One of the great things about camping is the ability to re-connect and commune with nature. But every upside has a down side and dealing with mosquitoes and other insects and insect bites, as well as unexpected minor injuries that can come up, is definitely one of the downsides of camping.
Here’s a quick list of natural remedy type items to bring with you to help you cope if you wind up being an unlucky camper.
Essential Oils for First Aid:
Tea Tree [Antiseptic, antibacterial, speeds wound healing and doesn’t need to be diluted before applying. It also acts as an insect repellant and can be used to treat insect bites. A drop in a cup of peppermint or chamomile tea can relief upset stomach and diarrhea.]
Lavender [Excellent for soothing minor breakouts and bug bites, heals minor burns and cuts, relieves muscle tension and headaches and calms your nerves. Can help you get to sleep if you’re feeling restless or anxious. Can be used neat (i.e. without dilution) directly on burns and to soothe insect bites.]
Peppermint [Analgesic –use for pain relief but always dilute it properly first. Can help relieve nausea and upset stomach. It’s cooling and stimulating and can also help decongest a stuffy nose.]
Eucalyptus [Great for sinus trouble –especially congestion– use it instead antihistamines or decongestants. Clears the mind and improves focus and alertness which can come in handy during long drives. It’s also a natural insect repellant but should be diluted accordingly.]
Lemon [Antiseptic, refreshing. Add a drop to your dish soap to help cut grease. Add to a drop to your drinking water to purify it. Lemon can help relieve itching from insect bites or unexpected skin eruptions and can bring clarity when there is confusion. Be sure to dilute it properly before applying to the skin –too much can be photo-toxic and lead to sunburn.]
Geranium [Reduces inflammation, bleeding, and infection from wounds. The scent also relieves anxiety, depression, irrational behavior and stress. Mixes well with Lavender and Lemon and is a natural insect repellent.]
In addition to their value as effective healing tools in your first aid kit, the peppermint, lemon and even the lavender oils can be used to enhance your food and beverages while camping. Use very sparingly though.
Other items you should bring on a camping trip include:
Jojoba, Safflower, Coconut or Olive Oil [Use as a carrier oil base for your essential oils (all of these are excellent skin care and moisturizing oils that can double up as sun tan oils and hair conditioner as well). Depending on the length of your stay, you can probably do fine with a 6 or 8 oz bottle. Since coconut oil solidifies in cooler temperatures, you’ll need to put it in a jar if that’s your oil of choice.]
Aloe Vera Gel [For relief from sunburns and other minor burns [Buy a natural version of this in a natural foods store. Hint: If it’s green or neon blue it’s not natural]! Again, anywhere from 4 oz to 8 oz should be plenty for a short camping trip.]
Witch Hazel [Use a carrier for essential oil blends.]
Rescue Remedy Flower Essence [Take a dropper full of this internally to help you cope with any kind of trauma –minor or major. It really works!]
Arnica Gel [For bruises and minor aches and pains.]
Calendula Hand Salve or Cream [Use as a first-aid cream or salve because of its antimicrobial, healing and regenerative properties.]
Cornflower Hydrosol [Use this in place of eye drops for dry and/or itchy allergy eyes. Do a skin patch test before using to ensure you are not allergic [see our post on essential oil safety]. If you have no allergy or reaction, then place hydrosol in a clean well-sterilized glass bottle with a fine mist spray top and spritz once into each eye.]
Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide Sunblock [The safest form of sunscreen on the market today.]
