Too much sun, though, is not much fun. Long days at the beach, walking in the park, participating in outdoor sports, and barbecuing in the backyard can lead to sunburn. Even when you’re consistently using sunblock, there’s still a chance of ending the day with a painful sunburn, which can lead to skin damage and premature wrinkles.

Using essential oils is a soothing solution for over exposure to the sun. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties that work together to heal the skin and help prevent damage from free radicals.

Before applying topically, mix a few drops of essential oils with carrier oil.

You can use any carrier oil, but coconut is a good choice for sunburn. It’s hydrating, prevents peeling, and heals skin damage.

Argan oil is a soothing choice for sunburn. It moisturizes and revitalizes your skin, plus it’s a free radical neutralizer and helps decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Vitality Extracts also carries almond and jojoba oils to blend with your essential oils.

Here are some essential oils that work well on sunburn:

Peppermint Oil: relieves pain naturally and draws out the heat you may experience with over exposure to the sun, giving a cooling and numbing effect, and providing immediate relief. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties.

Another bonus with peppermint is that if you experience headaches from too much sun, it helps with that, too.

Lavender: is antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, which help you heal quicker from the burn and prevent infection. It also reduces redness, soreness, swelling, and itchiness. Like peppermint, it helps cool and soothe the burned skin.

Frankincense: is a dynamite healer, healing at a cellular level. It’s regenerative and reduces inflammation and scarring.

Eucalyptus: cools your sunburn, draws out the heat, relieves pains, helps you heal quickly, and prevents infection. It contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Ways to treat your sunburn with essential oils:

• Mix essential oil(s) with carrier oil and apply to burned areas
• Make a spray by mixing ¼ cup of fractionated coconut oil, 1 cup of aloe vera juice and 8 drops of your choice of essential oils. Shake and spritz on affected area. Aloe vera is an awesome remedy for sunburned skin. It cools, soothes, and reduces healing time.
• Mix 2-5 drops of essential oils with aloe vera gel and apply.
• Add 8 to 10 drops of essential oils to a cool bath and soak.

Of course, it’s best to avoid staying in the sun too long and the lighter your skin tone, the more likely you are to burn. Those days when you’re outdoors and end up with a bit of a burn, using essential oils is a natural, non-toxic way to ease the pain and keep your skin healthy.

A lot of people use vinegar and baking soda for many of their cleaning supplies. They’re both great and very useful- but adding essential oils to them can really enhance the cleaning power.

As for which essential oils to use in the five green cleaning recipes, you can pick whichever ones you prefer.

Here are five essential oils that have can help make your cleaning easier:

• Lemon is high-ranked—and not just with green cleaning. Look at all the products on the market that are lemon fresh. It’s antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic. It’s great for grease and grime.

• Tea Tree—Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, fungicidal, and insecticide. Tea tree is a good choice for heavy-duty cleaning, even garages. Works well as a disinfectant spray, too.

• Lavender—Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, insecticide and smells oh, so good.

• Peppermint—Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties make it a good choice to add to your DIY cleaning solution.

• Eucalyptus—Antiseptic and antimicrobial—great choice whether you’re cleaning the floor, bathroom, or mirrors.

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5 Essential Oil Recipes for Green Cleaning in Your Home:

1. Sink Scrub

Sprinkle baking soda and a few drops of the essential oil of your choice in your sink. Pour a little vinegar over it and let it bubble for a few minutes before scrubbing. This is also a great mixture to keep your drains unclogged.

1. Tub Scrub

Combine ¾ cup baking soda with ¼ cup of Castile Soap in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of water and 15 drops of tea tree essential oil. Stir until you get a pasty consistency. If you need to, add a little more baking soda.

1. All-Purpose Cleaning Solution

In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of distilled or purified water, 15 drops of lemon essential oil and 10 drops of tea tree.

