Essential Oils to Enhance Your Summer Camping Trip
As summer approaches, many of us eagerly anticipate the call of the great outdoors, with camping trips marking the highlight of the season. However, along with the joy of communing with nature comes the inevitable encounters with bugs, sensitive skin, and other summer challenges unique to summer. But fear not! You can elevate your camping experience safely and naturally with these must-have essential oils.
The Apothecary Shoppe’s Insect Repellent Blend
One of the worst culprits to disrupt an otherwise relaxing camping trip is the pesky mosquito. Rather than using a bug spray that contains chemicals and harsh smells, try the Apothecary Shoppe’s natural Insect Repellent Blend.
This carefully curated blend combines 4 powerhouse essential oils: Peppermint Mentha ×piperita, Pine Pinus sylvestris, Fennel Foeniculum vulgare, and Cypress Cupressus sempervirens. When combined with a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Grapeseed, or Almond, you can apply it to your skin to ward off the bugs. Or, make a room spray for your tent or cabin by adding a bit of alcohol and distilled water. This blend is the perfect travel companion for your outdoor adventures!
Peppermint and Australian Tea Tree for Summer Skin Wellness
Even with the help of a repellent, many campers are likely to be plagued by at least one bug bite. Support summer skin challenges with Peppermint Mentha x piperita and Australian Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils, renowned for their soothing qualities to support summer skin health. Peppermint oil's cooling sensation can be a welcome distraction from bug bites. Meanwhile, Australian tea tree’s wellness qualities can promote skin health. Simply combine 10 drops of peppermint oil and 10 drops of Australian Tea Tree oil, then apply the mixture to the skin as needed. Note, a skin patch test is always recommended to any adverse reactions.
These oils are also a great respite after a long day of hiking to support muscle health. Combine 2 drops of peppermint with 2 drops of Australian tea tree. Then add 6 drops of marjoram origanum majorana oil and 6 drops of ravensara cryptocarya agathophylla oil. Add this mixture to approximately four tablespoons of a base oil and massage directly into muscles.
These potent oils are an essential addition to any camping first aid kit. Don’t forget to pack these on your next outdoor adventure!
Eucalyptus Globulus for a Fresh-Smelling Campsite
Eucalyptus Globulus Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, with its refreshing and invigorating aroma, serves as a versatile solution for deodorizing various camping essentials. Whether it's a musty cabin, a tent that's absorbed the scent of the outdoors a bit too eagerly, hiking boots that have seen one too many trails, or a trash bin emitting less-than-pleasant odors, eucalyptus oil steps up to the challenge.
Eucalyptus has antimicrobial properties that help neutralize odors and also combat the bacteria responsible for them. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz generously to banish unwanted smells in your cabin, tent, and trash bin. To deodorize shoes, put 4-6 drops of E. globulus onto blotting paper (or cotton balls). Leave them in your shoes or boots overnight to combat the offensive odor. With eucalyptus oil in your camping arsenal, you can better focus on the pleasing scent of nature without the distractions of lingering odors.
Lavender to Help Promote Relaxation
Last but certainly not least, Lavender Lavandula angustifolia essential oil is the ultimate relaxation companion. While a camping trip is often meant to be a chance to get away from the stresses of everyday life, the change to your routine and the new environment can sometimes be stressful And for some, sleeping soundly in a tent can be a challenge! Lavender’s calming scent can help support the nervous system and promote restful sleep after a day of outdoor adventures.
One way to incorporate lavender on your trips is to combine it with sweet almond oil at a 2% dilution ratio to make a soothing massage blend. Gently massage your back, legs, and shoulders to calm tired muscles and inhale the herbaceous-floral aroma to soothe your mind.
Before you head out on your next camping trip, don't forget to pack these dynamic essential oils. With their natural benefits and uplifting fragrances, they'll make your summer escapades even more memorable and enjoyable.
Learn more ways to incorporate essential oils in your daily life with AROMA 101 Introduction to Aromatherapy, offered by American College of Healthcare Sciences.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always use herbs and essential oils with caution and keep out of reach of children. Use particular caution when pregnant or nursing. Always check contraindications and think safety first! The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.