Summer is the season of adventure, relaxation, and sun-soaked fun. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, unwinding with a refreshing drink, or ensuring your skin stays protected, essential oils can enhance your summer experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover essential oils for your first aid kit, delicious oil-infused cocktails and mocktails, and the benefits of using doTERRA's mineral sunscreen.
Essential Oils for Your Summer Adventures
It’s that time of year where people start pulling out their hiking and camping gear. I live in Colorado and there are so many beautiful places to hike, so my family and I go often.
With the outdoors comes uncomfortable situations – insects, sunburns, scraped knees – you get the point. I have some natural, safe, and effective solutions for you to pack in your hiking bag this summer.
Check out my video tutorial of what I keep in my hiking pack and how I use them on the trail.
Here's a little more info on the essential oils that you must keep in your hiking pack and how to use them. These oils are versatile, natural remedies that can address various concerns you might encounter on your adventures.
Peppermint
Peppermint is perfect for cooling down on hot days and soothing tired muscles. A drop or two on the back of your neck can provide instant refreshment. It is also great for digestion, repels bugs, and supports healthy respiratory function. Peppermint is a great option to rub on your chest when doing an intense hike to really open up your airways. It will also help to repel those pesky bugs.
Helichrysum Oil
Benefits of Helichrysum
- Also called Liquid Stitches
- Rejuvenating Benefits to the Skin
- Helps reduce the appearance of blemishes
- Helps to soothe the skin
I use Helichrysum for cuts and abrasions while camping or hiking. I hike a lot with my daughter and if you have children, you know that children are prone to falling down or getting scraped up while in the woods.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is one of the most versatile oils, I rarely go anywhere without it.
Benefits of Lavender
- Soothing for the skin
- Calming for the brain when inhaled
- Can be used to soothe skin after sunburns
I like having both forms of these oils with me when I go hiking. The Lavender Touch oil already pre-diluted and can easily be applied to the skin for soothing. Lavender Oil in its original form is also great when you just need the undiluted version of the oil.
It is important when hiking to keep the weight you are carrying as light as possible, so for the other oils, I use sample vails and carry those with me. However, I carry the full bottles Lavender and Helichrysum, those two oils are so essential that I do not risk not having enough of each one.
Tea Tree
With its powerful cleansing properties, tea tree oil is a go-to for treating cuts, scrapes, and bug bites.
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
- Natural Antiseptic
- Natural Insect Repellent
- Soothes Skin
I like to use Tea Tree Oil on abrasions when camping or hiking. First, I clean the abrasion with some water, then I use a little bit of Tea Tree Oil, and finally I follow that up with some Helichrysum before applying a bandage.
Correct-X
Correct-X is multi-purpose natural skin ointment that helps soothe skin, acts as a moisture barrier, and encourages the skin’s natural ability to return to a healthy state after distress.
Correct-X contains Frankincense, Helichrysum, Tea Tree, Cedarwood, and Lavender. This ointment is petroleum and preservative free. This can also be applied to abrasions before covering with a bandage.
Deep Blue Rub Samples
Deep Blue Rub is an essential item for long hiking trips. It can be used for soothing head, neck, and muscle tension. Nothing sounds worse than being on a long hike and experiencing muscle tension and not being able to get relief.
These sample packets are pre-measured packets that are great for keeping that hiking pack light.
Deep Blue Polyphenol Complex
These capsules can be used to support soothing throughout the body.
I carry a couple of these capsules in small Ziplock bag
TerraShield Essential Oil Blend
This is doTERRAs “Outdoor Blend” and acts as a natural insect repellent.
OnGuard Essential Oil Blend
This is doTERRA’s “Protective Blend.”
Benefits of OnGuard Essential Oil
- cleansing the hands
- for an immune boost
- tension
There is also a hand sanitizer spray form of this oil as well that would be great for cleansing dirty hands.
doTERRA has a keychain pouch that comes with 8 mini sample vials – this is a simple way to take your oils on camping and hiking trips.
You can find that keychain and all any other oils you need at my shop link below.