1. Safe and Simple Mirror Cleaner

In a spray bottle, mix 2/3 cup of white vinegar, 1 1/3 cups of distilled or purified water, and 5 drops of your choice of essential oil—lemon and lavender are great in this recipe. Shake and spray.

1. Toilet Scrub

Mix together 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/3 cup liquid dishwashing soap, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 3/4 cup of distilled or purified water, and 30 drops eucalyptus essential oil. Put into a squeeze bottle or other container. Use it to scrub the toilet and then leave it for about 15 minutes.

There you have it. These five recipes will get you started to a cleaner, greener home. Start your kit today and save up to 70% !

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Before you get started, figure out what carrier oil(s) you’d like to use. Vitality Extracts offers four carrier oils:

• Fractionated Coconut Oil absorbs easily into the skin and doesn’t clog the pores; leaves your skin feeling smooth, not greasy.
• Almond Oil is a great all-purpose carrier oil that is great for dry skin and is enriched with Vitamin E.
• Jojoba Oil provides your skin and hair with nutrients; its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin.
• Argan Oil revitalizes and moisturizes skin, is a powerful anti-oxidant, UV protector, and free radical neutralizer; it can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Choose which essential oil you’d like to use in your DIY shaving cream, after shave, and beard balm. A few nice choices include:

• Lavender Essential Oil—the go-to oil for almost anything and everything. It restores skin complexion and reduces acne, slows aging with powerful antioxidants, and improves eczema and psoriasis.
• Tea Tree Essential Oil—promotes healthy skin, helps with redness, swelling, and inflammation, treats acne and leaves your skin smooth and clear.
• Frankincense Essential Oil— a powerful astringent; protecting skin cells, helps prevent wrinkles and acne, and lifts and tightens skin.
• Lemon Essential Oil—tightens pores and saggy skin, works well on oily skin and helps with acne; reduces the appearance of wrinkles and gives the skin a nice, shiny glow.
• Peppermint Essential Oil—refreshing, soothing, energizing, and invigorating.

Recipe for Shaving Cream

1. In a double boiler, heat and melt 1 tablespoon each of coconut oil and cocoa butter. Remove from heat.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of almond oil and 6 drops of your choice of essential oil(s). Cool for 10 minutes.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Cool to room temp.
4. Using a blender or mixer, whip the mixture for a few minutes until it’s the consistency of shaving cream.
5. Apply and shave. Put the rest in a container for later use.

Recipe for After Shave

In a 2-ounce lotion bottle, combine 1 ounce of witch hazel, ½ teaspoon each of almond oil and vegetable glycerine, 3 drops of Vitamin E oil, and 10 drops of essential oil(s). Fill the bottle with purified of distilled water. Put the lid on and shake it up. Squirt a dab in your hand and apply.

Recipe for After Shave Spray

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, combine ¼ teaspoon of vegetable glycerin, 1/8 teaspoon of jojoba oil, 3 drops of Vitamin E oil, and 15 to 20 drops of essential oil(s). Add purified or distilled water halfway, then add witch hazel until the bottle is almost full. Cover, shake vigorously, and it’s ready to use.

Recipe for Beard Balm

In a double boiler, melt 3 tablespoons of bees wax and ¼ cup of coconut oil over low heat. Remove from heat. Mix in 1 tablespoon of almond oil and 5 drops of essential oil(s). Pour into a 4-ounce jar. Let it cool and you’re ready to go.

These recipes are all quick and easy with natural ingredients, so it doesn’t take long to create the ultimate essential oil shaving kit.

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We use essential oils as a natural remedy for a lot of issues like migraines, stress, muscle pain and more. It makes sense to use all natural ingredients since we use it on our bodies, but what many do not think about using essential oils as a natural remedy for gardening. Why wouldn’t you use essential oils to get rid of insects, rodents, etc in our garden? Whether you use it on fruit, veggies, or on your flowers- it will still effect your own health since you are around them so much (or put them into your body).

