This Summer, Be Ready For Every Ache and Ouch You Might Encounter

Here comes summer with all its glory! Everyone loves summertime and being outside, particularly kids. School is out and it’s a great time for outdoor opportunities, get-togethers, and those great vacation destinations you’ve been planning. Just remember there could be a downside if you don’t plan ahead.

 

Children are running around playing games and having fun in the hot summer sun, at the parks, at the beach, and yes, even on vacation, are likely to wind up with cuts, scrapes, and bruises. We’ve all fallen victim to mosquitos, ticks, bug bites, or even poison ivy and sunburn. It’s important when you’re on the go to take the essentials for your health and well-being along with you. Consider items for burns, scrapes & wounds, Pain including headaches, traveler’s diarrhea and cold & flu.

 

Planning ahead for these “little inconveniences” can save time and maybe save the day!

A small essential oil first aid kit is a “must have” when traveling or outdoors, to keep everyone smiling and happy.

 

Essential oils are great tools to keep handy in your summer first aid kit. Many oils have chemical constituents that provide anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties and can soothe and disinfect minor cuts and bruises.

 

Essential oils are incredibly effective at supporting and maintaining overall health. Adding them to your summer travel first aid kit can help provide a sense of calm and safety, wherever you wander. And don’t forget a carrier oil to dilute your oils prior to topical use. 1 to 2 drops per teaspoon should be enough. If you are traveling with young children, consider using Hydrosols – Lavender and Roman Chamomile Hydrosols work great and are safer for young children.

Here are just a few recommendations to include in your family’s essential oils first aid travel kit:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – has a calming, relaxing effect and can help reduce anxiety or nervousness while traveling. This can be helpful in high-pressure, time-sensitive situations, or in uncomfortable travel scenarios. It’s great for insect bites and stings too.  Lavender meets you at your needs, whatever they may be!

 

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) – can be helpful for headaches, digestive problems, and insect bites. You can apply topically with carrier oil or use it aromatically as an invigorating wake up by dropping a few drops on a cotton ball and inhaling deeply. Helps fight cold and flu as well as fatigue and stress.

 

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)  –  This oil is active against all three infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is also skin healing and parasiticide. Use for insect bites, rashes, asthma, and sinus concerns. Its antiseptic properties make it ideal for use in disinfecting cuts, scrapes, and even blisters.

 

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) – Pain relieving, antiseptic, fungicidal, antimicrobial and fever reducing, you can’t go wrong with a little lemongrass on hand. It helps improve circulation, eases indigestion and helps sooth stress related conditions.

 

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – An all-around winner for any adventure, Rosemary can be used for respiratory and circulatory disorders, digestive issues including food poisoning, muscular and rheumatic pain as well as skin and hair problems.

 

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) – What can’t eucalyptus do would be a good question!

It’s Pain relieving, antiseptic, antiviral, works great as a deodorant, breaks fever, fights parasites, acts as a decongestant, AND it supports the respiratory and Immune systems.

 

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) – Excellent for skincare (acne, cold sores, eczema, insect bites, wounds and serves as an insect repellent too!  Use for digestive support, and support for the immune and nervous systems.

 

Plai (Zingiber cassumunar) is another must-have for me. It has a cooling action on inflamed areas, excellent for all types of muscular and joint pain including torn muscles and ligaments and arthritis or rheumatism. It is antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral. It also works wonders when the digestive system is out of whack.

 

Already have a full collection of oils and are ready to pack? Consider what adventure(s) you’re about to embark on and double check with this more robust list of oils and their benefits. This will guide you as you prepare for all your summer travels.

 

Antibacterial Oils: Cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, helichrysum, juniper, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, marjoram, orange, peppermint, pine, rosemary, spruce, tea tree, thyme.

 

Blisters: Lavender, Myrrh, Opopanax, Tea Tree

 

Bug Bites & Stings: Basil, German Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Tea Tree  BLEND:  Bugs B Gone

 

Burns: Bergamot, R. Chamomile, Geranium, Helichrysum, Lavender, Myrrh, and Niaouli

 

Congestion: Camphor, Eucalyptus, Fir, Peppermint, Thyme, and Tea Tree BLEND: Breathe Freely

 

Cuts & Wounds: Balsam, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Frankincense, Geranium, Helichrysum, Lavender, Lemon, Niaouli, Rose, Rosewood, Tea Tree, Yarrow

 

 Food poisoning: Rosemary

 

Hay Fever: R. Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Helichrysum, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon, Myrtle, Tea Tree

 

Headache: Basil, Bergamot, Bergamot Mint, Copaiba Balsam, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Peppermint, Pinyon Pine, Rosemary, Rosewood  BLENDS:  Migraine Support

 

Insect Repellant:  Our Bug Off bug spray, Basil, Bergamot, Cajeput, Camphor, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Geranium, Lemon, Lemongrass, Mandarin, May Chang, BLEND: Bugs B Gone

 

Jet Lag: Bergamot, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary  BLEND: Power-Up NRG

 

Migraine: Basil, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Blends: Migraine Support

 

Poison Ivy/Poison Oak: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Rose

 

Rashes: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum, Carrier Oils: Hemp Seed Oil, Trauma Oil

 

Ringworm: Oregano, Tea Tree

 

Stomach disorders including Nausea and/or vomiting: Davana, Ginger, Peppermint, Plai

 

Toothache: Clove, Tea Tree

 

Wherever your destination takes you, travel safely, play hard and enjoy the adventure!

Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Courteous, Be Patient, and,

BE WELL! 

Andrea

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**Use caution when using essential oils with and around children, and during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is best not to use essential oils with children under age 5 without expert guidance, and always use a low dilution of essential oils (1% – or no more than 5-6 drops per ounce with a carrier oil with all children under age 10. Some oils should be avoided during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. If you are unsure, please consult an experienced Aromatherapist