Cologne can be hit or miss. It is a very common gift for men, especially fathers who enjoy wearing cologne or aftershave. Due to personal preference and powerful or varying scents, picking the right cologne can be tricky. Not to mention, most commercial colognes contain synthetic fragrances, which can include carcinogens, respiratory irritants, environmental toxins, and more harmful substances. 

Making your own cologne with all-natural essential oils ensures a product that you can use safely and confidently. Don’t worry, because essential oil colognes will not make you smell awful, or like you just stepped out of a wild animal’s cave. In fact, the cologne recipes in this article may help you smell like freedom, the wild, and volcanos. Well, to each their own regarding the scents!

Some Cologne Notes

It is helpful to understand a few notes before you mix up your essential oil blends. You need to understand fragrance notes, which are divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. The top note is the first scent you notice after application, but it is also the quickest to fade. That leaves you with the next lasting scent, the middle class. Finally, the bass class is the scent that lasts the longest. A general formula is 10-15% for the top note, 25-30% for the middle note, and 55-65% for the base note. You can adjust the ratios any way you please, but that is simply a suggested starting place.

Nightlife

Getting ready to have a night on the town? Apply this gentlemanly blend that has notes of citrus with a perfectly earthy smell of vetiver. Researchers state that the essential oils in this blend help to support immune function and promote positive feelings. The recipe is as follows:

• 3 drops of lemon essential oil (top note)
• 4 drops of cardamom essential oil (middle note)
• 4 drops of ylang ylang essential oil (middle note)
• 6 drops of vetiver essential oil (base note)

Earthy 

Crave the smell of the woods? This simple blend is great to apply for any time of day, as it helps you smell like a flannel-wearing, ax-yielding lumberjack. Frankincense and copaiba are great for reducing stress and anxiety, making this a great workday cologne. The recipe is as follows:

• 4 drops of lemongrass essential oil (top note)
• 6 drops of copaiba essential oil (middle note)
• 8 drops of frankincense essential oil (base note)

Outdoorsy

This is the go-to blend for anyone who loves the outdoors. Because this blend contains cedarwood essential oil, you’ll smell like you lathered yourself in pine trees. Don’t worry, though, because it has a citrusy zest, giving this blend a refreshingly manly scent. This recipe is as follows:

• 3 drops of lemongrass essential oil (top note)
• 3 drops of basil essential oil (middle note)
• 4 drops of cedarwood essential oil (base note)
• 6 drops of Douglas fir essential oil (base note)

Office

Great to wear during the workday, this blend of essential oils has beautiful notes of citrus and the woods. The essential oils help to ground your emotions, balance the mood, stimulate the brain, and promote focus. The recipe is as follows:

• 4 drops of wild orange essential oil (top note)
• 6 drops of sandalwood essential oil (middle note)
• 10 drops of frankincense essential oil (base note)

How To Make DIY Cologne

This is an easy method for a homemade spray cologne using the above essential oil blends. To make the spray cologne, use a glass spray bottle, the essential oils, vegetable glycerin, and witch hazel. 

Instructions:

• In a two-ounce glass spray bottle, combine the essential oils and 1/2 tsp of vegetable glycerin.
• Top off the rest of the bottle with witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well. 
• Spray on the chest, wrist, or neck when ready to use and make sure to shake before each use.

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Besides the deliciously citrusy flavor that lemongrass provides in culinary applications, it also holds tremendous healing power within its fibrous stalks. Lemongrass, specifically lemongrass essential oil, may help relieve muscle pain, kill bacteria, ward off insects, reduce body aches, and more. Lemongrass essential oil also has a place as an ingredient in cosmetics, offering a wonderful fragrance and properties that support the skin.

What Is Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Lemongrass belongs to the grass family of Poaceae and it is also a Cymbopogon. It grows in dense clumps that can exceed six feet in height and four feet in width. Native to tropical regions, including India, Oceania, and Southeast Asia, lemongrass has been used in many medicinal applications. Both African and South American cultures have also used lemongrass to make tea. 

