Summer Lovin’

{Sno Cones Original Print by Cherry Sky Photos}

I’ve heard it said that people prefer the season of their birth. I was an August baby, and I have always LOVED summer time! Cookouts, swimming, baseball games, summer dresses, and tropical drinks – these are just a few of the things that I look forward to each year.

But summer is not all snow cones and smiles. Even the most carefree summer activity can easily be ruined by sunburns and bug bites.

As a natural perfumer, I work with essential oils and natural aromatics. Botanical extracts not only smell heavenly, but they also have many healing and preventative properties – good news for those of us battling bites and burns!

Here are a few of my favorite natural recipes for dealing with these pesky summer issues. All of the ingredients can be found at your local health food market, and you can feel good about putting them on your skin (no mystery ingredients). I’ve also included one for our favorite furry friends!

Refreshing Natural Bug Spray

This recipe comes from Jill at OneGoodThingbyJillee.com:

In a spray bottle, mix and shake well to blend:

• 2 cups witch hazel
• 15 drops citronella essential oil
• 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Do not spray directly on faces. Instead, spray in your hands and then rub onto your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth.

This spray is not waterproof/sweat-proof, so you will need to apply again hourly to ensure continued protection.

Please note: This will not protect against ticks.

Natural Sunburn Relief

The best plan of action against sunburn is not getting one in the first place! Unfortunately, despite my vigilant use of sunscreen, I still manage to get burned at least once a summer. When this happens, this cooling recipe from The Greenbacks Gal works wonders:

• 1/4 C brewed green tea, cooled to room temperature
• 1/4 C Aloe Vera Juice (make sure it is juice, not gel).
• 1/4 t lavender essential oil

1. Mix together all 3 ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well.

2. Spray onto the burned area as often as needed.

3. Keep refrigerated and use within two weeks. Keeping it refrigerated adds to the cooling.

Natural Insect Repellent for Dogs   

This recipe is not intended as a replacement for the topical repellents that you get from your vet, but rather as an accompaniment. This spray helps ward off flies and mosquitoes (and it smells great!).

Mix 3 drops of each of the following essential oils into 16 oz. of distilled water and spritz onto your dog’s coat (avoiding the eyes!) as needed:

• Tea Tree
• Citronella
• Eucalyptus
• Rosemary
• Pine Needle
• Sage
• Cedarwood
• Orange
• Peppermint

Please note: this spray is not intended for use on cats.

Have a great summer!!!!

Cheers,

Tara @ Plume Perfumes