You’ve got your beach bag, cooler, and bathing suit ready, but what about essential oils? Believe it or not, the beach isn’t the only thing that can offer an uplifting and refreshing experience during the summer. Summery essential oils offer cooling properties that make them ideal during warmer months. Some of the essential oils in this article even offer protection against insects, sun exposure, and overheating, in addition to supporting your skin, energy, and mood. 

Most of the summer essential oils offer anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antimicrobial properties. They assist in helping you stay balanced during hot and humid weather. They tend to have floral, citrusy, and herbaceous aromas, making them perfect for diffusing in the home. You can also use them in DIY body sprays, apply them in diluted form to the skin, or add them to your summer skin or hair care routines. 

Spearmint Essential Oil

Different to peppermint essential oil but still similar, spearmint essential oil offers a cooling sensation that may help relieve tension, improve focus, and freshen the home. It has a milder aroma than peppermint essential oil, but still gives off an uplifting, minty scent. Spearmint essential oil is great for those who are sensitive to strong oils. Some studies found that it may soothe headaches, freshen breath, and support digestion.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil has a woody aroma that helps to calm the nervous system. Many people value it during the summer because it exhibits potent insect-repelling abilities. It may also help with oily or acne-prone skin, and even lends itself to nighttime diffusions to promote better sleep. 

Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella is a well-known plant that helps repel bugs, especially mosquitos. The essential oil is very energizing and deodorizing, making it a great oil for outdoor gatherings. Citronella is a must-have during summer, particularly if you want to spend your evenings outdoors in the summer. You can use it in a diffuser to help repel mosquitos, or even add it to homemade body sprays. 

Citrus Essential Oils

Known for their uplifting and invigorating properties, citrus essential oils can help boost energy, promote positivity, and provide a zesty scent. Citrus oils, including lemon, orange, and grapefruit, exhibit antimicrobial and detoxifying properties, helping support digestion and immunity, two things that are challenged by extreme heat. Lemon essential oil may offer relief from nausea and assist with skin care management. Grapefruit essential oil, similar to lemon, offers antibacterial properties and may help reduce stress and sugar cravings. Finally, orange essential oil is a great one to use during summer, due to its immune-boosting effects. You can also add it to DIY non-toxic cleaning products. 

Tea Tree Oil

Offering antibacterial and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is highly useful for minor cuts, scrapes or bug bites that occur during summer. It also exhibits anti-fungal activity, making it excellent for managing skin irritation, athlete’s foot, and acne. You can add tea tree oil to natural insect repellent recipes, foot sprays, scalp treatments, or DIY deodorant. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is commonly used to promote sleep, as its aroma helps to calm the mind and body. It can also help soothe sunburns, insect bites, and minor cuts. Lavender is a highly useful and versatile essential oil that shines during summer. The anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful for calming sensitive or irritated skin. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Got a little annoying cricket chirping away outside your window at night? Time to bust out the peppermint essential oil! Crickets despise peppermint’s aroma, so you can place a few drops in your windowsills to deter them. Peppermint essential oil offers cooling effects, making it great for hot summer days. It may help lower body temperature when applied (diluted of course) to the skin and may soothe sunburns and heat rashes. From an aromatic standpoint, peppermint essential oil boosts alertness and may help relieve headaches. 

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil exhibits a bright, citrusy aroma that may uplift your mood and reduce stress. It also supports emotional balance, making it great for summer anxiety or emotional burnout. Additionally, bergamot essential oil may help reduce the appearance of blemishes and balance oily skin. Avoid sun exposure after application due to bergamot’s photosensitivity, just like citrus essential oils.

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If you want beautiful hair, you have to begin at the scalp. It all starts with a great foundation, without which you cannot have a secure structure. The homemade natural remedy in this article uses chamomile and apple cider vinegar to soothe irritation, reduce itchiness, and promote a healthy, balanced scalp. The dynamic duo exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and cleansing benefits that nourish the scalp. 

Chamomile For Scalp Health

If you find yourself scratching your head all the time and notice little flakes on your shoulders, your scalp might be the issue. Although dandruff could be the problem, an itchy scalp isn’t always indicative of dandruff. If dandruff is the cause, your scalp is likely dry and unhealthy with clogged pores. Research shows that chamomile contains antioxidants that naturally exfoliate the scalp, helping to get rid of buildup, such as hair products and dead skin cells. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to calm scalp irritation, but the antiseptic properties are great for nourishing the inflamed, dandruff-plagued scalp. 

