Liz Seal Holistic Massage
The lovely summer weather has lifted our spirits and encouraged us out into the countryside. However, our summer walks and picnics can be spoiled by the insects that seem to come out with the sunshine. So, can we protect ourselves from the little biters, without resorting to using harsh chemicals? The simple answer is YES!
Using an essential oil spritz or oil/lotion blend, we can encourage the bugs to try elsewhere. They smell nicer than most of the chemical alternatives too.
Recipes for bug repellent:
Spray bottle (approx. 50ml)
2ml alcohol (vodka works well) to disperse the essential oils
15 drops in total of the oils of your choice…
Suggested oils: Red or White Thyme, Clove, Lemongrass, Lemon Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Patchouli, Pine, Silver Fir, Peppermint. The selection depends on your preference, a combination of 3 or 4 oils will boost the effectivity of the blend.
Add 45ml of either distilled water or Peppermint hydrolat* to dilute.
Shake well before use, avoid spraying onto the face, and rinse well with clean water if it goes in your eyes. For sensitive skin, spray onto the clothes, especially around the hem of trousers or shorts, collar and the cuffs of your shirt.
*Note; the hydrolat is the water-based by-product of the steam distillation process, and these are usually available from the better oil suppliers.
If summer Barbecues or camp fires are your preferred evening entertainment, a blend of the oils could be put onto cotton wool in your pocket, and when the cooking is done, put the cotton wool onto the coals to fragrance the air and drive the flyers away.
There several ways to soothe the itch if the biters do get through our defences.
Some suggestions-
A drop of Lavender Tea Tree or Peppermint oil on the bite will reduce the itch and take down any swelling,
Cider vinegar rubbed onto the bite,
Or rub with a slice of lemon,
Hold an ice cube on to the bite,
Make a paste with bicarb of soda and water and apply that. (May help with wasp stings)
(I’ve not tried all of these, so cannot vouch for the efficiency!)
I hope you all enjoy your summer holidays, without getting eaten alive!
For more information on the oils suggested, or more recipe suggestions, please contact me.