Lemongrass essential oil comes from the leaves or grasses of the lemongrass plant. The oil exhibits a lemony smell that is stimulating, relaxing, soothing, and balancing. Depending on the geographical origin, the chemical composition may change. Lemongrass essential oil contains alcohols, hydrocarbon terpenes, ketones, esters, and aldehydes. It can be a great source of nutrients, some of which include vitamins A & C, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese, copper, iron, and folate. Studies show that it acts particularly on the connective tissue, where immune and structural functions meet. Learn more about lemongrass’ health benefits below. 

Skin Health

Although you cannot directly apply lemongrass essential oil to the skin, it does offer skin-soothing properties. A 2017 study tested the effects of lemongrass essential oil on pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblast. Study authors found that lemongrass essential oil exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in human cells. Not only did that study confirm it is a good candidate for treating inflammatory skin conditions, but another study also found that it is promising for replacing synthetic compounds in the cosmeceutical industry. Lemongrass essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and astringent properties, all of which work to sterilize pores and contribute to glowing skin.

May Reduce Stress And Anxiety

One study exposed a group of test subjects to an anxiety-causing situation and had them smell the scent of lemongrass essential oil. This group, unlike the controlled groups, experienced a decrease in anxiety and subjective tension after administration. This is because lemongrass essential oil exhibits a mild, calming aroma that may relieve anxiety and irritability. You can drop a few drops of lemongrass essential oil in a diffuser to help calm down, or drink lemongrass tea to help reduce stress. 

Stomach Aid

For centuries, lemongrass has been a popular treatment for stomach issues, including gastric ulcers and gastritis. One research study from 2012 found that lemongrass essential oil protected stomachs in animal subjects from the gastric damaging effects of aspirin and ethanol. The conclusion of that study was that lemongrass essential oil could serve as a lead compound for the future development of therapies that combat nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy.

Bacteria Killer

One study from 2012 that tested the antibacterial properties of lemongrass essential oil, testing microorganisms with a disk diffusion method. Study authors added lemongrass essential oil to a staph infection and saw that it was able to disrupt the infection as an antibacterial agent. The citral and limonene content in lemongrass essential oil can either inhibit or kill the growth of fungi and bacteria. That means that it may help in the treatment of infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other types of fungal infections. 

Reduces Inflammation

According to in vitro research, lemongrass essential oil exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties when used internally and externally. Considering that inflammation is at the root of many health conditions, this is exciting news. Other studies also confirm the anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass essential oil. These studies explored the potential anti-hypertensive effects of lemongrass essential oil, uncovering a lot of evidence that indicates potent anti-inflammatory activity. 

Hair Health

Researchers note that lemongrass essential oil can help strengthen hair follicles, which is great news if you suffer from hair loss. Dilute a few drops of lemongrass essential oil into jojoba oil, or another carrier oil, and massage a small amount into your scalp for two minutes. This may also help relieve irritated or itchy scalp. Studies show that lemongrass essential oil may offer anti-dandruff properties, and may help leave your hair shiny and odor-free.

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If you are the victim of a flaky scalp, you understand the struggle. Although the white flakes on your shoulders are not cause for serious concern, they can be annoying and embarrassing. Dandruff is occasionally difficult to treat, but one way to address the problem is the use of essential oils. A 2015 review of studies found that several essential oils, which we’ll detail in this article, can be very helpful in controlling dandruff. 

Although white flakes of any sort can arise, excess oil is what causes dandruff. Malassezia is a yeast that naturally exists on the scalp and feeds off the oil that the scalp produces. The excess of yeast creates yellow-is flakes that are hard to prevent. It’s important to note that dry scalp and dandruff are not the same thing. Your skin flakes off if your scalp is dry, and that can stem from using the wrong shampoo, soap, stress, or the weather. Dandruff may seem similar to dry scalp, but it results from an overproduction of oil and overgrowth of malassezia. 