Did you know keeping your garden pest-free without toxic chemicals can be easy? There are a number of essential oils to get rid of bugs, insects, weeds, and fungus- you do not need chemicals to do the job.

Fungal Growth

Tea Tree Essential Oil is the essential oil to use to prevent fungal growth.

Add 10 drops of tea tree oil into a four-ounce spray bottle filled with water. Apply a light mist on the stems of your plants to treat, as well as prevent, fungus. Apply it to the soil, too. You can do the same with Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Peppermint, Clove, and Cinnamon oils, which all have powerful fungicidal properties, as well.

Repel Bugs

Rosemary Essential Oil is great for repelling pesky bugs, insects, flies, fleas, and mosquitoes. It even deters the larvae.  Rosemary keeps pesky bugs from eating your plants. If plants are in a pot, you can put a few drops of rosemary on the rim of the pot.

Apart from bugs, if you have a problem with pets, especially cats, it’s rosemary to the rescue. Cats are not fans of the scent of rosemary. Mix with water in a spray bottle and use it on the mulch.

Pests

The scent of Peppermint Essential Oil can keep quite a few uninvited pests such as flies, aphids, ants, fleas, beetles, squash bugs and spiders away from your herb and veggie garden. 

Rodents

The scent of peppermint is also a turnoff to mice and other rodents. Eucalyptus and peppermint are both natural remedies to get rid of moles. Put a few drops of oil on cotton balls. Use a stick or similar object to put the cotton balls into the holes, letting the pests know it’s time to find a new home.

Weeds

Cinnamon Essential Oil is an excellent choice for removing weeds. Simply add a few drops of the oils to a spray bottle filled with water and spray away the weeds.

Thyme and Clove Essential Oil work as deterrents for quite a number of insects, including flying insects.

Try this recipe for insect repellent:

Fill a spray bottle with water and then add 10 drops each of thyme, peppermint, clove, and rosemary oils. Shake before using and spray wherever you have critters you want gone.

Attract Insects You Want To Attract

In addition to repelling pests, you can use essential oils to attract. For example, if you want more butterflies in your garden, put a couple of drops of Lavender, Orange, or Helichrysum Essential Oil on a cotton ball and put it in a plant pot or anywhere else in your garden.

If you want to attract bees for pollination, use Orange Essential Oil. In a four-ounce spray bottle filled with water, add 8 drops of orange essential oil, shake it up, and spray on the buds and flowers.

Enjoy your garden with these natural insecticides and remedies to keep your garden free from unwanted insects, fungus, and other pests.

Lavender essential oil is a nice choice for a facial steam, offering both soothing and healing properties. Tea tree is cleansing, so if you have rashes or blemishes, it’s a good one to try. Eucalyptus is great if you’re congested—it helps with your breathing and your skin. Rosemary helps balance oily skin. Combinations work well, too, such as:

• Lavender and Tea Tree—soothing and cleansing
• Lavender and Rose—skin nourishing combo—rose is an astringent and tightens the skin and lavender, in addition to its healing properties, has anti-inflammatory benefits
• Geranium and Lavender are good for sensitive skin
• Lavender and chamomile—very nice before bedtime, as they both have relaxing, soothing properties
• Tea Tree and Rosemary—for blemishes and oily skin

What To Do:

Your first step is to wash your face as you usually do. In a pot, bring three to four cups of water to a boil. Transfer water to a bowl. Add a drop each of lavender and tea tree oils (or whatever oil you have chosen). Start off with two drops total. You can always add another drop or two. Drape a towel over your head, close your eyes, and lower your face until you’re about 6 to 12 inches above the water. If it feels too hot, bring your head away from the water. Steam for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.  When you’re done steaming, splash your face with water, then apply moisturizer.

Enjoying a spa day at home on a regular basis is relaxing for you and a gift to your skin with lots of benefits and incredible results.

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You may be able to find some beauty products without the toxins—or, an even better approach is to make your own—with all-natural ingredients, of course.

