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DIY BLENDS FOR BUG PROTECTION & SUN CARE

Content

Top 15 Essential Oils for Summertime
Fun Summer Blends
Essential Oils That Keep Bugs Away Naturally
Natural Skin Protection For Sunseekers
Essential Oils Side Effects

Summer is associated with the heartening, invigorating and revitalizing scents of blooming plant life, cooling expanses of water, freshly-cut grass, smoky aromas of barbecues and bonfires, sunblock, the earthy scent of sand and soil, juicy fruits – the list continues! Essential Oils with scent profiles that are similarly light, stimulating, reminiscent, and uplifting can inspire the buoyancy that may help us to revel, relax, get moving, undertake a new activity, and recover our joie de vivre during the dog days.

Whether camping, picnicking, gardening, swimming, travelling, or simply lounging indoors, Essential Oils not only help to mentally and physically gear up for, improve, or recuperate from countless summer pleasures, but they also exhibit a wide array of potential health gains that can replenish the strength of our minds, bodies, and spirits and protect us against summertime pests as well as the harsh effects of the elements.

Read on to discover recipes for natural suncare as well as the top restorative Essential Oils that can be incorporated into summer activities to repel insects, support immune function, and keep the body and mind feeling cleansed, comforted, clear, and energized.

TOP 15 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SUMMERTIME

RECOMMENDED OIL	REPUTED BENEFITS
EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL	Energizes through cooling scent Eases mental exhaustion and headaches Strengthens compromised immunity Enhances mental clarity Antibacterial cleanser for minor abrasions and for scalp discomfort, such as hat itch Invigorates the skin
GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL	Calms inflammation Helps to uplift the mood Refreshes and comforts the mind when experiencing stress Encourages sense of tranquility, contentment, and optimism Boosts immune function Boosts energy when experiencing grogginess Promotes mental clarity and alertness Antibacterial cleanser for minor abrasions Natural skin cleanser
SANDALWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL	Calms inflammation Promotes mental clarity and increased focus Calms the body with sedative properties when used in aromatherapy Eases feelings of stress and negative sentiments, such as anxiety Encourages feeling of relaxation and positivity Cools the skin Promotes the appearance of firmer skin
SPEARMINT ESSENTIAL OIL or PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL	Energizing aroma promotes sense of refreshment Natural antiseptic cleanser for minor abrasions caused by outdoor activities Helps to deter insects from approaching to reduce the chances of bug bites
LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL	Antibacterial cleanser for skin and surfaces, such as picnic tables Supports immune function Helps to deter insects from approaching to reduce the chances of bug bites Uplifting aroma promotes sense of energy Brightens skin
ORANGE ESSENTIAL OIL	Sweet aroma promotes sense of energy and positivity Helps to deter insects from approaching to reduce the chances of bug bites Promotes feelings of well-being and relaxation through massage Enhances alertness
LIME ESSENTIAL OIL	Helps to deter insects from approaching to reduce the chances of bug bites Uplifts the mood Energizes the mind Enhances alertness Encourages feeling of relaxation Promotes feelings of positivity
GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL	Uplifts the mood Helps to relax Creates a sense of harmony of body and mind that may help to promote quality sleep when used in aromatherapy Promotes feelings of positivity Improves the look of cellulite by moisturizing skin
CLARY SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL	Reputed to have qualities for intimacy enhancement Antibacterial cleanser that helps to tighten skin Natural deodorant Uplifts the mood Increases determination and strength of mind Promotes confidence and enhances self-esteem Exhibits sedative and calming properties that help to calm the mind
ROSE (OTTO & ABSOLUTE)	Rich, romantic aroma promotes feelings of affection, cordiality, positivity, optimism, and nostalgia Promotes feelings of confidence, determination, self-esteem, and relaxation Improves and balances mood Promotes faster healing of skin afflicted with unwanted marks Moisturizes and promotes natural radiance
PALMAROSA ESSENTIAL OIL	Antibacterial cleanser Cools the skin and may comfort sensations of inflammation or irritation/li> Reveals next layer of skin Energizes the mind

Caution: Avoid using Essential Oils with photosensitizing properties when being exposed to the sun, as they make it easier for the skin to become damaged by UV radiation. Examples of photosensitive Essential Oils include:

All citrus oils (unless Bergaptene-free)
Angelica Root
Cumin
Coriander
Dill Seed
Ginger
Rue
Tagetes
Antibacterial cleanser

FUN SUMMER BLENDS

Pink Lemonade

Lemon Essential Oil
Orange Essential Oil
Spearmint Essential Oil
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Cajeput Essential Oil

Tropical Paradise

Bergamot Essential Oil
Cardamom Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Sandalwood Essential Oil

Taking the Scenic Route

Cypress Essential Oil
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Cassia Essential Oil
Mandarin Essential Oil

Warm Sunshine

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Rose Absolute/Otto
Patchouli Essential Oil
Sandalwood Essential Oil

ESSENTIAL OILS THAT KEEP BUGS AWAY NATURALLY

For natural Essential Oil blends that can help to protect against bugs – and their bites – try using any combination of the following effective Essential Oils. For enhanced skin safety and an alternative to topical application, these blends may be applied to fabrics or objects rather than the skin.