If you have used chemical treatments, such as coloring, rebonding, or perming, it’s possible that your hair is damaged, at least to some degree. Hair damage is more than just split ends; it encompasses dry, coarse, brittle, and dull hair. Fortunately, chamomile helps to nourish the hair by adding moisture. It also delivers vitamins C, E, and other antioxidants to the hair, working to fight free radical damage from chemicals, pollution, and UV rays. Chamomile also promotes circulation to the scalp, which may encourage healthier hair growth. 

Apple Cider Vinegar For Scalp Health

More than just a condiment for salad ingredients, apple cider vinegar may help strengthen hair, enhance shine, and improve scalp health. Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic, containing high amounts of acetic acid. The natural pH level of the hair ranges between 3.67 and 5.5, meaning that hair is slightly acidic. If your hair is dull, brittle, or frizzy, it is likely more alkaline. Due to apple cider vinegar’s low pH range between 2 and 3, it may help increase the hair and scalp’s acidity, which may encourage smoother, shinier, stronger hair. 

Apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial nature may help kill several bacteria, including E. coli and Candida albicans. Research suggests that the acetic acid exhibits anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that may benefit scalp conditions, including pruritus and head lice. Just note that highly concentrated apple cider vinegar can damage the skin, especially sensitive skin. And finally, using apple cider vinegar to restore balance to the scalp is the main purpose. It’s possible for it to burn or irritate the skin, so be careful to dilute it and avoid contact with the eyes. If you get it in your eyes, be sure to quickly flush them with running water. 

Homemade Scalp Treatment

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chamomile tea (brewed and cooled)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5-10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions: 

• First off, brew the chamomile tea by boiling water and steeping two chamomile tea bags in the water for five to 10 minutes. Once that time passes, remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature. 
• Pour the cooled chamomile tea into a large mixing bowl and then add the apple cider vinegar and optional lavender essential oil. Mix well to combine with a spoon or whisk. 
• Once prepared, you can apply the scalp treatment, but make sure to dampen your hair with water to allow the treatment to spread more easily. Ideally, pour the treatment into a spray bottle to allow for easier application. You can do the whole scalp, focusing on specific areas that need extra attention.
• After applying the treatment, massage into the scalp for a couple minutes and leave on for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water when done.

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When warmer weather arrives, so do the bugs. Insects like mosquitoes, flies, ticks, leafhoppers, hornworms, and more flock to your garden to infest your flowers and plants. If you’re sitting around the patio enjoying time with family, you don’t want to worry about bugs biting you every other second. The good news is that you can forget about trying to clap insects to their death mid-flight because there are plants that help repel bugs. 

If you don’t want to inhale the fumes of mosquito candles and torches all summer, you can plant a series of plants around your patio, pool, house, and fence to keep out unwanted pests. In addition to causing itchy bites, mosquitos and other pests can damage your gardens, crops and home. Using plants to repel insects is an eco-friendly solution to your problem. Plus, these plants add both beauty and fragrance to your home and garden. Here is a guide to many common plants that repel insects. 

Geraniums

Geraniums are quite common in patio planters, but you can also pot them or plant them in your garden to naturally repel mosquitos. These flowers not only beautify your garden, but they also release a strong fragrance that mosquitos, flies, and beetles despise. That helps you enjoy your patio or garden without worrying about bites or infestation of the fruits and vegetables in your garden. Plant some geraniums around your garden to keep those pests out. 

Mint

Fresh mint is a great plant to have in your garden because you can harvest some of it to use in culinary applications. It’s very easy to grow and has been proven to repel flies, ants, and mosquitos. It emits a wonderful fragrance and helps deter bugs from infesting other nearby plants. Planting mint near your windows or doorways can help keep irritating insects out of your house. 

Citronella

Don’t want to buy citronella candles or citronella-infused oil for tiki torches? Plant the real citronella plant in your garden or pots near your doors to keep the mosquitos out. The plant itself acts as a natural insecticide, repelling a variety of flying insects, including mosquitos. The plant can grow fairly large, so you may have to keep it under control with your garden scissors from time to time. 