Many people with dandruff resort to anti-dandruff shampoos, but you can go a more natural route for experimentation. Several essential oils exhibit health properties that may help relieve symptoms of dandruff or improve overall scalp health. If you do experiment with the following essential oils, make sure to dilute them in a carrier oil prior to application. Additionally, always do a patch test on a small area of your arm to ensure that you don’t have a negative reaction. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of peppermint essential oil make it great for soothing an itchy scalp. Researchers note that this essential oil helps absorb excess oils on the scalp, which is why it exists in complex hair care formulas. Although it isn’t an anti-fungal treatment, it does work to clarify the scalp and improve overall scalp health. By absorbing excess oils on the scalp, some beauty experts believe that peppermint essential oil may help your dandruff problem.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil is another oil that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help control dandruff. One study found that a solution containing 10% lemongrass essential oil significantly reduced dandruff symptoms in participants. These participants applied the solution twice a day for seven and then 14 days. After seven days, there was a 15% reduction in dandruff symptoms. By day 14, the effects increased even more.

Rosemary Essential Oil

According to many studies, rosemary essential oil may help promote hair growth after consistent use. Additional studies note that rosemary essential oil has astringent, anti-fungal, and decongestant properties, all of which reduce excess oils, build-up, and flakes that accompany dandruff. The anti-fungal properties work to address the overactive fungal activity on the scalp, which is the origin of dandruff. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most commonly recommended essential oils to remedy dandruff. Studies show that tea tree oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that work to ward off foreign invaders that try to attack your scalp. Tea tree oil also has antiseptic properties that work to alleviate the root cause of dandruff. You can add five to 10 drops of tea tree oil to eight ounces of shampoo. When you use this shampoo, let it sit on your hair before rinsing. That way the scalp can absorb the benefits. 

Bergamot Essential Oil

Many hair care products can cause build-up on the scalp that can clog your pores, increasing the risk of dandruff. The antimicrobial nature of bergamot essential oil helps reduce that build-up and reduce the growth of bacteria. Add a few drops of this essential oil to your shampoo and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit on your head for five minutes before reining out. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is known for its cleaning and antiseptic properties, making it a popular ingredient in DIY, non-toxic cleaning products. Those same properties work to gently cleanse the scalp and help remove oily debris. If oiliness contributes to your issues, or you are prone to acne, lemon essential oil may be the perfect oil for your scalp. Just make sure to dilute it in a carrier oil or shampoo for application.

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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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Cellulite describes dimpled or lumpy skin that typically occurs on the abdomen, thighs, hips, or buttocks. While it can occur in both men and women, women tend to experience it more than men. In fact, several reports found that around 85% of women over the age of 20 experience cellulite at some point during their lives. It’s embarrassing and can lower self-confidence and body satisfaction. 

Let it be known that cellulite is not a serious medical condition, and there are no serious medical repercussions. Mild cellulite may not even be noticeable! People who have cellulite tend to use laser treatments, cryolipolysis, or ultrasound technology to reduce cellulite appearance. These treatments can cost an arm and a leg! In actuality, some powerful essential oils can fight the look of cellulite. Combine the use of these oils with a healthy diet and regular exercise and you may decrease cellulite. 

Tips On How To Use Essential Oils For Cellulite

First of all, always dilute the essential oil(s) in a carrier oil so that it isn’t too intense for the skin. Regularly massage the affected area with this oil blend to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Massage helps to boost circulation and prevent fluid retention. It also stimulates the skin’s natural healing and regeneration processes. You can also use a dry brushing technique with essential oils to reduce cellulite. Dry brushing aids with deep exfoliation, which improves blood flow and helps the skin eliminate toxins. With that information in mind, continue reading to learn more about essential oils that reduce cellulite. 

