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Summer Essentials
Being at the Cabin has awakened some of the essential oils needs we have during a summer vacation, so I thought it's a good time to share.
First, being on the road, traveling, always opens to door to more issues that you might have at home. Kids using public restrooms on the road. Going to more public places exposes them to more germs and microbes. Just traveling, less sleep, unfamiliar weather and beds lowers the immune system. Hotels, a change of living habbits, etc. always weakens the immunity system. So here's a good top ten to do list to keep family health optimal during vacation time.
1. Carry a diffuser or at least a spray bottle with you.
 When you get to your hotel rooms or guest rooms or tents, etc. Diffusing the area with on guard or your favorite essential oil. All essential oils are anti bacterial and anti microbial. On guard also helps keep your immunity system strong. Studies will soon be made putblic on On gaurds effectiveness against flu strains. Diffusers are great, but if you can't bring one or use one, consider a spritz bottle. You can also use a spritzer to wipe down bathroom fixtures, door handles, etc. too. 2. Diffuse essential oils in the car. You can purchase car diffusers or use a spritzer to get essential oils airborne in your car. Use oils to kill microbes (on guard) or calm rambunctious kids (Serenity), or kill stinky bacteria in a smelly car (citrus bliss or cassia). You can wipe down car interior surfaces or put a few drops on a cotton ball and stick it in a vent. 3. Use on guard wipes. Have on-guard wipes on hand for family members after a potty break or spending time in a public place. 4. Use on guard after swimming or water play. Use on guard to protect against swimmers itch, hot tube rash, and other water-bred issues. Apply on guard to feet after getting out, and swallow 1-2 drops with a small amount of water to strengthen the immune system and kill bacterias that may have been ingested. 5. Spritz bedding before bed time. Spritz bed linins and/or pillows with lavender or serenity about � to 1 hr before bedtime to help kill germs, chase away bed bugs and help induce sleep. You can also use on-guard if you have cleanliness concerns or terrashield if you have insect worries.  6. Use Terrashield
Terrashield neat (no dilution) will protect against mosquitoes, nats, etc. Apply to exposed skin with a sprayer or wipe it on. Effective up to 3 hrs or more, but reapply as needed if sweating or wet. 7. Bites If you don't have the Terrashield or don't get in on in time, you might get a few insect bites. Everyone has different favorites, but these are some oils that have worked for some. Do these in layer, and give them 15 minutes or so to give relief from itching or pain. #1 Clove (analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory) Frankincense (analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory) #2 Basil (Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic) Lavender (analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory) #3 Meleluca (Anti-infectious, antiseptic) Peppermint (analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory) Continue application as needed. The best mix for you will reduce swelling & redness as well as ease pain & itching. 8. Allergies Make a mixture of equal parts lavender, lemon, and peppermint and take them in one of the following ways. The frequency of application will depend on the severity of the allergens. Use as often as needed to eliminate the symptoms. Put 2 drops each of lavender, lemon, and peppermint in a gelatin capsule then take internally. or Drip the oils in a � cup water, swish 10-20 seconds in the mouth and swallow. and/or Blend the oils in your hand, cup and inhale deeply. 9. digest zen A turkey leg, three churros and an Mickey ice cream bar = nausea,upset stomach or constipation. Have your digest zen available. You can rub a couple drops on the abdomen, swig a couple drops with a small amount of water, some even get great results from nausea or motion sickness by cupping a couple drops  in your hands and deeply inhaling for a few minutes. Some find Ginger alone more effective for motion sickness. Use as mentioned above or put a small amount behind the ears. - Yes you read right. My wife adds extra coriander to digest zen or uses it alone for an effective digestive aid. 10. Sunburn Most effective as a analgesic (pain numbing) is Lavender. Very effective for healing is Lavender and Frankincense. Very effective for scaring is Lavender and Helichrysum. Peppermint is excellent for cooling. For sun burns - relief and to avoid blistering and promote quick healing; Consider a spray bottle with Lavender neat (undiluted). To cool and relieve the burning of a sunburn, place 1 cup of distilled water in a clean spray bottle and add 20 drops of peppermint oil. Spray as needed. For 2-3 degree burns consider Lavender and Frankincense applied neat as soon as possible after the burn. As a burn begins to heal, apply Helichrysum to minimize scaring, twice daily directly to burn area. All of these oils are highly antibacterial and will help prevent infection. Note: For serious burns, consult a physician. | 