Lemongrass

Similar to citronella, lemongrass gives off a powerful aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Lemongrass is tall, grassy, and ornamental, growing up to four feet tall and three feet wide in one season. Not only does the plant do a great job at repelling mosquitos, but it also adds beautiful greenery to your garden or patio. 

Lavender

Before we get into the insects that lavender repels, it is important to note that lavender blossoms can attract bees. If you are allergic to bees, planting lavender near your patio or doorways may not be the best idea. How does lavender repel bugs? It contains linalool, which is a compound that contributes to the plant’s natural aroma. Other plants also contain linalool, but lavender seems to have the highest content and is the most effective at repelling bugs. You can harvest your lavender and hang some bundles around your patio and indoors.

Marigolds

Marigolds add vibrant colors to your garden or patio planters. Ranging from red and orange to yellow, marigolds make the perfect additions to your vegetable garden bed. They help keep tomato hornworms away, so consider planting them next to your tomato plants. Marigolds are very popular summer plants that also deter plant lice, mosquitos, and even rabbits!

Chrysanthemums

The primary reason that insects avoid chrysanthemums is because the flower contains pyrethrin, a neurotoxin that kills insects. Don’t worry about your furry friends because it is safe for animals. According to research, the list of insects that these flowers repel is quite extensive, including  ants, roaches, silverfish, lice, fleas, spider mites, ticks, bedbugs, and harlequin bugs. Plus, the flowers are just stunning to look at!

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You are only three steps and a short list of ingredients away from a homemade microdermabrasion paste. Not only does microdermabrasion help you achieve clear, smoother skin, but it also improves the overall health of your skin. If you are curious about microdermabrasion, especially regarding at-home recipes, you came to the right place. 

What Does Microdermabrasion Do?

It is a minimally invasive treatment that removes the uppermost layer of skin from the face or body. Typically, a dermatologist uses a special tool that gently exfoliates (or sands away) the uppermost layer of the skin. It is most commonly done on the face, chest, back, hands, and neck. Microdermabrasion stimulates the production of new skin cells and aids collagen production. Some other benefits of microdermabrasion include:

• Treating acne scars
• Cleaning out clogged pores
• Improving overall complexion
• Reducing signs of aging
• Improving skin firmness and texture
• Revealing newer, undamaged skin

Types Of Microdermabrasion

There are two main types of microdermabrasion: crystal and diamond. Both of these procedures thoroughly exfoliate the skin and have their own benefits. During crystal microdermabrasion, micro-crystals shoot out of a small tube onto the skin. Simultaneously, they are vacuumed back up, acting like a high-powered scrub. Diamond microdermabrasion, on the other hand, is a crystal-free variation. Instead, it uses a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the skin. 

Who Can Benefit From Microdermabrasion?

Most people who are in good health can safely get microdermabrasion. That said, dermatologists recommend this procedure for people with skin problems, or those who have specific skin care goals in mind. Microdermabrasion may be beneficial for those with:

• Large or clogged pores
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Acne scars
• Sun-damaged skin
• Uneven complexion

Because the process can be harsh on the skin, make sure that the skin is not irritated prior to the treatment. Do not get microdermabrasion if you currently have any of the following:

• An active cold sore 
• A suspicious mole
• Moderate to severe acne
• A rash
• An open wound or skin irritation
• Sunburn
• You take acne medication (or have taken it in the past 6 months)

What Does Microdermabrasion Paste Do?

First and foremost, it does not involve crystals or diamonds. It pretty much does the same thing as a regular microdermabrasion treatment, only with natural ingredients. This paste is 100% natural and is a bit gentler than regular microdermabrasion treatment. It contains baking soda, which is mildly abrasive and perfect for gently removing the uppermost layer of your skin. Learn how to make the paste below. 

DIY Microdermabrasion Paste

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon water
• 1/8 teaspoon melted coconut oil
• 1 drop lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a small bowling stir to combine. The mixture should resemble a thick paste. 
• Scoop the paste into an airtight container and use when ready. 
• Before you use this paste, wash your face with a gentle face wash and then pat your face dry. 
• Apply the microdermabrasion paste to your face, massaging it into your face in circular motions. 
• Leave the paste on for a few minutes before rinsing your face and patting the skin dry. Apply moisturizer and see the difference!