Grapefruit Essential Oil

This refreshing essential oil is a common ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, and aromatherapy blends. After applying it to the skin, it gives the skin a healthy-looking glow. Regular use and continued application to cellulite can help reduce the appearance. Because grapefruit essential oil is phototoxic, it increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Please avoid sunlight exposure for 24 hours after application. 

Geranium Essential Oil

When you massage geranium essential oil into the skin, it works to reduce puffiness and remove excess fluid. These two actions can fight back against cellulite, reducing the appearance. Geranium essential oil also contains geranyl formate, linalool, geraniol, and citronellol, all of which are active chemical compounds. They possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that encourage the regeneration of new skin cells. This helps to firm up the skin and make it less susceptible to the pressure from fat cells underneath.

Juniper Essential Oil

Juniper essential oil contains alpha-pinene, juniperene, and sabinene, which are active chemical compounds. They work to reduce the severity of cellulite after massaging the area on a regular basis. Additionally, juniper essential oil has diuretic properties that may flush fluid from the skin. 

Fennel Essential Oil

Often times, especially in women, a hormonal imbalance contributes to the development of cellulite. If this is the case, fennel essential oil may be able to aid with balancing hormones. According to several studies, fennel is a safe and effective ingredient for helping menopausal women balance hormones. Fennel has a spicy, licorice-like scent and the essential oil can easily absorb into the skin, targeting areas where cellulite exists. 

Black Pepper Essential Oil

Black pepper is a common spice used for cooking, but it has many uses in traditional herbal remedies, especially in eastern cultures. The essential oil has powerful detoxifying properties that offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These are beneficial for myriad skin conditions, including wrinkles, cellulite, and fine lines. Beta-caryophyllene is a major component of black pepper essential oil, and it works to maintain healthy appearance of the skin. It may also reduce cellulite and scars!

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has an enchanting, powerful aroma. Because it is quite pungent, it’s often used as a natural bug repellent. It works to enhance circulation to the skin and helps to naturally relax muscles. The belief is that increasing circulation to the skin helps to get rid of cellulite, and you can enhance the benefits by regularly massaging the affected area. Lemongrass essential oil dilutes will in olive oil. 

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Summer is a beautiful time of year. The warm weather brings an array of refreshing stone fruits and many opportunities for outdoor activities. While you are enjoying the outdoor warmth, though, you have to worry about pesky bugs like mosquitos. Nothing dampens an outdoor gathering like a bunch of unwelcome mosquitos that bite everyone. The good news is that you don’t need chemical bug sprays to keep them away. 

One of the best ways to keep mosquitos away is by lighting several candles that contain ingredients that repel insects. Not only are these DIY candles a great arts and crafts activity for the entire family, but they come in handy and prove very effective against mosquitos. Many natural ingredients, which you may already have in your home, have bug repelling properties. 

Do Homemade Candles Really Work?

It seems suspicious that homemade candles with herbs and fruit can repel mosquitos, but they do work surprisingly well. Out of the recipes in this article, you’ll notice that basil is a common ingredient. According to several studies, several compounds in basil are highly toxic to various types of mosquito larvae. Additionally, basil alone has about a 79% efficacy rate of repelling mosquitos. It’s a very pungent herb and insects like mosquitos tend to steer clear of potent smells. That’s why some of the recipes also contain citrus fruits and essential oils. 

The following three recipes can help you keep mosquitos away this summer. Let us know if they work for you while you spend time outside. 

