Let Freedom Ring!!

If you are like me you are probably a little disgruntled about the political state of our country. I know I cannot wait for this voting year to be over. Regaurdless, Independence day is about celebrating the freedoms of our country with our friends and family. And hey let's be honest, it's really about the fireworks!! Just don't blow up your hand throwing fire crackers into the neighbor's pond. Whether you

are out in the forest, or laying on a denim quilt watching the stars from the fairgrounds, you might want to bring a few oils along.

Some Good Essential Oils for the Summer

• Insect repellent – several essential oils can be considered all purpose insect repellents such as citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), cedar (Cedrus atlantica), lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) and patchouli (Pogosterum cablin). Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata or Syzygium aromaticum) is also effective, but it can cause skin irritation. It’s worth noting that not all insects are repelled by the same substance so it’s wise to modify the repellent blend in accordance with the relevant insect population. For example, catnip (Nepeta cataria) is particularly effective at repealing mosquitos while juniper (Juniperus communis) works on tics and fleas.
• Insect bites – cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputi), everlasting (helichrysum italicum), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), melissa (Melissa offinicalis), patchouli, tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Everlasting, geranium, lavender and patchouli also facilitate bite or wound healing.
• Bee and wasp stings – Calendula (Calendula officinalis) and lavender. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is said to be particularly effective on wasp stings. Like clove (mentioned above), cinnamon can cause skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
• Overexposure and sunburn – Australian blue cypress (Callitris intratropica), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), everlasting (Helichrysum italicum), lavender, Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Sunburns imply skin damage, and overexposure without burning is still tough on the skin. For skin healing and rejuvenation, try calendula, carrot seed (Daucus carrota), cistus (Cistus ladanifer), lavender, everlasting or frankincense (Boswellia cateri).
• Overheating – clary sage (Salvia sclarea), peppermint (Mentha piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata).
• Allergy symptoms – Sometimes hay fever and allergies are symptoms of, or exacerbated by, congestion in the liver and lymph. So, essential oils that detoxify or clear the liver can be very beneficial. These include cypress, helichrysum B., juniper, lemon and orange. Hay fever and allergies are typically accompanied by headaches, nasal congestion and mental fogginess so oils listed under these conditions can also provide relief.
• Nasal congestion and stuffiness – Allergies typically come with congestion and sinus inflammation. Some essential oils that act as antihistamine, clear decongestion and calm include: cypress, pepprmint eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives), hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), helichrysum B. (Helichrysum bracteiferum), pinon pine (Pinus edilus), ravintsava (Cinnamomum camphora), rosemary and Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris).
• Tiredness – basil (Ocimum basilicum), black pepper (Piper nigrum), peppermint (Mentha piperita) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).
• Hangover – fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), ginger (Zingiber officinale), juniper, peppermint and rosemary for the various hangover symptoms: headache, nausea, upset stomach, mental fogginess, impaired balance, etc.

LET FREEDOM RING!!