If you are an outdoors enthusiast (and you know who you are), you’d much rather be outside than almost anywhere else. Whether you are the hard-core type that gets out there no matter the season or weather, or if you live for those brilliant summer skies to appreciate nature, essential oils can be a very handy companion!
Here are a few must haves in our outdoor first aid kit!
Dealing with Bugs
TerraShield Outdoor Blend, an absolute is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and is a very effective, natural repellent that leaves out the nasty chemicals.
I love the smell of TerraShield with its combination of Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea, Arborvitae, Nootka, and Vanilla Bean. Its invigorating and really helps to keep the bugs at bay!
Uses
Apply TerraShield to the legs, arms, and neck before going outdoors or diffuse on your patio.
Use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice.
Here are some other oils that are great for keeping bugs away
Arborvitae: An effective bug repellant in its own right, Arborvitae has a grounding woody scent. Make your own diffusers with a clothespin and felt, add oil, and clip them around your tent to ward off the creepy crawlies.
Peppermint: That’s right, not only does it help with the heat, it repels bugs naturally. Wear it on your skin or in your diffuser.
Lemongrass: Rub into your skin right before hitting the trail to naturally repel insects.
Citronella
If you do happen to get bitten, then here are a few fabulous soothing oils:
Purify: Bug bites happen—if you couldn’t keep all the bugs away, apply Purify directly to bug bites to soothe away irritation. Purify also helps with environmental threats.
Lavender, Tea tree and Peppermint in a roller bottle with some Fractionated Coconut Oil makes a fabulous soothing blend.
Going Out in the Sun
At the beach or the campground, everyone needs to get outside and enjoy some time in the sun for the mood-boosting and vitamin D benefits. However, make sure you pack these skin-friendly oils to keep cool and refreshed.
Sandalwood has natural sun protection, and I love to combine this with fractionated coconut oil for an effective sunscreen. Make sure that you check the SPF for this and use stronger protection if you are outside for more than a few hours during the summer months. Here is a great natural sunscreen balm, with an estimated SPF of 15: https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/natural-sunscreen-balm/
Peppermint: Apply in a roller bottle directly to your skin when you need to cool down most. Or, add a few drops to a spray bottle with water for an all-over cool down. You can also drink it in your water for a refreshing boost
Lavender: An excellent after-sun oil when you’ve spent all day out on the waves, use Lavender to soothe your skin. It can be combined with Peppermint in this after-sun spray for the greatest benefit to your skin. Frankincense is also great to add to this and I love to use Aloe Vera Gel.
Combating Seasonal Threats
Don’t let potential problems keep you indoors, take these oils with you to fight back against seasonal threats when they occur.
TriEase Softgels: If you don’t have these on hand, you can also blend together Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint in a Veggie Capsule.
doTERRA Breathe: Rub onto your chest, or add to your palms, cup your hands around your nose, and inhale the aroma to help minimize the effects of seasonal threats.
Lemon: Taken in a Veggie Capsule, Lemon can be helpful in assisting with seasonal respiratory discomfort.* Add a few drops of peppermint and lavender for extra support.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca): Taking Tea Tree oil internally provides protection against both environmental and seasonal threats.
Minor first aid
Correct X is my go to for scratches, insect bites, nettle stings etc. We also have an ‘owie blend that is a mix of lavender, tea tree and frankincense in a 15ml spray bottle. 5 drops of each oil then topped up with fractionated coconut oil. Another must have first aid oil is the Helichrysum touch (also known as ‘stitches in a bottle’) which is amazing for cellular repair.
Immune support:
I love to use doTERRAs on Guard Hand Sanitising mist when we are out and about, especially for picnics.
Also the On Guard Touch roller and on guard beadlets are handy to have if you start feeling a bit under the weather while you are out and about.
General Body Care
Take care of yourself out there and give your body the soothing assistance it needs with these last two essential oils.
Frankincense: Sometimes our bodies just need something extra to feel right at the end of a long day outside. Massage into your hands and feet after a long day of hiking for a warming and soothing sensation. It’s also my favourite go to for calming and emotional support.
Deep Blue: This cooling and warming essential oil blend is perfect for tired feet or muscles and can help you keep going. It’s also infused in the rich, topical cream of Deep Blue Rub for larger areas.
This list is not exhaustive by any means, but it is a good place to start.