DIY Basil Lemon Candles

Ingredients:

• Candle wax
• Mason jars
• Wick stickers
• Citronella essential oil
• Lemon essential oils
• Basil leaves
• Wooden chopsticks
• Container with spout

Instructions:

• Place the wick stickers in the bottom of the Mason jars and attach the wicks securely. Make sure you center them in the jars. 
• Roughly chop your desired amount of wax (depends on how large the jars are) and melt the wax in the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. 
• Make sure to stir the wax occasionally to ensure that it melts evenly. When it is almost complete melted, add a few basil leaves to the wax. 
• Use a fork to remove the basil leaves and then remove the wax from the heat. Stir in a few drops of lemon and citronella essential oil (about 3 drops each per one cup of wax).
• Once the wax is slightly cooled and still in liquid form, carefully pour it into the mason jars to fill them about halfway. Add three more drops of both lemon and citronella essential oil in each jar. You can drop some fresh basil leaves into the jars for aesthetic appeal. 
• Make sure to hold the wicks in the center while you fill up the jars. Once the wax hardens, trim the wicks so that they are a half-inch above the wax. Light candles and enjoy no bugs. 

DIY Basil Lemongrass Candles

Ingredients:

• 2 pint-size Mason jars
• 2 floating candles
• 1 lemon
• 1 lime
• Basil
• Lemongrass essential oil

Instructions:

• Slice the lemon and lime into thin rounds. Add a few lemon and lime slices to each of the jars. 
• Add a couple sprigs of basil to each jar. 
• Fill a jar with enough water so that there is about one half-inch of room at the top.
• Add 15 drops of lemongrass essential oil to each jar and stir to combine. 
• Top each jar with a floating candle, light, and enjoy a mosquito-free summer.

DIY Rosemary Citrus Candles

Ingredients:

• 2 lemons
• 2 limes
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 2 pint-size Mason jars
• 10-20 drops citronella essential oil
• 2 floating candles

Instructions:

• Slice the lemons and limes into wedges. Take your rosemary sprigs and cut them to the size of your jars. 
• Fill each jar 3/4 of the way full with tap water. Add 10 drops of citronella essential oil to each jar and stir. 
• First add the rosemary sprigs and then top off with the lemon and lime wedges. 
• Top each jar with a floating candle, light, and watch the bugs fly away. 

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Is there anything better than slurping up a comforting soup on a cold day? Warm soup is basically medicine for the soul. In the case of this soup, you can have it for dinner and it may lull you to sleep. That’s how delicious and satisfying it is!

This soup doesn’t require a lot of seasonings; rather, it calls for traditional ingredients in Thai cuisine. One of our favorite ingredients is lemongrass, which has been known to boost immune function, improve circulation, and improve sleep. Additionally, this soup includes galangal and kaffir lime leaves. Now, if you can’t get your hands on either of those ingredients, you can use ginger in place of galangal and more lime juice in place of the kaffir lime leaves.

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A garden is a tranquil sanctuary that provides endless opportunities. You can use it to grow food or you can harness the power of herbs to benefit your health. You don’t even need a garden! Purchase pots, soil, and small herbs, give them love, sunshine, and water, and then prepare them in various ways. From tinctures and syrups to teas and seasonings, herbs have myriad uses and can help improve memory, reduce arthritis symptoms, and even fight the common cold.

Some herbs thrive outdoors, while others grow better indoors. At the end of the day, you can easily grow them in pots without the need for a plot of land. Even if you live in an apartment and only have a five-foot by seven-foot balcony, you can grow the herbs in this article. Reap the health benefits of herbs year round when you grow them at home. Continue reading to learn more about starting your medicinal, herbal garden. 

Aloe Vera

Every person can benefit from inviting aloe vera into their life. The gel has soothing, cooling, antibacterial, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s possible to use it to reduce the pain and itchiness of sunburns, or even add to smoothies to encourage healthier digestion. Apply it to the skin to help reduce acne or the symptoms of eczema and rosacea. It’s a hardy plant that grows indoors and outdoors. Bring it inside during colder months and leave it outside in the warmer months. Just make sure it doesn’t have full sun exposure, because it will wilt. 

Rosemary

Rosemary is a shrub that has woody stems and aromatic needles. The rosemarinic acid in the needles have powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties. Several studies found that the antioxidants in rosemary exhibit anti-cancer effects, while the anti-fungal properties proved effective against listeria and H. pylori. For a healthy rosemary plant, make sure the soil is properly aerated. Water only when the soil is dry. It can take a while to grow, but don’t be afraid to trim the leaves if you want to cook with them. 