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Essential oils have numerous health benefits and can be incredibly relaxing. Used in both aromatherapy and skin care, essential oils can help you create spa-like experiences in your very own home. Treat your feet right with an invigorating peppermint foot cream and slough away dead skin cells with a DIY sugar scrub. You can even use whipped body butter to establish a smooth skin tone. 

Although the aromatherapy shower mist recipe in this article doesn’t turn back the hands of time, it can transform your shower into a full-on steam room. Spray the mist in your steamy shower and the aromas will transport you to a relaxing oasis. The best part is that you don’t even have to leave your bathroom!

Typically, spa scents are made with a custom blend of essential oils. Because you are making this aromatherapy blend, you can also customize to your liking. If you prefer more eucalyptus essential oil than peppermint essential oil, alter the recipe. You can also use essential oils that help contribute to more alertness and energy to help you get your day started. A relaxing blend of essential oils, including lavender essential oil, may be beneficial for winding down before bed. 

What Is A Shower Mist?

A shower mist is basically a spray that you spritz into the water or steam of the shower, which transforms it into a spa-like experience. The steam from the hot water creates a natural diffuser, spreading the aromas of the essential oils in the shower air. While showering, you’re surrounded by the shower steam and an amazing fragrance. 

A shower mist is about more than a pleasant aroma, though. The essential oils in the shower mist have therapeutic properties, which you benefit from during your steamy shower. A few spritzes in your shower may help relax the body, calm the mind, wake you up, lift your spirits, regulate emotions, and rejuvenate your senses. 

Shower Mist Vs. Shower Steamer

You may have heard of a shower steamer. In fact, you can click here for our DIY recipe! They are scented discs that you place on the shower floor. As hot water flows onto them, they release their aroma into the shower air. A shower steamer is very similar to a shower mist, as both release the aromas from essential oils that you choose. Shower steamers are not for everyone, though, especially if you use oils or butters to make them. They can cause the shower floor to become a bit slippery, which is dangerous if your balance is not 100%. 

A shower mist is also a lot easier to make. All you have to do is pour the ingredients in a bottle, screw on the cap, shake the bottle up, and you are good to go. A shower mist also does not depend on humidity, so you can use the same recipe whether the humidity level is 0% or 100%. Shower steamers are a lot harder to make if you live in a humid environment. Finally, there is no setting time for a shower mist. Use it as soon as you make it, unlike shower steamers, which occasionally take days to set. 

DIY Shower Mist

Ingredients:

• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops orange essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup high-proof grade alcohol (such as Everclear)
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to an eight-ounce spray bottle and then pour in the high-proof grade alcohol. 
• Should you choose to use other essential oils, that is also fine. The general recommendation for this recipe is 30-40 drops of essential oils. You can keep the high-proof grade alcohol and distilled water measurements the same in that eight-ounce bottle.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water (leaving a small amount of space at the top to prevent overflowing), screw on the cap, and shake well to combine. 
• Put your spray to use! Spritz the shower mist in your hot shower and reap the benefits.

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If you are a fan of hot styling tools, such as flat irons, blow dryers, and curling irons, it’s time you learn about heat protectants. Although those hair styling products can do wonders for your look, they can damage your hair and cause breakage. That is why we want to turn you on to heat protectants, which can help your hair look its absolute best. 

What Is A Heat Protectant?

A heat protectant is what we like to call a superhero hair product. It works to shield the hair from the heat of hair styling tools. It usually contains a formulation of ingredients, which create a barrier between your hair and the heat. That helps reduce the amount of damage that can result from higher temperatures. Plus, some heat protectants contain ingredients that also nourish the hair, helping to to lock in moisture, prevent dryness, and contribute to optimal shine.

Why Should You Use A Heat Protectant?

By using a heat protectant, you can help prevent damage to hair caused by high heat. Heat styling tools can reach temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes brittleness and dryness. Using a heat protectant can help reduce the amount of heat that the hair absorbs, which ultimately keeps it healthier. Heat protectants may also contribute to shinier hair. Protect your hair’s natural moisture and keep it lively with the following heat protectant recipes. 

