Create a Natural First Aid Kit for Summer

Summer is here! And along with sunshine, longer days and more energy come insects, heat and pollen. Essential oils are wonderful natural healers and I’d love to share with you what’s in my Natural Summer First Aid Kit.

Here in Munich, a regular question is how to repel ticks. We want to enjoy being outdoors but I know many of you moms are worried about ticks and Lyme Disease. From all my research, the best oil is Rose Geranium (specifically Pelargonium Capitatum x Radens). It has to be this particular one and not the common Rose Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens). It’s not readily available here but I have sourced some from the US (feel free to contact me to buy some). Placing 1 drop on your wrists and ankles will repel the ticks. On babies and young children, please dilute in a carrier oil first (1 drop per 10mls sweet almond oil). You can even put a drop on your dog too!

If like me you attract mosquitos then the essential oils of  Lemon Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lavender, Thyme and Citronella are excellent not just against mosquitos but most other insects too. Citronella is a cheap and effective insect repellent. Add some to an oil burner to keep those insects away. Also Lemon Eucalyptus has been proven to be effective too and is recommended by The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a natural bio-pesticide repellent.

But if you do get some bites and stings apply Lavender or Tea Tree to reduce pain, swelling and redness. These are the only 2 that you can apply directly to the bite or sting.

From February until September I really suffer badly from hayfever. Eucalyptus, Chamomile and  Lemon essential oils used in a  dry inhalation, massage or nose balm will help ease your suffering. My symptoms are greatly reduced by using my Hayfever Balm.

And it’s easy to get too much sun sometimes. I use Lavender and Chamomile essential oils to soothe any hot skin or sunburn. Add a few drops of both to some fragrance free lotion (15 drops in total to 50mls lotion) and apply. It instantly calms and smells beautiful.

Lavender, Tea tree, Chamomile, Citronella, Rose Geranium, Eucalyptus and Lemon Eucalyptus

And finally, please remember that some essential oils are photosensitive so don’t apply them before sunbathing. Avoid Bergamot, citrus oils: Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, etc and  Verbena.

It’s so easy to create your own natural summer first aid kit. Or I’d be most happy to make one for you. I never go on holiday without mine! Have a wonderful  summer!

This article originally featured in the Munich Über Moms July 17 newsletter.