Hooray! It’s that time of year again when we start packing up our old kit bag and heading off to climates new (at least for a week or two). But have you made sure that you have a bottle of wonderful lavender essential oil tucked into your sponge bag? The lavender essential oil has a number of fantastic qualities that we don’t believe any traveller should be without.
Mosquito Repellent
Lavender oil can be used as a fantastic natural mosquito repellent; although we love the amazing fragrance of lavender, happily those pesky mosquitoes do not. You can use lavender oil as a mosquito repellent in a number of ways. Firstly mix a few drops of pure lavender essential into a base carrier oil such as olive oil and either massage it into exposed areas of skin, or use an atomiser to spritz it onto the skin. Alternatively mixing a few drops of lavender oil with water and heating in an oil burner can help to deter mosquitoes.
Treatment for Mosquito or Insect Bites/Stings
Simply dilute your essential lavender oil 50:50 with a carrier oil and apply directly to the bite or sting up to 4 times a day. Lavender’s antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties make it an excellent natural treatment for insect bites or stings.
Relaxing
Now for many of us, the main point of going on holiday is to switch off from the stresses of their everyday life – but has anyone else ever tried going on holiday with a toddler?! So why not let a few drops of lavender oil help ease the transition from everyday tensions to vacation relaxation. Try adding a few drops to your bath and indulge in a well-deserved soak, or spritz some lavender oil onto your pillow to help to ensure a good night’s sleep. Or for an on-the-go relaxation aid, add a drop of lavender oil to a handkerchief and breathe in the vapours whenever you need a little extra relaxation boost.
Treatment for Minor Wounds
As with the use of Lavender oil for the treatment of insect bites/stings, lavender’s exceptional antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties mean that is also excellent for the treatment of minor wounds such as cuts, grazes and minor burns. Simply dilute lavender oil 50:50 with a carrier oil and apply topically to the affected area. This can be a great natural way to relieve the discomfort of minor wounds and to encourage healing.