Tulsi

Known for its antioxidant, adaptogenic, immune-boosting, antidepressant, and mucus expelling properties, tulsi is a wonderful herb to grow at home. You may be more familiar with tulsi’s other name, holy basil. It’s a traditional folk herb that is beneficial for improving cognitive abilities, making it great for the elderly. Tulsi enjoys full sun in temperate areas, but it also likes shade in warmer climates. Make sure to trim the shoots and early flowers, just like regular basil, if you want a health plant. 

Oregano

Oregano is a classic culinary spice, but it boasts some powerful health benefits. Several studies examined carvacrol, the compound in oregano that may help protect against arthritis. Other studies found beneficial antioxidants in oregano that exhibited abilities to slow the growth of certain cancers. The polyphenols may even help reduce a person’s risk of other chronic diseases. It’s a perennial plant that requires natural light. It’s the perfect windowsill plant! Just leave it in the window for six hours a day and make sure the soil is completely dry before you water it. 

Lemongrass

Lemongrass has a beautiful, refreshing aroma that is a staple herb in Indian, Caribbean, Chinese, and Brazilian folk medicine. Most modern research focuses on the benefits of lemongrass essential oil, but actual lemongrass helps reduce anxiety, stress, insomnia symptoms, and the duration of colds and flus. You can use it in stocks, soups, or you can brew it into an aromatic tea. Lemongrass thrives in pots, and should be taken indoors during the winter. It has a tendency to take over a garden, so growing it in a pot prevents this. Lemongrass prefers full sun and quick-drying soil. 

Thyme

It’s common for health care workers in Europe to use thyme in many of their cold & flu products. Studies have shown that thyme has the ability to reduce symptoms of bronchitis, asthma, and even emphysema. Other studies found that thyme exhibited expectorant and antibacterial properties, making it great if you need to rid excess mucus from the body. It’s possible to propagate thyme from cuttings, but it’s easy to purchase a small new plant. Keep it in a small pot in the windowsill so that it gets ample light. You don’t even have to water it a lot because it is drought-resistant. 

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Some people get excited about the warmer summer months, while others dread the inevitable presence of mosquitos. If you live in a humid area, you can bank on mosquitos arriving if they haven’t already. Those pesky mosquitos attack some more than others, but nobody should suffer from the red, swollen bites. That’s why we found an all-natural balm that provides relief from itchy bug bites.

The ingredients in this balm help to take that irritating itch away from bug bites, while simultaneously accelerating recovery time. The last thing you want in the summer is the persistent itch from a mosquito bite. You may wash the area, apply aloe vera, or use a concoction of lotions and creams to soothe the itch, but seldom do these efforts provide long-term relief. You don’t deserve that; rather, you deserve to be soothed by the following natural ingredients.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most famous essential oils because it has a wide range of health benefits. The antiseptic, anti-itching, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties help to reduce swelling and pain, in addition to reducing your risk of bacterial infection. Whether you get bit by mosquitos, bees, fleas, bed bugs, spiders, fire ants, or ticks, tea tree oil is your go-to bug bite relief essential oil. Keep in mind that you should mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying it on the skin.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy to help promote a calmer mind and healthier sleep. One of the more unknown abilities of lavender is that it can help relieve the pain and itchiness of bug bites. Unlike most essential oils, lavender essential oil can be applied directly to bug bites. One 2012 study found that lavender essential oil had anti-inflammatory effects at a cellular level. This helps accelerate the healing of spider bites, bee stings, and mosquito bites.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Note that you should not apply peppermint essential oil directly to the skin. Please use a carrier oil with this essential oil. According to a 2013 review, peppermint essential oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the pain and itchiness of intense bug bites, like the ones from fire ants. Another benefit is that peppermint essential oil has a cooling effect on the skin. Finally, the scent of the oil helps repel insects, which can help you avoid future bug bites.

