Today, I’m doing something a little different! You know that Insta post where I mentioned my fears with mosquitos this summer, especially with the Zika virus constantly in the news? I got so many questions about it. My sister, Caroline Potter, NTP and a FABULOUS nutritionist, and I have teamed up for today’s post. Caroline is giving you all FOUR practical ways to naturally protect yourself against bugs this summer, so be sure to scroll down for all of her helpful tips!
Remember all those health issues I had after Everly’s birth?! I definitely feel a little anxious with this pregnancy…I have so many questions swirling around in my head. All of them are worrisome, which doesn’t HELP A THING. I am doing my best not to worry and have switched things up a bit with my health regime. For starters, I am totally a fan of modern medicine…a feeling that was only solidified after I had a breeched baby who had to be delivered via C-section for various reasons. On the other hand, there are so many natural elements of this earth that are miracles and that REALLY DO WORK.
For over a year now, my very smart and loving nutritionist asked me to use doTERRA oils and I simply said NO. I thought that they were a HOAX. Seriously, those were my feelings even though my mom used essential oils when we were kids. For this second pregnancy, she approached me about it again. I had a tiny bit more of an open mind. I researched a ton about the outdoor blend specifically since I was so concerned about mosquitos this summer, especially with my pregnancy! I mean the CDC is even admitting that these oils MAY BE JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS DEET?! Ok, I’m hooked. 🙂 I have been using TerraShield every time I’m outside, which is a ton. If I’m out for a long time, I just re-apply it every 3-4 hours. {And, if I forget, little Everly reminds me by bringing the oil container to me. :)} Before using this oil, I was getting many bites a day. After over a month of use, I have only gotten one. Ok, mosquitos, you don’t stand a chance any more. This oil is really a miracle in a bottle, and I am not just saying that as a lifestyle blogger.
Without any further ado, here is Caroline on those FOUR WAYS YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY!Â
With summer quickly approaching, the nights growing longer and the evenings growing sweeter, outdoor bliss is in full swing…and with that an increase in lovely things like bug bites! With concerns of the Zika virus on the rise as well as a desire to prevent that horrible itch, I wanted to share my favorite ways to naturally protect against bug bites.
You may not think of your skin as an organ, but your skin is actually your largest organ and highly porous, meaning anything you put on your skin, both good and bad, goes directly into your blood stream, and very quickly, too! Toxins and chemicals found in sunscreen, lotion, and bug spray are highly concentrated, and these toxins and chemicals can greatly impact our health—specifically hormone health like adrenal fatigue, thyroid disorders, metabolism issues and even fertility concerns. Â
There is no better time than now to protect yourself and to take a few moments to add these simple swaps into your home and life!
This outdoor blend is specifically designed for bug protection, and, well yes, outdoor use! Good news—it actually works!!! Often times the more “natural” blends don’t work, but speaking from experience, TerraShield is amazing! This essential oil blend comes in both the oil form and a spray bottle form. I love to diffuse the oil or to rub a drop or two into those bug bite-prone areas, but the spray works fabulously for all-over coverage and ease of use! Â
These little bottles are perfect to keep stashed in your purse or car for all your summer adventures.
Other Essential Oils for Bug Protection
- Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Clove and Rosemary are all wonderful essential oils to keep the bugs away. Â
- Simply fill a mini-spray bottle with 2 ounces distilled or boiled water, 1 ounce witch hazel or vodka, and 50 drops of the essential oils. You want about 50 drops of essential oils, so just play with your ratios depending on how many different oils you add. The more oil, the stronger it will be, so keep that in mind!
2. To Stop the Itch
Bug bite itches are the worst and can sometimes be consuming! You want to avoid itching as it only prolongs the symptoms and can leave you with scar marks. Â
- Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Eucalyptus and Melaleuca {tea tree}Â essential oils work great to help calm the itch! If you have sensitive skin or are using this for a child, I recommend adding a drop of fractionated coconut oil along with the essential oil!
- Showering and soaping yourself up also provides some temporary relief to itching, or you could also soak in a hot bath with a few drops of essential oils to provide relief. I love a warm bath with the combination of Lavender, Eucalyptus and Melaleuca {tea tree}.
3. Add the Citrus
We all love the smell of fresh cut oranges or lemons, but good news is the bugs don’t! Make up a fresh batch of lemonade or add a splash of orange juice to your afternoon cocktail and be sure to put the peel in your glass. It tastes refreshing, adds a colorful garnish and will help keep the bugs off of you so you can enjoy your patio evenings!
- I also love diffusing Lemon and Wild Orange essential oils along with TerraShield because the addition of citrus creates an appealing aroma. You also could rub a drop or two of lemon oil onto the base of your neck as it smells delicious!
4. Eat Your Bug Protection
We all know the old saying that onions and garlic keep the bugs away—but truly it does! Add fresh garlic to your salad dressing, grilled chicken or make a big batch of pesto to accompany your charcuterie platter. For onions, you can toss them on the grill along with your favorite meats and have a delicious summer dinner!
—–
SO, there you have it. Thanks so much to Caroline for sharing! I am really excited about these oils and I hope that you find them and THESE TIPS to be beneficial to you and your fam. I should HAVE NEVER SAID “NO” to them in the first place. 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope that you have a great day!
Xo,
Christine
You can learn more about doTERRA HERE, as well as about their extremely economical WHOLESALE membership here:
1.) I was super skeptical of having another membership, but it’s just like an Amazon or Costco membership…and there is no monthly ordering requirement so that is fabulous! They even offer a way to earn redeemable points, like a frequent flyer program.
2.) 2-3 bottles of oils pay for the cost of the membership {25% off retail}…so this truly is the most economical way for you and your family!
3.) SIGN UP HERE if interested…And, make sure you are signing up for a wholesale membership.
4.) If you sign up for the membership and place an order of $125 or more, I will send you a FREE bottle of Lemon, which is ideal for daily detox, household cleaner, boosting energy and immunity, and much more!
Disclaimer: Please remember Caroline and I are sharing our personal experiences and they  should not be taken as medical advice.