DIY Heat Protectant Cream With Shea Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons refined avocado oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine the melted shea butter and avocado oil in a small mixing bowl. Allow it to cool completely. 
• Use an electric hand mixer to whip it until it is light and fluffy. Add the lavender essential oil and continue to mix for another 10 seconds or so. 
• Spoon the mixture into a dark glass jar to help preserve the properties of the essential oil. 
• Use this cream sparingly, as it is very rich. Store in a cool, dry place. 

DIY Heat Protectant Spray With Coconut Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 4 drops almond oil
• 1 tablespoon silicone conditioner

Instructions:

• Use a funnel to pour the water into a spray bottle. Pour the coconut oil into the same bottle, followed by the almond oil. 
• Screw on the lid and shake well. Carefully transfer the conditioner to the same bottle, screw on the lid, and shake well to combine. 
• The ingredients may separate, so just remember to shake well before each use. Work the spray through your hair with your fingers or a comb before styling your hair. 

DIY Heat Protectant Spray With Argan Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup argan oil
• Oil mister spray bottle
• Funnel 

Instructions:

• This recipe is very simple, in that it only contains argan oil. We recommend that you get an oil mister spray bottle, as a normal spray bottle will get clogged. The oil mister is essential for even application. 
• Lightly spray the oil on the ends of your hair and apply a small amount to a brush or comb, which you will use to brush your hair from the roots to tips. 
• If your hair requires more oil, then repeat the process. Style as desired and then store the oil in a cool, dry place for up to six months. 

DIY Heat Protectant Spray With Aloe Vera

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 6-8 drops olive oil

Instructions:

• Use a funnel to pour the distilled water into a spray bottle. Add the aloe vera and olive oil, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Use the spray as a natural and inexpensive heat protectant. As a bonus, aloe vera can help repair dead skin cells on the scalp, which may reduce itchy scalp and dandruff.

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Wouldn’t it be great if you could use a body wash that actually helps the skin retain moisture? It can be difficult to select the right body wash because many varieties contain ingredients that dry out the skin, even though the soap promises to do the opposite. Instead of experimenting with different soaps and watching your money flow down the drain, invest in a few quality ingredients and make the honey lavender body wash in this article. 

Believe it or not, this homemade soap comes together in just five minutes flat! No need for a double boiler in order to melt some wax. All of the ingredients are in liquid form, so all you need to do is combine them in your soap bottle with a pump dispenser. Ideally, use fractionated coconut oil because that does not solidify if the temperature gets a little cold. The last thing you want is for your body wash to solidify when you want to get clean!

Liquid Castile Soap

Castile soap is a vegetable-based soup that does not contain animal products, chemicals, or synthetic ingredients. You can use it to wash your hair, clothes, skin, and more. Because it is hypoallergenic, castile soap is a great option for people with sensitive skin. Castile soap can help clean the skin while simultaneously replacing some of the skin’s lost sebum with vegetable oil. One review examined the chemical profiles of different antioxidant and antimicrobial vegetable oils. They found that some of the oils in castile soap may help get rid of acne. 

Raw Honey

Why use honey in homemade soaps? Well, honey is a natural humectant, which is a substance that attracts water. In personal care products, humectants work to hydrate the skin, hair, or nails. Honey also works to coat your skin in a dewy sheen, helping to rejuvenate every pore with each wash. For people with dry skin, honey works to hydrate the skin, drowning it in moisture. For those with oily skin, honey works with the ebbs and flows of your skin to help control oily production and contribute to a more balanced skin tone. Finally, people with sensitive skin will love honey in their body wash because it offers anti-inflammatory properties that help mitigate redness or irritation. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Both fractionated and regular coconut oil are beneficial for the skin, but fractionated coconut oil penetrates the skin more easily. It also does not leave a greasy film on the skin. Because it acts as an emollient, it works to soften and hydrate the skin. Researchers note that fractionated coconut oil exhibits antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which can further promote healthier skin. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil, which is derived from the lavender plant, can benefit the skin in many ways. Studies have shown that it has the ability to reduce acne, improve skin tone, and reduce early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Lavender essential oil exhibits anti-fungal properties, which may help reduce inflammation and keep eczema at bay. It may also be used to reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms, as it helps to cleanse the skin and reduce redness and irritation. 

Homemade Honey Lavender Body Wash

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 30 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a bowl and stir to combine. 
• Using a funnel, pour the ingredients into an amber glass bottle with a soap dispenser. The reason that you use amber glass is to help preserve the essential oil’s properties. 
• Use when ready and make sure to shake well before each use.