DIY Bug Bite Balm

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons beeswax, grated
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons Shea butter
• 20 drops tea tree essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops peppermint essential oil
• 7 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 3 empty lip balm tubes, or 2 (1 oz.) tins with lids

Instructions:

• Put a 16-ounce mason jar in a medium saucepan and pour about two inches of water into the pot. Turn the flame on to medium heat and allow the water to come to a subtle boil.
• When the water begins to bubble, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the beeswax, coconut oil, and Shea butter to the mason jar. Once these items have liquefied, give the mixture a stir and remove from heat.
• Remove the jar form the water with a potholder or oven mitts and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
• Add the essential oils to the jar and stir to combine.
• Carefully pour the mixture into the lip balm tubes or tins and let it solidify for about an hour and a half. Place caps on and store in a cool, dry place.
• Apply the balm to bug bites to relieve itchiness.

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The arrival of summer means warm weather, potential beach days, hiking, and the arrival of mosquitos. Whether engaging in outdoor cookouts, lounging by a lake, or watching your kids play in the backyard, you need a powerful bug spray to repel mosquitos. It can be difficult to find a natural bug spray that is safe for your skin, but you can easily make your own bug sprays.

What’s Wrong With Commercial Bug Sprays?

You want to avoid bug bites, but you don’t want to douse your body with horrible chemicals like N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). This is the primary chemical in most commercial insect repellents, but it is not very safe for the body. According to Dr. Abou Donia, a pharmacologist at Duke University, DEET is a controversial chemical. She conducted a rat study and gave them regular human doses of DEET. The neurons in the rats’ brains began to die, which caused loss of concentration, muscle control, learning, and memory.

A different study concluded that children have a higher risk of brain damage after being exposed to DEET. Lastly, it’s interesting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deems that DEET doesn’t present any health concerns to adults or children. Take a gander at DEET’s side effects and then see if you believe that statement.

Do Natural Alternatives Work?

It can be tempting to just use what you are used to, i.e. commercial bug sprays that are readily available in stores. Essential oils make for excellent bug repellents, though, and they pose no threat to your health, unless you are allergic to them of course. DEET can harm the central nervous system, and it may even be an endocrine disruptor, while essential oils are chemical-free and can often improve skin health. The other thing to keep in mind about natural bug spray is that you have to reapply it way more than chemical bug sprays for it to be effective.

Now, keep in mind that all essential oils will not repel mosquitos. There are certain scents that are quite off-putting to mosquitos. When they are annoyed, they tend to avoid you and the smell. The best essential oils that repel mosquitos include:

• Citronella essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Lemongrass essential oil
• Neem essential oil
• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil
• Basil essential oil
• Bergamot essential oil
• Lemon balm essential oil
• Marigold essential oil

Everyone has different scent preferences, so find the scents that you enjoy and go that route. Lastly, do a small patch test on your arm and wait 24 hours to ensure that you don’t have a negative reaction to the oils.

DIY Bug Spray #1

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup witch hazel
• ¼ cup raw apple cider vinegar
• 20 drops citronella essential oil
• 4 ounce spray bottle

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a measuring cup with a spout. Give the ingredients a quick stir and then pour the mixture into the spray bottle.
• Screw on the top of the bottle, give it a quick shake, and it is ready to use. You can use different essential oils with this recipe as well.

DIY Bug Spray #2

Ingredients:

• 30 drops geranium essential oil
• 30 drops citronella essential oil
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1 tablespoon isopropyl alcohol
• ½ cup witch hazel
• ½ cup filtered water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils and the isopropyl alcohol to a glass spray bottle and shake well to combine.
• Pour the witch hazel and water into the spray bottle and shake well.
• Before each use, give it a good shake and then spray.

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The post 2 All Natural DIY Bug Sprays That Are Necessary For Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.