented candle to create your own citronella candle and keep pesky mosquitoes away at night.
Eucalyptus Citriodora Safety
- Non-irritant and non-sensitizing to the skin.
- Eucalyptus essential oils are poisonous if ingested, and .
- Not appropriate for use with babies and small children.
Bugs BeGone by Amrita
Throughout my years in the natural health industry, Amrita’s Bugs BeGone is the best natural bug spray I have encountered. It is simply a blend of organic essential oils, including: Citronella, Rosemary 1.8 cineol, Sweet Lavandin, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Peppermint and Catnip. No harmful chemicals or DEET here! You can spray directly on skin or clothing. Amrita has three different formulations of Bugs BeGone – for adults, kids and even pets.
During the summer months, I spray Bugs BeGone along the perimeter of the inside of my house to prevent those “friendly visitors” that tend to pop up as the temperature increases. I kid you not, I have seen a group of ants hanging out in my kitchen completely disappear and stay away in less than 10 minutes!
The benefit of a pre-made blend is that the experts have done the hard work for you. Bugs BeGone was formulated by a master aromatherapist, so each ingredient is in an ideal proportion for both fragrance and effectiveness.
Essential Oils for Summer Skin Care
Summer fun can result in some not so fun skin problems. I have found essential oils to be Invaluable for treating, healing, and soothing the skin care issues that arise.
Lavender Extra – For Sunburn, Bug Bites, and Minor Wounds
Lavender Extra is the most widely used essential oil in the world. While best known for working magic in regards to stress and sleep (It is a babysitter’s best friend!), lavender is also used for minor scrapes and bug bites by gently reducing skin irritation.
Instructions: Mix 12 drops in a bit of carrier oil and apply to affected area several times a day.
I also love to mix up a roller bottle with with lavender and keep it on hand to soothe itchy insect bites and minor cuts and scrapes!
Pro Tip: Blend a few drops of lavender with aloe vera gel and apply topically to treat sunburn. You can also freeze this mixture in an ice cube tray for added relief.
LAVENDER EXTRA ROLLER BOTTLE
These directions are for a 25% dilution rate.
- Remove lid and inside roller of a 10 ml roller bottle. Note where the inner plastic lid fits for your “fill line”.
- Slowly add 50 drops of Lavender Extra essential into the bottle
- Add carrier oil of your choice. Pour slowly to your “fill line”. This bottle only holds 10 ml (2 teaspoons) so it is easy to overfill.
Apply to clean skin. Use to stop itching and protect minor cuts and scrapes.
Lavender Safety
- >Non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and nontoxic.
- Safe for use on all ages.
- Be confident you are using true Lavender essential oil, as it is one of the most frequently adulterated essential oils.
Manuka – For Bug Bites, Abrasions, and Athlete’s Foot
I know everyone has heard of Tea Tree oil, but have you heard of Manuka? Both of these essential oils are antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Known as the New Zealand tea tree, manuka is milder in scent, but kills even more bacteria than the infamous melaleuca.
And in case you were wondering…YES! this EO is derived from the same plant that sources the world renowned Manuka honey.
Manuka is useful for minor cuts/scrapes, bug bites, and athlete’s foot. As an added bonus, you will sound like a wellness guru talking about manuka because not many people know about it.
You can easily mix up a roller bottle of Manuka using the recipe for the Lavender Extra Roller Bottle recipe listed above.
Pro Tip: Diffuse equal parts lavender and manuka essential oils for a heavenly, relaxing scent that also purifies the air.
Manuka Safety
- Non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing
Cooling Peppermint Spritz – For Relief From the Heat
Peppermint essential oil is my secret weapon during the hottest days of the year. It is a quick fix to cool down when it’s blazing outside!
COOLING PEPPERMINT SPRITZ
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- water
- 2 ounce spray bottle
Combine peppermint essential oil and water in spray bottle. Shake and spray on body as needed for tingly, cooling relief. Make sure to avoid the eyes and mouth when applying.
Peppermint Safety
- Peppermint oil should not be used with children who are 3 years of age or younger.
- Non-toxic and non-irritant, except in concentration
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin and mucous membranes.
- May cause sensitization in some individuals.
- Peppermint is a stimulating oil; therefore, it is not advised for use in the evening or at bedtime, as it may cause insomnia.
Summer Sunshine – A Sweet Citrus Blend to Diffuse
Nothing says “sunshine” like citrus fruits. It seems like you can smell the sun in each fragrant drop of citrus essential oils.
This recipe is one of my favorite blends for brightening mood, increasing energy and clearing the mind.
SUMMER SUNSHINE – AN UPLIFTING BLEND
- 1 drop Jasmine essential oil
- 3 drops Grapefruit essential oil
- 2 drops Tangerine essential oil
- 1 drop Spearmint essential oil
Combine oils in an empty reducer bottle (available in the store) or in the diffuser of your choice.
Blend Safety
- Non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing.
- Citrus oils are photosensitive! Do NOT apply to the skin before going out into the sun or your skin WILL burn. This includes orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit and tangerine. Stick to diffusing these scents during the summer months.
Essential Oils for Summer Use – Maximize Your Summer Fun!
What could be more simple than utilizing these powerful plant compounds? You can see that essential oils are a valuable item to include in your summer first aid kit. They also provide protection from the pesky biting insects that spoil outdoor fun.
I love how easy essential oils are to take on a vacation. My simple kit of first aid oils comes with me so I am always prepared while traveling. They easily breeze through airport security so you can use them by direct inhalation on the plane (soothing tension, relaxing muscles, and protection from viruses).
You’ll find an exciting variety of essential oils, diffusers and aromatherapy supplies at both of our The Healthy Place – Apple Wellness locations. Stop in and talk to one of our Wellness Consultants – they are trained to help you find products that support your specific health concerns! We love our customers, and make it our mission to help you “find your healthy place!”
ABOUT KRISTEN
After using natural methods to reclaim her health from an autoimmune disorder and toxic overload, she now dedicates her time to promoting wellness and prevention. With the belief that everyone has the ability to restore and maintain balance within the body, Kristen is on a mission to help others make impactful choices that sustain vibrant health throughout their lifetime.
*Disclaimer: All information and recommendations given on this site, in email correspondence, newsletters or other materials provided by The Healthy Place is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice nor be viewed as a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider. Consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before modifying, stopping, or starting the use of any medications, health programs, diets, and/or supplements, as well as regarding any health concerns you may have. Our statements and information have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As with any health-related program, product, or service, your risks and results may vary. We expressly disclaim responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information provided to you here.”
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