Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the great outdoors, whether you’re lounging by the pool, having a barbecue, or going on a hike. However, it also brings along some less pleasant companions: pesky bugs, bad odors, and the inevitable sunburns and insect bites. Luckily, nature offers plenty of remedies to keep your summer enjoyable. Here are some all-natural products that can help you tackle these common summer woes.
1. Keep Bugs at Bay
Essential Oils: Essential oils are not only fragrant but also effective in repelling insects. Here are a few you can use:
- Citronella: Widely known for its bug-repellent properties, citronella oil can be mixed with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) and applied to your skin. You can also use citronella candles to keep the area around you free of mosquitoes.
- Lemon Eucalyptus: Recognized by the CDC as an effective mosquito repellent, this oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and used on your skin or diffused in your home. It’s particularly effective in areas with high mosquito activity.
- Lavender: While soothing and calming, lavender also keeps mosquitoes and moths away. Apply it directly to your skin or mix it with other oils for a potent bug spray. Lavender can also be planted around your home to naturally deter insects.
Herbs and Plants:
- Basil and Mint: Planting basil and mint around your outdoor seating areas can naturally deter mosquitoes. Both herbs also have the added benefit of being great for cooking! Mint can also be crushed and rubbed directly onto your skin as a quick bug repellent.
- Marigolds: These vibrant flowers not only brighten your garden but also repel insects like mosquitoes and aphids. Plant them around your garden or in pots around your patio to keep bugs at bay.
Natural Bug Sprays:
- Garlic Spray: Garlic has natural insect-repellent properties. Create a spray by blending garlic with water and a little dish soap. Spray this around your outdoor areas to keep bugs away.
- Neem Oil: Extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, neem oil is a powerful insect repellent. It can be mixed with water and a few drops of essential oils to create a spray.
2. Banish Nasty Smells
Baking Soda: A natural deodorizer, baking soda can be sprinkled in shoes, trash cans, or anywhere else odors linger. It neutralizes bad smells effectively by absorbing them. You can also create a baking soda paste with water to scrub away odors from surfaces.
Vinegar: White vinegar can cut through tough odors. Use it to wipe down surfaces, deodorize your fridge, or freshen up your laundry. You can also add a cup of vinegar to your laundry rinse cycle to remove stubborn smells from clothing and towels.
Activated Charcoal: This can be placed in small sachets or containers around your home to absorb odors naturally. It’s especially effective in areas like closets or basements. Activated charcoal can also be used in your refrigerator to keep it smelling fresh.
Essential Oil Diffusers: Diffusing essential oils like eucalyptus, lemon, or tea tree can keep your home smelling fresh. These oils not only mask odors but also have antibacterial properties. Create your own blend by combining different essential oils to suit your preferences.
Maid For Poo Spray: Specifically designed to tackle bathroom odors, Maid For Poo spray is an all-natural product that creates a barrier on the surface of the toilet water, trapping odors below. With essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus, it leaves your bathroom smelling fresh and clean after every use. Just spray a few times into the toilet before you go, and odors are neutralized before they can spread.
DIY Air Fresheners:
- Citrus Peels: Boil citrus peels (like orange, lemon, or lime) in water to create a natural, fresh-smelling air freshener. Add a few sprigs of rosemary or a stick of cinnamon for an added scent boost.
- Herb Sachets: Fill small fabric bags with dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, or mint. Place these sachets in closets, drawers, or other areas to keep them smelling fresh.
3. Soothe Sunburns and Insect Bites
Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera gel can be applied directly to sunburned skin. It helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing. For an extra cooling effect, store the gel in the refrigerator before use.
Coconut Oil: This versatile oil can moisturize sunburned skin and reduce peeling. It also has mild antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection in minor bites and scratches. Coconut oil can be mixed with a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil for added relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Diluted with water, apple cider vinegar can be sprayed on sunburned skin to soothe and cool it down. It also helps restore the skin’s pH balance and can reduce itching from insect bites.
Oatmeal Baths: For extensive sunburn or itchy bug bites, an oatmeal bath can provide relief. Simply blend oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to your bathwater. Soak for 15-20 minutes to soothe and moisturize your skin.
Witch Hazel: This natural astringent can reduce itching and inflammation from insect bites. Dab it onto the affected area with a cotton ball for quick relief. Witch hazel can also be mixed with a few drops of essential oils to enhance its soothing properties.
Honey: A natural antiseptic, honey can be applied to insect bites and minor burns to prevent infection and promote healing. Use raw, organic honey for the best results. You can also mix honey with a bit of turmeric powder for added anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cucumber Slices: Cucumber has natural cooling properties that can soothe sunburned skin. Simply place slices of cucumber on the affected area for instant relief. You can also blend cucumber into a paste and apply it as a mask for a more intense treatment.
Making Your Own Natural Remedies
Creating your own natural remedies is both rewarding and cost-effective. Here are a couple of simple recipes to try:
Natural Bug Spray:
- 10 drops of citronella oil
- 10 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 10 drops of lavender oil
- 1/4 cup of witch hazel
- 1/4 cup of water Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before each use. This spray can be used on skin, clothing, and around outdoor areas to keep bugs away.
Soothing Sunburn Lotion:
- 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil (melted)
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil Combine the ingredients in a jar and store in the fridge. Apply to sunburned skin for a cooling, moisturizing effect. This lotion can also be used on insect bites to reduce itching and inflammation.
Deodorizer Spray: You can purchase our all natural Maid for Poo spray that can be also be used as a deodorizer to freshen up fabrics, room, your car, trash can, etc or make your own. S
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 20 drops of lemon essential oil Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use to ensure the essential oil is evenly distributed.
Embrace a Naturally Pleasant Summer
By using these natural products, you can keep summer bugs at bay, eliminate unpleasant odors, and soothe your skin after sun exposure or insect bites. Embracing nature’s solutions not only protects your health and the environment but also connects you more deeply with the natural world. Enjoy your summer the natural way!
With Love,
Lisa