Essential rescue Remedies for Summer
The warm summer months are on their way and we'll all naturally spend more time outdoors.
Having a natural first aid remedy kit to hand that can deal with an array of issues. Keep it at home and take it away with you on your holiday. Those horrible insect bites, cuts, grazes, sunburn. Essential oils can work their wonders all year round but in the summer they really come into their own.
Eucalyptus can cool you down. Add it to a carrier oil and massage into hot sweaty feet. You’ll experience a tingly cooling sensation, which is lovely. It's also a natural decongestant so can help clear the airways when you have a summer cold.
Lavender and Peppermint are a gorgeous balancing combination to heal and cool when you’ve had too much sun - add them to a base cream or oil, then apply to the sunburn.
Peppermint can help revive you when you are feeling fatigued or have a headache coming on. In a carrier oil add a drop and massage your temples or the nape of your neck.
Inhalation via a diffuser or a drop on a tissue can instantly lift you like a burst of fresh air. Inhaling peppermint can help with travel sickness.
Lavender is the panacea of essential oils. I'm never without it. Its a superhero for cuts, burns, grazes and insect bites. It is the only time that I would recommend using neat. Dab onto the area of concern several times a day.
Years ago I sliced into my finger. The cut was deep. Instantly, I reached out for my lavender and within a week the area was healed. The scar overtime became almost invisible.
Lavender is antiseptic, a natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. I apply it to my ankles where the insects like to bite you. Apparently unlike us humans they don’t like the smell of it.
Most people are surprised to learn that Geranium oil is a blood coagulant. It is antibacterial and has anti inflammatory properties. If you have a minor cut apply it to the bleeding area and watch the blood stop flowing. It's also another aroma that the insects dislike.
High up on the list like lavender is tea tree oil, which can be used to treat and disinfect cuts and grazes. Any open wound can be prone to infection. Clean the area first and then add the tea tree to a carrier oil and apply to the area. Cover with a plaster or bandage depending on the severity of the wound. Repeat this process a few times until a scab has formed. You may then wish to use Lavender to help the healing process.
Ants in the summer can be a nuisance in the house. Drop some tea tree oil in the area where you think they may be coming in. It’s a wonderful alternative to chemical based repellents.
Roman Chamomile is a lovely oil for children. Use it for a gentle massage if they have a tummy ache or run them a warm bath to soothe and calm them after a long day of running around. The summer holidays are lengthly for children and parents too so you might want to stock up on it!
Blending guidelines:
5ml teaspoon of carrier oil - 2 drops of essential oil. In a bath 10ml of carrier oil - 5 drops of essential oil.
Examples of carrier oils can be sweet almond oil, grapeseed, coconut, sunflower (not the cooking variety)
For children and pregnancy always halve the amount. Avoid Tea tree, Eucalyptus and Peppermint if pregnant. Only buy essential oils that display their botanical name. Always consult a professional Aromatherapist if in doubt. Treat oils with respect.