Summer is about spending time outdoors, socialising with family and friends, going on holidays or adventures, eating and drinking and having fun.
Sometimes these activities can have some side effects, but fortunately you have your own natural health kit handy to attend to whatever occurs (i.e. your dōTERRA essential oils!).
In this blog we are covering some of the common ways to support summer time concerns.
Too much sun
Unfortunately we can all accidentally stay out in the sun too long, or miss a spot with our sunscreen and end up with sunburn.
Below is my favourite recipe to help heal your skin quickly without the need to run to the shops.
Try to use a natural aloe vera gel - you can make this if you have an aloe plant or buy it- be sure to get one with no added chemicals (check the label).
Otherwise, you can use a natural moisturiser (like dōTERRA's unscented body lotion).
I add into a small bowl about 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel or body lotion and then add in 2 drops of Frankie and Lavender. Apply to sunburnt areas every couple of hours.
If you are really hot add a few drops of peppermint to take away the sting, or you can make a peppermint cooling spray (which I prefer to do) - it's also great when you are feeling hot and sticky.
2. Too much food/ drink
All of the socialising can leave you feeling uncomfortable or bloated.
If you have over eaten, had to many festive beverages or had too many rich foods then DigestZen (or the kids Tamer blend) is amazing for settling the stomach.
This amazing blend can be diluted into a roller bottle:
- 10 drops in 10ml FCO for an adult
- 5 drops in 10ml for kids 3-13yrs
Roll over the stomach every hour as needed.
You will find it settles the abdominal discomfort in about 5-10 minutes.
If it's really bad, add 1 drop of DigestZen into water, mix well and sip (for adults only).
It also works great for nausea, motion sickness and hangovers!
3. Too many bugs
Spending time outdoors in nature is great for our bodies. Being outdoors without shoes on allows us to “ground” our bodies (also known as earthing) and relax our nervous system. It provides many benefits such as improved sleep, nervous system regulation, cardiovascular health and definitely mental health and cognition.
You can read more about grounding here.
However spending time outdoors is less enjoyable when you have flies, mosquitos and other bugs on you.
Instead of reaching for the regular bug spray or lotion (which has a LOT of chemicals in it!), you can apply essential oils that help keep them away from you naturally. Safe for all members of the family.
I mostly use the following oils and blends:
TerraArmour - comes in 15ml concentrate or a 30ml pre made spray. I use the following:
10ml roller bottle with 10-15 drops of TerraArmour oil blend in FCO or
Home made spray: 20 drops of TerraArmour oil blend in 30ml spray bottle, dash of witchhazel & fill with filtered water.
This blend is also great to diffuse in outdoor areas or inside if you have open windows/ doors.
Citronella - 15ml concentrate oil. Use as for TerraAmour above or add a few drops into our TerraArmour spray/ roller.
Enjoy your time in the outdoors without using lots of chemical laden products!