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Changing weather, washing dishes, gel manicures and excessive nail polish use can wreak havoc on your fingernails. You may experience dry, brittle, or weak nails that easily split. Fortunately, you do not have to live with these nail issues. Take matters into your own hands and use the homemade strengthening nail serum in this article to help repair nails. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this serum!

What Causes Nails To Become Weak?

The nails are made up of keratin, which is a protein that is also found in skin and hair. As you get older, the body starts to produce keratin at a slower rate, which can cause nails to appear dry, dull, or even brittle. As mentioned previously, though, a number of factors influence nail health. Extreme weather, excessive hand washing, or contact with chemicals can leave nails dry and vulnerable. 

Signs Of Damaged Nails

Although the signs may vary, you may want to take better care of your nails if you experience the following signs:

• Changes in nail thickness
• Peeling nails
• Nail discoloration (yellow nails, or nails with white or dark spots)
• Changes in nail shape (ridges or curled nails)

You can strengthen your nails with various natural remedies, such as moisturizing daily or ditching nail polish removers that contain acetone. The following ingredients in this strengthening nail serum help encourage healthier nails. 

Vitamin E Oil

Anyone with brittle, ridged, or yellow nails will find that vitamin E oil is highly beneficial. Vitamin E oil helps to hydrate and protect nails, fighting off bacteria and viruses. It also works to widen blood vessels, which means that it helps make your nails stronger and healthier with less ridges. Vitamin E oil also works to repair damage done by harsh nail polish removers. You can apply vitamin E oil to your nails and cuticle beds for maximum benefits. Plus, it helps to increase moisture to the nail bed and skin around the nails. 

Jojoba Oil

Regular application of jojoba oil can help boost the moisture content of your nail plates, making your nails less prone to flakiness. You may sometimes notice a whitish or yellowish accumulation under the nail if you have psoriasis. Jojoba oil may help thicken the nails, which works to restore your nails to a healthier state. If the keratin in your nail beds break down, you can experience splitting or breakage. Jojoba oil can help strengthen the nails, helping them become less brittle when they are exposed to harsh products or extreme conditions. 

Essential Oils

There are many essential oils that can help strengthen weak or brittle nails. Naturally, the serum in this article does not contain all of those essential oils, but it does contain lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils. Lemon essential oil hydrates and strengthens the nail, helping to improve their natural shine. Lavender essential oil is excellent for cuticle care and boosts the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Frankincense essential oil has anti-fungal properties that help fight fungi, which can slow nail growth, and also adds moisture to nail beds and cuticles. Finally, myrrh essential oil is one of the best oils for keeping nails healthy and strong. It works to protect your nail beds from becoming brittle and thin. 

DIY Strengthening Nail Serum

Ingredients:

• 1.25 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5 drops each: lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a 10-milliliter glass bottle with a rollerball top. Screw on the top and shake well to combine. 
• This is a 10% dilution of essential oils, which may be greater than you are used to, so feel free to reduce the amount of essential oil drops you use if you have more sensitive skin or nails. 
• Apply two to three times per week, shaking before each use.

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When you were a child, do you remember your mother slathering your legs with pink calamine lotion to relieve bug bites? Perhaps you played outside by a pond or lake, or just amongst nature and mosquitos got you good. Those bites were itchy, no doubt! After a soothing bath, it was time to later on that pink calamine lotion. 

What Is Calamine Lotion?

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is meant to soothe mild itchiness (pruritus). It has demonstrated an ability to soothe redness, discomfort, pain, and itchiness associated with chickenpox, bug bites, and poison ivy. You can also use calamine lotion to help dry out oozing skin irritations. Calamine lotion is only for topical use, so please do not swallow it, as it can be very dangerous. 

What Is Calamine Lotion Used For?