If you choose to use our recipes- you will witness how they work to remove the makeup entirely, you won’t need a toner to remove the excess makeup you can’t see. Our ingredients will also help prevent breakouts and will even out your skin tone. Plus, they only take a few minutes to make and cost a lot less than the store-bought ones.

These recipes call for:

Witch Hazel—a natural astringent with many healing properties. While it can treat acne, it’s also soothes and removes oils from the skin and decreases inflammation.

Cotton pads— can be found online for about 5 cents per pad

Recommended essential oils:

• Tea Tree essential oil is a disinfectant and anti-fungal agent. It helps with acne, but avoid getting it in your eyes—that could cause serious side effects that could affect your vision.
• Frankincense essential oil helps rejuvenate skin and decrease visible signs of aging by acting as an astringent.
• Lavender has a relaxing aroma. It slows aging with powerful antioxidants; restores skin complexion and reduces acne ; improves eczema and psoriasis

RECIPE 1 FOR MAKEUP REMOVER PADS

• Cotton pads, preferably organic
• 2 cups of distilled or purified water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil 
• 1 tablespoon of witch hazel
• 25 drops essential oils (tea tree, lavender, or frankincense are good choices)
• Quart-size Mason jar

Combine all of the other ingredients except the cotton pads into the Mason jar. Shake vigorously. Add a stack of cotton pads into the jar, cover, and shake again, making sure all of the pads are moist.

Use care in the area of your eyes. Since there are essential oils in the recipe, avoid getting any of the solution in your eyes.

RECIPE 2 FOR MAKEUP REMOVER PADS

• 1/2 cup distilled or purified water
• 1 teaspoon of castile soap 
• 1 teaspoon of witch hazel 
• 1 teaspoon avocado oil 
• 8 drops of essential oil (tea tree, lavender, or frankincense)
• Cotton pads, preferably organic

Fill a 4-ounce Mason jar halfway with the cotton pads. Add the remaining ingredients. Make sure they’ve all absorbed the liquid before adding more pads to fill the jar.

These makeup remover pads are great at home and on-the-go. They leave your skin clean and moisturized—and with all-natural ingredients.

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Let’s take a look at the 4 essential oils used in these recipes—all of them are great for your hair.

1. Lavender essential oil—promotes hair growth, helps prevent hair loss, relieves itching; has antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties; soothing to the scalp and is great for all hair types—normal, flaky, dry, and oily. Lavender helps control dandruff and keeps your hair shiny.
2. Rosemary essential oil—improves hair growth and thickness, stimulates the roots, helps prevent baldness, promotes healing, and increases circulation in the scalp. It can also slow graying. Like lavender, it’s good for dandruff and dry scalp, minimizing itching and flakes. Rosemary is ideal for all hair types—from dry hair to oily. It can help prevent split ends, too.
3. Lemon essential oil—especially beneficial on very oily hair, helping to dry up some of the excess oil, although it’s also beneficial for dandruff and flaky scalps, due to its antiseptic benefits. Lemon stimulates circulation, which helps increase hair growth. Effective against lice. Use at night so as to avoid the sunlight, as lemon is a phototoxic essential oil.
4. Peppermint essential oil—good for any hair type, oily to dry; opens the pores producing a balanced flow of oils. Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties help treat dandruff and lice. It reduces skin inflammation, promotes hair growth and thickness, and stimulates the scalp.

Get those beautiful, carefree curls with one of these recipes:

BEACH CURLS RECIPE #1

Mix the following ingredients in a bowl, then pour into a spray bottle:

1 cup of purified or distilled water

1 tablespoon of sea salt

1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel

1 tablespoon of fractionated coconut carrier oil

6 drops of Lavender essential oil

BEACH WAVES RECIPE #2

In a bowl, whisk together:

2 tablespoons for Epsom salt

1 tablespoon of fractionated coconut carrier oil

2 cups of hot distilled or purified water

5 drops of Rosemary essential oil

5 drops of Lemon essential oil

Pour into a spray bottle.

