Recipes for a Successful Summer

Summer means longer days and ideal weather to enjoy the things we love to do like spending the day at the beach, going hiking and camping. But with all these enjoyments brings some unwanted consequences like bug bites and sun burn. Here are a few recipes for some of my favorite natural remedies so that you can have a great summer.

Bug Repellant
This recipe comes from my friend , ND of Cedar Life Family Medicine in Seattle, WA and it really works. It relies on the power of essential oils so it is important to use high quality pure essential oils only.

10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
10 drops Pine Essential Oil
10 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
2oz Spring Water

Fill a 2 oz spray bottle with spring water and add essential oils. Spray on skin to repel bugs.

Bite Paste
This paste helps to treat the pain and swelling of bites and stings. Goldenseal helps to reduce infections. The bentonite clay draws toxins from the bites and stings out of the body.

2 parts Bentonite Clay
1 part Goldenseal Powder

To make the paste, mix 2 tablespoons of the dry mixture with just enough water to make a paste. Then cover the bite or sting with gauze by making a bandage and leave it on for 30 minutes. You should do this twice a day for 4 days.

Electrolyte Powder Mix
Makes 19 servings

This drink mix contains potassium and sodium, which are elements that function as electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes are needed in both active and inactive people and are necessary to maintain fluid balance inside and outside of the body's cells. It is especially important that athletes consume an electrolyte replacement drink because electrolytes are lost during exercise. Also, potassium deficiency can lead to muscle cramping. Unlike commercial electrolyte drinks, there is no added sugar so it is lower in calories as well as more economical.

2 Teaspoons Potassium Chloride
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
6 1/2 Teaspoons Stevia

Store this mixture in an air-tight container. When you're ready to make an an 8 oz electrolyte drink, combine:
8 oz water
1/2 Teaspoon Powder Mix
Splash of lemon or lime juice

Aloe-Lavender Sun Soother
Aloe is a classic sunburn remedy as it has a unique ability to stimulate cellular metabolism to renew skin. Lavender helps to relieve pain and decrease inflammation as well as regenerate skin cells. Apple cider vinegar balances the pH of the skin supporting healing. Vitamin E regulates the breakdown of collagen and elastin as well as protects cells membranes from free radical damage.

4 oz Aloe gel
1⁄2 Teaspoon essential oil of lavender
1 Teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Two 400IU capsules Vitamin E

Puncture the vitamin E capsules with a straight pin and squeeze contents into a 6-8 ounce glass jar. Add aloe gel, lavender oil, and apple cider vinegar. Tighten a cap onto the jar and shake to blend ingredients. Apply 3 times a day or more if needed to the affected area. For increased cooling benefit and freshness, keep the mixture refrigerated.