Sunburn, bug bites, dry skin, hair, etc… Well, before you rush off to purchase your latest stash of summer essentials, why not try making your own? Not only will they be free of nasty chemicals and bursting with natural goodness, but they are easy and fun to make!

Herbal remedies are generally safe to use, but you should not treat any undiagnosed problem. Seek professional advice before using herbs and essential oils on children, if you have a medical problem or you are pregnant. Always refer to a reputable herbalist and ensure correct identification before use. Check you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients and if you do experience an allergic reaction, discontinue use and see your doctor. Essential oils must not be used internally or in the eyes.

For best results, always use natural bases and quality herbs and essential oils. There is a list of suppliers at the end of this article.

Sun protection
Sun protection is essential to protect your skin against harmful UV rays and prevent premature skin ageing. There are plenty or natural/organic sun screens available to purchase on the internet or from health stores. Choose a cream or lotion that is packed with natural oils, colour and perfume free and is free from parabens, chemical preservatives or additives.

Shea butter is solid oil that’s extracted from the nut of the shea or karit tree. High in fatty acids, vitamins A and E, shea butter is an excellent skin moisturiser. In West Africa, it is traditionally used to protect the skin from the sun.

Hydrate the body with plenty of regular cold drinks, preferably plain water. Water is the cheapest and most effective beauty treatment and will plump up skin cells!

After-sun care
After a day in the sun, the skin can feel dry, thirsty and possibly burned. Drink lots of water and take a cool shower with a natural gel.

After-sun shower gel
Blend together 100ml of natural, perfume/colour free shower gel with 15 drops of Roman chamomile, 5 drops of rosemary and 10 drops of lavender essential oils. Shake well and use as required.

Soothing after-sun lotion
This lotion will hydrate, nourish and soothe sore skin.

Mix together 75ml of a natural, white, perfume/colour free lotion with 25ml of avocado carrier oil. Add the following essential oils: 15 drops of lavender and 15 drops of sandalwood. Shake well, chill and use after showering.

Sunburn
If sunburn is severe, or the person is unwell, seek medical advice. For general sunburn, drink plenty of water and apply a cooling compress with the ingredients below.

Add 3 drops each of lavender and eucalyptus (eucalyptus smithii) essential oils and a peppermint teabag, to a medium bowl of tepid – cool (not cold) – water. Soak a flannel in the water, wring out excess water and apply to affected area. Re-soak and replace every 5 minutes, several times. Pat skin dry and apply aloe vera gel and lavender (2 drops of essential oil – 1 teaspoon of gel).

The compress recipe can also be used for a cooling foot bath.

Itchy, sore eyes
The eyes can get tired and itchy during summer due to pollen, dust or sensitivity to sunlight.

To calm and soothe the eyes, place 2 organic chamomile teabags in tepid water for a couple of minutes. Take them out and gently squeeze out excess water. Apply the teabags to closed eyes and lie down for a while. This method can also be helpful for summer headaches and tension.

Facial skin care
Facial skin can become dull, chapped and dry during summer. In addition to your daily routine, exfoliate and apply a nourishing face mask weekly.

Invigorating scrub
This scrub will gently remove dead skin cells, invigorate and refresh the skin.

Take a handful of washed, natural oatmeal and place into a circle of muslin. Add a couple of handfuls of fresh rose petals, mint, basil or melissa leaves. Tie contents up with a ribbon. Wet and gently rub over cleansed face with circular movements.

Nourishing fruit mask
This invigorating mask will soothe and replenish dry, tired skin.

Mash together the pulp of half of a ripe avocado, a few slices of banana, one strawberry and 3 teaspoons of honey. Apply to cleansed skin and cover eyes with cucumber slices. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse off thoroughly. Moisturise with a coconut or jojoba oil.

De-fuzz
Keeping summer skin hair and rash free can be a bit of a chore! Waxing and sugaring give good results, but you will need to grow the hair before having it removed.

If you use a razor, try replacing your usual gel or cream with almond oil (do not use if you have nut allergy).  Apply during shaving and the results will be hair free, silky smooth skin. An application of cool, aloe vera gel will soothe the area after (also good for men to use after shaving).

Little things that bite!
Keep flying bugs at bay by hanging bunches of nettles in your doorways. Alternatively, diffuse 8 drops of lemongrass essential oil and a little water in an oil burner. Pure citronella candles are also useful.To protect the skin from bites, make a repellent gel.

Day time insect repellent
Aloe vera gel makes a perfect base, as it is easily absorbed and good for the skin.

Make up a blend of 100ml of aloe vera gel and 10 drops each of lavender, geranium and rosemary essential oils. Mix well and apply to skin (avoiding the eyes) at least 10 minutes before going out.

Evening insect repellent
This recipe has the addition of lemongrass essential oil, which is an excellent insect repellent, but can irritate the skin if you are sensitive. It is also not a good oil to apply before going out in strong sunlight, so best left for evenings. Follow the recipe above, but omit the rosemary and add 10 drops of lemongrass instead. Use as directed above.

To test for skin sensitivity, apply a small amount of the blend behind your ear, or inside of your elbow. Leave for 24 hrs, if there is no irritation, the blend should be fine to use.

Refreshing summer tea
This deliciously refreshing tea can be served warm or iced. The following recipe is for one person.

Place together one peppermint teabag, a couple of mint and lemon balm (Melissa) leaves and infuse for 10 minutes in a mug of boiling water. Strain, add lemon slices and honey to sweeten.

Herby ice cubes
Freezing fresh herbs is an excellent way to preserve them for winter and they also make a pretty addition to your summer drinks. Add 2 fresh leaves to water and freeze. Suggested herbs are basil, peppermint, lemon balm, oregano, sweet marjoram and rose petals.

Article by Julie Burke
SPA.ITEC.Cert.Ed. Reiki Master
Complementary Therapists Association
for Third Age.

Information & Suppliers:
The following are sources for products and information, but are not necessarily recommended by the author of this article.

Aromatherapy Base Creams, Lotions, Gels, Shampoos and Conditioners:
www.quinessence.com/aromatherapy

Essential Oils, Aromatherapy Products, Herbal Remedies, Natural Remedies:
www.baldwins.co.uk/

Aromatherapy – Pure Essential Oils:
www.kobashi.com/

Shea Butter (Fair Trade):
www.akomaskincare.co.uk/

Chemical Free Sunscreens:
www.thenaturalskincarecompany.co.uk/