BEACH WAVES RECIPE #3

In a spray bottle, combine:

½ teaspoon of sea salt

1 ½ teaspoons of fractionated coconut carrier oil

10 drops of Peppermint essential oil

5 drops of Lavender essential oil

½ cup of purified or distilled water

2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

5 drops of Vitamin E

When you are ready to use your DIY Beach Curl Spray, shake well, spray on damp hair, scrunch hair with your hands, and air dry.

Even if you haven’t been near the beach, be prepared to hear: “Damn, Girl! Did You Just Step Off the Beach?!”

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First thing in the morning, I brush my teeth with my homemade toothpaste, as do my kids. It only takes a few minutes to make and lasts for a couple of weeks or longer. It’s so simple—mix 2/3 of cup of baking soda with 10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil. Add a dash of sea salt, if you want. Mix and stir in purified water to the consistency you desire.

Time to get breakfast going, but first I get the diffuser going. I like peppermint, which is good for digestion and gets the blood flowing.  Energy Essential Oil Blend is definitely one of my morning favorites. It’s uplifting, helps clear and stimulate my mind, and increases energy. It’s a blend of Rosemary, Juniper Berry, Juniper Needle, Silver Fir Needle, Lemongrass, Clove, Nutmeg, and Black Pepper. In addition, it can help reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, rejuvenate mind & body, and balance stress & anxiety.

Orange is another nice morning fragrance. It makes me want to get moving and take on the day. Sometimes I mix it with Lemon or Grapefruit Essential Oils.

Topically, I apply a combo of a few drops of peppermint with a few drops of orange mixed in coconut oil to help the kids focused. I often apply it to their feet, where the pores are larger. Vetiver is another great essential oil you can use for focus.

Remember to experiment to see which essential oils work best for you and your kids – do a test patch to make sure there are no allergies.

As I get dressed, I use my homemade essential oils deodorant. Like my toothpaste, it’s quick and easy to make. A small container lasts me several weeks. I use ¼ cup of coconut oil, 1/8 cup each of baking soda and arrowroot powder, and five drops of Lavender Essential Oil.

Out the door and in the car we go—sounds stressful right? But practicing aromatherapy using a car diffuser makes it easy! I switch out the essential oils, depending on everyone’s moods. Or if someone has a stuffy nose, I use Eucalyptus or Breathe Easy Essential Oil Blend, which contains Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Australian Tea Tree, Lemon, Siberian Fir Needle, Cardamom, European Bay Laurel Leaf. It helps increase the lungs capacity to breathe, clear the sinuses, and relieve congestion. If one of the kids is nervous about a test or report—we use Lavender or Stress Away in the car diffuser.

To remain sane, all moms need a little grounding during the day,  so my secret is I put frankincense on my diffuser bracelet. When I’m at home, I like to keep the diffuser going most of the day and evening. It makes the house smell so good, plus it’s therapeutic.

Using essential oils, bedtime has never been easier. Before bedtime, Lavender goes in the diffuser while reading to the kids to help them.

For skin lotions, coconut oil with lavender is tops on my list. It helps keep me calm and I use it on everyone’s feet before bedtime to help with sleeping.

Off to bed they go. Quiet time for me. During meditation, Frankincense is my go-to essential oil.

For alone time with my husband, Ylang ylang Essential Oil’s aroma is sensual, exotic, and rich. It’s also known to reduce stress and induce calmness, which is nice if either of us has had a hectic day.

After a peaceful night’s sleep, I wake up refreshed and energetic and ready to tackle on another busy day!

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While bacteria boosts the immune system and it’s okay to touch things without fear of “catching” something, there are times we want to wash our hands and there’s no soap and water. That’s when hand sanitizers come in handy, but even products labeled organic or natural may contain some toxic ingredients.

