Nothing is more annoying than trying to enjoy the outdoors in summer while avoiding the bites and stings of insects or brushing through plants and trees that can sting or prick you. Here are some aromatherpay recipes to help with insect bites and stings and rashes caused by poisonous plants and trees.

Lavender should always be at hand during the summer months. It can be applied 'neatly' (without dilution) to the affected area as needed. Remember to make up these remedies beforehand in glass amber bottles if possible.

For mosquito or other insect bites that don't require much attention, a simple dab of essential oil of Lavender or Tea Tree provide relief. Camomile and lavender essential oils reduce swelling, itching and inflammation, and together with tinctures of Echinacea and Plantain often prevent an allergic response. (If an allergic reaction does occur, take 1/2 teaspoon of echinacea tincture internally.)

First-Aid Remedy
3 drops each:
Lavender
Tea Tree
Camomile
Helichrysum
1 ounce calendula infused oil
Mix together. This remedy is excellent for skin irritation, bites, stings, burns, inflammation, bruises or scrapes. Shake bottle before using.

Adding essential oils and tinctures to clay keeps the medicine reconstituted, preserved and ready for an emergency. As the clay dries it pulls toxins from stings and bites to the skin's surface to keep them from spreading, while also pulling out pus or embedded splinters.

Clay Poultice
12 drops lavender essential oil
1 tablespoon bentonite clay
1 teaspoon each tincture of:
echinacea root
chamomile flowers
plantain leaves

Put clay in the container to be stored. Add the tinctures slowly, stirring as the clay absorbs them. Add lavender oil, stirring to distribute it evenly. Store poultice in a container with a tight lid to slow dehydration; it will last at least several months. If the mixture does dry out, add distilled water to reconstitute it.

Many people don't care for the smell of citronella, a traditional repellant, but this formula smells great.

Insect Repellant

5 drops eucalyptus
2 drops orange
4 drops lavender
2 drops lemon
8 drops cedarwood
1 drop peppermint
1 drop clove
1 drop cinnamon
2 ounces carrier oil

Mix together and apply liberally. Keep out of eyes.
Few "bugs however can survive the following blend. This can also be used for skin fungus, scabies or other nonspecific critters.

Cootie Oil
10 drops thyme linalol
3 drops lemon
5 drops lavender
5 drops rosemary
1 drop clove bud
1 drop cinnamon bark
2 ounces carrier oil

Another recipe to help keep those bugs at bay:

Cajeput - 25 drops
Lemon - 19 drops
Geranium - 19 drops
Cedarwood - 13 drops
Sweet almond oil 2 oz

Mix the essential oils, then add the Almond Oil. Shake until well blended. Apply a thin amount to exposed skin. Apply as needed.

Rashes Caused by Poisonous Plants

The menthol in peppermint relieves the painful burning and itching of poison oak, ivy or sumac. A 2- to 3- percent dilution (12-24 drops per ounce) in vinegar or witch hazel provides blessed relief to nerve endings. Four cups of quick-cooking oats (they dissolve best) wrapped in a muslin cloth and/or one cup Epsom salts may also be added to a lukewarm bath, or mix a smaller amount and sponge on. Lavender and a few menthol crystals added to a tincture of jewelweed or sassafras are also helpful during the first stages of a reaction. Oil-based products aren't usually recommended, although some people find that a lotion relieves itching during the later, dry stage of poison oak, ivy and sumac.

Poison Oak/Ivy/Sumac Remedy

3 drops each:
lavender
helichrysum
camomile
geranium
cypress
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon menthol crystals
1 ounce calendula tincture

Combine ingredients. Apply externally as needed. When healing begins, apply externally 6 drops each stoechas lavender and cistus (diluted to 2 percent) in Aloe Vera gel or juice.

Stinging Nettle Rash

When a Dock leaf is unable to be found you can use Camomile oil to treat a sting from a Stinging Nettle: Place a drop or two directly on your sting and massage it in. The oils of caraway, clove and lemon balm (also known as melissa) are all antihistaminic. Mixing a few drops of each of these oils into a couple of ounces of vegetable oil will result in a soothing ointment that will help relieve itching.

See also our entry for Insect Bites and Stings