The primary benefit of calamine lotion is that it relieves itchiness. Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other poisonous plants can cause skin irritation and rash. Applying calamine lotion to relieve the itch from these poisonous plants, in addition to other discomforts, can soothe the skin and aid recovery. You can also calamine lotion to help relieve the following:

• Heat rash: A heat rash is an area of the skin that becomes irritated when sweat gets trapped in your pores and ducts under the skin. Calamine may help relieve the burning or itchiness. 
• Chickenpox: You may be able to relieve the itchiness and other symptoms of this infectious condition by applying calamine lotion. The lotion may also prevent you from developing additional skin conditions. 
• Swimmer’s itch: Calamine lotion may help get rid of rashes like swimmer’s itch, which you can develop if you swim in water that contains certain parasites. 
• Scabies: A small mite can cause scabies, which can cause a rash and intense itching. In order to ease the itching from scabies, try to apply calamine lotion to relieve symptoms. Unfortunately, it will not kill the mites. 
• Shingles: In addition to antiviral medications, you may be able to use calamine lotion to help relieve shingles. Apply the lotion directly to the skin in order to get some relief.
• Acne: Unfortunately, calamine lotion will not cure acne, but it may help dry out a pimple, making it a potential spot treatment. 
• Chigger bites: Chiggers are mites that feed on human skin and their bites cause intense irritation and scratching. Apply the calamine lotion to help relieve itching, but it will not kill the mites.

Homemade Calamine Lotion

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
• 1 tablespoon pink kaolin clay
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup water
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 1/2 teaspoon glycerin

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a glass bowl and whisk with a silicone whisk or wooden spoon. Don’t use anything metal or it will affect bentonite clay’s health properties. 
• Once you have thoroughly mixed the ingredients, transfer the mixture to a clean jar and screw on the lid. 
• Store in the refrigerator and use within two weeks. Apply liberally as needed for sunburns, poison ivy, or itchy bug bites. 

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In 2020, data from a National Health Interview Survey found that 14.5% of adults had trouble falling asleep most days. The number of adults who had a hard time falling asleep increased as family income and educational attainment decreased. Additionally, the percentage continued to increase as family income decreased and the place of residence became more rural.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends seven to eight hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Over 25% of adults do not meet this recommendation on a regular basis. If you have a hard time falling asleep, that decreases your ability to get a sufficient amount of sleep per night. Sometimes, it is difficult to relax, and that can be the result of an irregular circadian rhythm. Instead of resorting to sleeping pills, since they have a long list of side effects, you may want to consider experimenting with the bedtime balm in this article. 

Does Lavender Promote Sleep?

One study compared the effects of lavender and sleep hygiene versus sleep hygiene alone on sleep quantity and quality. The goal was to determine if participants experienced a sustained effect two weeks after the study. Study authors noted that the lavender and sleep hygiene group demonstrated better sleep quality at the two-week follow-up. Additionally, study authors noted that the lavender group woke up feeling more refreshed. 

Several studies indicate that inhaling lavender aroma may help reduce anxiety. Scientists have found similar results for lavender’s effectiveness in treating depression. Lavender essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy because of its ability to promote relaxation and sleep. Some studies found that the use of lavender oil for aromatherapy improved sleep quality not only in people without sleep or mental health disorders, but also in people with depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Inhaling lavender essential oil’s aroma may also increase the time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. 

Some research indicates that lavender may have a calming effect on the central nervous system. For this reason, lavender may benefit people who experience circadian rhythm disorders or occasionally sleeplessness. 

Where Do You Apply The Bedtime Balm?

Once you make the bedtime balm, apply a small amount to your wrists, collarbones, or temples when you get ready for bed. It is unclear how quickly the sleep balm works. It usually depends on how sensitive you are to the aromas in the balm. For the average person, it may start to calm you down and promote sleep in about 15-30 minutes. As with any natural remedy, though, it may take a few tries for it to be effective. Continue using it and experiment with different placements. Lastly, before we give you the recipe, make sure to do a small patch test on your arm and see if you have a reaction within 24 hours. 

DIY Bedtime Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh essential oil
• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 6 drops vetiver essential oil
• 6 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Melt the beeswax and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler or in the microwave in a heat-safe bowl. 
• While those ingredients are melting, prepare your lip balm containers to be filled. 
• Once the beeswax and coconut oil are melted, pour in the sweet almond oil and stir to combine. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture. 
• Let the mixture cool for about a minute and then add the essential oils. Stir until fully incorporated. 
• Pour the mixture into the containers and allow it to cool and solidify at room temperature. When fully cooled, the balm is ready to use. 
• To use, apply a small amount to your temples, wrists, collar bones, or back of your neck. You can even place a small amount on your pillow to help you sleep.

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