Don’t let the bugs bite!
Summer is here! Warm breezes, water, sun-kissed skin, can you feel it? I’m so happy Summer has finally arrived! For me, this time of year means a lot more time spent outside in nature. And I love it!
But with Summer come bugs and lots of them! Knowing when and how to avoid this seasonal threat is your first defense, and using a bug repellant is your next. No worries, though! I have some natural solutions that will have you asking, “What seasonal threat?”
Bugs are more active in the evening through dawn. Wearing long sleeves, pants and socks help provide a barrier; especially if you are in the woods are walking through tall grass. Using a bug repellent is a must as well. And there are many bug repellents to choose from at your local store, but take a close look at all the chemicals they contain. They are known to be toxic and must be handled with care. Chemical repellants may or may not be effective, but are they worth the risk?
Why not select something Mother Nature has already provided? I’m talking about essential oils. Essential oils are the volatile aromatic compounds found in plants. The wonderful scent of peppermint or rosemary, for example, is what provides a barrier between the plant and its attackers. In fact, essential oils are also what help repair the plant when it is injured or under attack. But what does this mean for us? Besides enjoying the scent of essential oils, we can use them in a similar way. Essential oils can be applied topically to skin and clothing to provide a bug barrier.
Some essential oils that are good at deterring pesky bug bites are arborvitae, cedarwood, cinnamon (*hot oil), clove, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemongrass (*warm oil), spearmint, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme.
You can mix a selection of these essential oils in a spray bottle and add vanilla absolute to extend effectiveness or a fractionated coconut oil so the essential oils stay on the skin longer. I also sometimes use just water and shake thoroughly before spraying it on.
Not only will you be safe from bugs this summer, because you’ll be using safe and beneficial essential oils, you’ll also smell amazing! Bug Off Recipe
In a 15ml spray bottle, place:
2 drops Cedarwood
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Lemongrass
2 drops Peppermint
2 drops Thyme
Fill remainder with Fractionated Coconut oil.
Spray anywhere bugs can bite.
Or you can purchase a pre-mixed spray bottle of a unique and amazing-smelling blend of essential oils called Outdoor Blend.
Please feel free to contact me for your essential oil questions!
*Bug Off Recipe found on Rollerball Kids at www.facebook.com/rollerballmakeandtake
*Hot and warm oils are just that. They can be hot and warm to the skin and should ALWAYS be diluted.
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