FLORAL	HERBAL	CAMPHORACEOUS	LEMONY	WOODY
Catnip Lavender Geranium	Rosemary Tea Tree Cedar Leaf	Cajeput Peppermint Spearmint Eucalyptus	Citronella Lemongrass	Clove Vetiver Thyme

SUGGESTED RECIPE

Add a total of 100 drops of any preferred Essential Oils to a 60 ml (2 fl. oz) spray bottle filled with water. Cap and shake the bottle well to thoroughly combine all oils. To help prevent the oils from separating from the water, add 2 ml (½ tsp) Vegetable Glycerin. For a simpler blend, add 4-5 drops of a single Essential Oil to a spray bottle filled with ¼ cup of water.

These blends can be sprayed around the house, the patio, or onto cotton balls, which can be placed in corners of preferred rooms or outdoor areas to protect against insects that bite, such as mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, and sandflies, as well as against ants, spiders, ticks, moths, earwigs, cockroaches, and other unwanted creepy crawlies.

For topical application, dilute a total of 10 drops of a preferred Essential Oil in ¼ cup or ½ cup of a preferred Carrier Oil and massage the blend into exposed areas of skin.

NATURAL SKIN PROTECTION FOR SUNSEEKERS

The following moisturizing products are known to exhibit natural sun-protective properties – albeit in low amounts – and can be added to lotions and sunscreen formulations to fortify the skin by enhancing its defense against the harsh effects of overexposure to UV radiation:

Coconut Carrier Oil
Jojoba Carrier Oil
Sesame Carrier Oil
Sunflower Carrier Oil
Raspberry Seed
Wheat Germ Carrier Oil
Olive Carrier Oil
Sweet Almond Carrier Oil
Hemp Seed Carrier Oil
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Shea Butter

DIY SUNCARE BLENDS

Create an all-natural homemade sunblock formula with the following recipe:

In a double boiler, combine and gently heat 2 Tbsp. Shea Butter and 1 cup of a preferred sun-safe Carrier Oil (or 1 cup each of two preferred sun-safe Carrier Oils).
When all the ingredients have melted together, remove the double boiler from the heat.
When the blend has cooled slightly, stir in non-nano Zinc Oxide powder. The amount of Zinc Oxide will depend on the desired SPF level (see the SPF/Percentage chart below). To learn more about Zinc Oxide, click here.
Next, stir in 0.5. ml of liquid Vitamin E and a total of 30 drops of preferred sun-safe Essential Oils.
Transfer the blend to dark a jar and refrigerate the finished product when not in use.
Apply this blend to any exposed skin and reapply if it fades with time, water, or perspiration.

Note: The approximate shelf life of this natural sunscreen is 6 months.

SPF RANGE	ZINC OXIDE % OF INGREDIENT WEIGHT
6-11	10% Zinc Oxide
6-11	10% Zinc Oxide
12-19	15% Zinc Oxide
>20	20% Zinc Oxide

FOR AN EVEN FASTER WAY TO MAKE NATURAL SUNSCREEN

Pick any existing lotion that is free of sun-sensitizing oils.
Thoroughly stir in Zinc Oxide powder depending on the preferred SPF level.
Apply the lotion liberally to exposed skin before going out into the sun.

ESSENTIAL OIL SIDE EFFECTS

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, our Essential Oils are for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using these oils for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Essential Oils without the medical advice of a physician, as they may have effects on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development. These oils should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.

Those with the following health conditions are especially recommended to be advised by a physician: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders, hormone-related ailments, or epilepsy. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation prior to use.

Prior to using any Essential Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of the Essential Oil in 4 drops of a Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Essential Oils must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Essential Oils include redness, rash, hives, burning, bleeding disorders, decreased speed of healing, low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, convulsions, and rapid heartbeat. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the products and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.

Due to the ability of photo-sensitizing Essential Oils to intensify the skin’s susceptibility to the harmful effects of the UV radiation in sunlight, it is not recommended to apply them topically (unless they are Bergaptene-free) when the skin will be exposed to sunlight; instead it is suggested that they be diffused or incorporated into air spray blends for safer application.

IMPORTANT: All New Directions Aromatics (NDA) products are for external use only unless otherwise indicated. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or under the care of a medical practitioner. Please refer to our policies for further details, and our disclaimer below.

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