To avoid the chemicals, you can make your own and you’ll know exactly what you’re putting on your skin. Instead of triclosan or other antibacterial agents, you can use essential oils in your DIY hand sanitizer (we recommend our Immunity Essential Oil Blend) that are not hazardous to you and your family, choosing oils with anti-bacterial properties, while adding a nice fragrance.

Here is what you need before you begin:

• Spray Bottle
• Small Jar
• Essential Oil
• Witch Hazel
• Vitamin E

Instructions: 

1. 5 drops of Immunity Essential Oil Blend (Antimicrobial & Antibacterial)
2. 5 drops of Witch Hazel (Antiseptic & Antiviral)
3. 5 drops of Vitamin E (Nutrient and an antioxidant; nourishes and moisturizes the skin)
4. Fill jar with filtered water ( Approx 1/4 cup)
5. Mix and fill into 1 oz bottle

Note: you can substitute our Immunity Essential Oil Blend for Citrus Kiss Blend, Tea Tree Oil, Orange, or Lemon.

Because we love all natural solutions, here is another easy DIY Hand Sanitizer:

Mix the following ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel (it nourishes and moisturizes the skin)
• 5 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil (it is antiseptic, disinfectant, and anti-fungal agent that kills of bacteria)
• 1 teaspoon of Vitamin E
• Filtered water ( Approx 1/4 cup)
• Fill bottle & spray away!

Morning Body Mist Recipe

This recipe is super easy because the blend is already made—Vitality Extracts Energy Blend. It’ll give you a boost and help uplift your mood, stimulate your mind, and increase your energy.

Energy Blend can increase blood flow, clear the mind, rejuvenate mind and body, and balance stress & anxiety. Nice way to start the day. It’s a combination of Rosemary, Juniper Berry, Juniper Needle, Silver Fir Needle, Lemongrass, Clove, Nutmeg, and Black Pepper.

Using a two-ounce glass spray bottle, add 1 teaspoon of alcohol-free witch hazel, ¼ cup of distilled water, and 15 drops of Energy Blend. Put the cap on the bottle and shake to blend. Also shake it before each use. Spray around your body, hair, and clothes.

Midday Body Mist Recipe

This recipe is uplifting and good for a middle-of-the-day pick me up. Follow the recipe for the Morning Body Mist.

For essential oils, use:

• 6 drops of Peppermint
• 6 drops of Orange
• 2 to 3 drops of Frankincense

Peppermint Essential Oil is antiviral and anti-inflammatory, cleansing the air from bacteria and viruses. It increases blood flow and can also help reduce physical discomfort of pain, as well as help heal wounds.

Just the fragrance of Orange Essential Oil is enough to perk you up. Orange has antibacterial properties—a natural disinfectant. It’s invigorating to both body and mind, improves immune function, and clears the lymphatic system.

Frankincense Essential Oil has soothing and rejuvenating properties and helps increase energy and enhance your mood. It’s also good for relaxation and grounding. Frankincense is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, and also strengthens the immune system.

Nighttime Body Mist Spray Recipe

Misting this nighttime spray on your body and linens, especially your pillow, is a great way to set the mood for a pleasant night’s sleep.

Using the recipe for Morning Body Mist Spray, substitute the morning essential oils for either 15 drops of lavender or 15 drops of Vitality Extracts Sweet Dreams Blend.

Lavender Essential Oil can be very beneficial for improving sleep, reducing anxiety and emotional stress, alleviating headaches, and even slows aging with powerful
antioxidants. It’s healing oil can help your skin, improving eczema and psoriasis, and reducing acne.

Sweet Dreams Essential Oil Blend combines Orange, Juniper Berry, Lavender, German Chamomile, and Coriander Seed. This blend helps with insomnia, improves the quality and duration of sleep, calms the nerves and clears the mind. This calming mixture eases mental exhaustion and stress, and is also an antidepressant.

Tip: You may want to use a funnel to get the witch hazel and water into the spray bottle. Quick and easy recipes for your homemade body mist sprays. Just shake and spray!