How to Protect and Care for Yourself This Summer

The old saying goes: ''Be prepared for anything''. So we will be this summer.

Sunburns?

With the sun at its peak these last few days, it's very tempting to lie down on the grass or on a lounge chair to enjoy it. Even when protected with the best sunscreen, the exposure time may be too long and our skin may burn despite our best efforts.

Ouch!!! It does hurt. The most important thing if this happens is, first, to drink lots of water. When the skin is overexposed to the sun, commonly called a sunburn, the body is dehydrated from the inside and the outside. It is therefore essential to rehydrate it. Second, you need to soothe the skin and help it heal. Aloe Vera Gel is ideal as a topical application for sunburns, minor burns and abrasions. The gel found in aloe leaves contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal compounds that can help relieve pain, prevent infection and speed up healing.

For faster relief and healing, mix a few drops of lavender and/or chamomile essential oil into the Aloe Vera gel and apply to the affected area.

Pesky mosquitoes?

What's more tiresome than a mosquito buzzing around your head, eager to bite you, especially when you're trying to enjoy nature? Did you know that essential oils, because of their concentration and strong scents, are excellent mosquito repellents? In fact, the best ones are peppermint, lavender, melaleuca (tea tree) and citronella. Combine a few drops of these oils in a spray bottle and add a little liquid soap to mix the oils. You can also apply it on yourself to keep mosquitoes away, and also, if you do get bitten, to stop the inflammation and pain (itching). In that case, mix a few drops of one or each of the oils into Aloe Vera gel and apply the gel on yourself.

Sprains and sore muscles?

For some, summer means sports: cycling, running, walking, hiking, water sports, golf, etc. After a few months of inactivity, getting back into sports can lead to sore muscles, strains, sprains or arthritic pain. Tei-Fu lotion combined with Lobelia offers instant relief from muscle and arthritic pain. Lobelia, a wonderful versatile plant, must be applied first. It will activate circulation and help decongest the affected area. Then, we apply the Tei-Fu lotion, which will give a cooling and then a warming sensation. This combination is ideal not only to relieve pain but, with repeated use, it also treats the area to the point where you no longer feel any pain. Of course, other factors can be behind this inflammation, such as poor hydration, poor digestion, not warming up before exercise, etc.

We are fully equipped to enjoy a wonderful summer savouring life's little joys, including the joy of being out in Nature. Happy summer ?