Sunday, June 22, 2014

It's summer! Say no to bug bites and sunburn!

Here are two easy and useful summer recipes, bug repellent and sunscreen. I have been using these with good results for several  years.  However, in deep woods at night, when  camping,  we do  use a commercial mosquito repellent, because one of our kids swells up until he looks like Quasimodo when he gets mosquito bites. But for backyard  use,  this spray has been effective and smells fantastic! Also, it is very refreshing when  it is hot outside. I admit, sometimes I spritz it on just because I like it!


No more mosquito spray
Mix together:

1 tsp.  Lemongrass essential  oil
1 tsp.  Eucalyptus essential  oil
1 tsp.  Citronella essential oil
7 oz witch hazel

Pour into spray bottle and spritz yourself liberally. Enjoy!



Sunscreen

In a heat proof container (I use a thrifted pyrex measuring cup that is strictly for my DIY health and beauty recipes) place the following:

1 oz. Beeswax
1oz. Cocoa butter
1 oz. Coconut  oil

Melt in a double boiler or in microwave (stir every minute if microwaving) until liquid.

Mix in thoroughly :

. 6 oz. Non-nano particle zinc oxide


Be sure to stir it a few times as it starts to cool. For a family, I double this recipe.