Non-doTERRA Items to Keep in Your Hiking Pack
- Mole Skin
- Gloves
- Pocket Knife
- Tweezers
- Gauze
- High quality Band-Aids
- Matches
- Ace Bandages
- Duct Tape
- Safety Pins
After Sun Spray
Another consideration for the summer months is an after-sun spray. You can use this spray to soothe skin after a long day in the sun.
Ingredients
- 10 drops of Frankincense
- 10 drops of Lavender
- 5 drops of Peppermint
- 5 drops of Geranium
- ½ ounce of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Top with water
Directions:
- In a 4oz spray bottle combine the ingredients listed.
- Shake and spray before use.
Needing a spray bottle for your after-sun spray?
No matter what adventures you pursue this summer, I recommend keeping these oils and tips close by.
Refreshing Cocktails and Mocktails
After a day of adventure, there's nothing better than relaxing with a cool drink in hand. Essential oil-infused cocktails and mocktails offer a delightful way to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of oils while treating your taste buds. All of these drinks are super fun and easy to make. The only special kitchen appliance you will need is a blender. All of these drinks can be made into mock-tails by leaving out the alcohol. You will notice that the essential oils give each drink a burst of flavor that you can’t get with just the citrus rind.
Many of these recipes are crowd sourced from other essential oil users.
Essential Oil Infused Spritzers
Ingredients
- Frozen Fruit of your choice
- Sparkling water
- 1 shot of vodka
- 2-3 drops of citrus essential oil (Wild Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime)
Add frozen fruit to the bottom of your cup, you can eyeball this. Add 1 shot of Vodka, 2-3 drops of whichever essential oil you want to use, and then fill to the top of your glass with sparkling water.
Watch the video below to see me make two of these spritzers.
These spritzers are really good, because there is no ice to water down the drink since you are using frozen fruit.
The doTERRA essential oils that have supplemental facts on the back are all safe for internal use. This is only true for doTERRA Essential Oils, I cannot speak for other essential oil companies.
Need Essential Oils?
Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz of tequila
- 2 freshly squeezed limes
- 1 squirt agave
- 2 drops Wild Orange essential oil
- Himalayan Salt (to garnish rim)
Fill shaker with ice. Add ingredients to the shaker and shake well. Serve in a rocks glass over ice.
Benefits of Wild Orange essential oil
- Contains antioxidant that protect against free radicals when taken internally
- Promotes overall health
- Adds a burst of flavor to drinks
Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 2 oz of vodka
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 1 drop Ginger essential oil
- ½ fresh squeezed lime
- Garnish with lime and mint sprig
Directions:
Mix ingredients and pour over ice.
Benefits of Ginger Essential Oil
- Supports healthy digestion system
- Eases occasional indigestion
- Eases occasional nausea
Sangria
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sugar
- ¼ cup Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 ½ cups club soda
- Sliced strawberries (about 1 cup)
- 1-2 oranges, ½ lemon, ½ lime all sliced
- 2 drops Wild Orange essential oil
- 1 drop Lime essential oil
Directions:
Mix sugar, essential oils and Cointreau in a pitcher until sugar is dissolved. Add the wine, club soda, and fruit. Chill for about an hour before serving.
Mojito
Ingredients
- 3 mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lime juice
- ½ (1 tablespoon) maple syrup
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) white rum
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) soda water
- 1 drop Spearmint essential oil
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves with lime juice, Spearmint and syrup. Add the rum and fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold. Place ice into a glass, and strain in the liquid. Top off the glass with soda water. Garnish with additional mint leaves.
Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil
- Promotes digestion
- Eases occasional stomach upset
Lemon/Lavender Martini
Ingredients
- 3 oz Vanilla Vodka
- ½ fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lavender simple syrup
Lavender Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 2-5 drops of doTERRA Lavender essential oil
Directions:
- First make the simple syrup. Heat water and sugar until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add essential oils and cool completely before adding to the lemon martini.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Add the vanilla vodka, lemon juice, and lavender syrup. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain liquid into chilled martini glass.
Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil
- Has calming qualities
- Reduces anxious feelings
- Adds a flavorful twist to drinks and desserts
Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey
- 3 oz cherry juice
- ½ fresh squeezed lemon
- 1 drop On Guard Blend
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Garnish with orange rind and a cherry
Directions:
Fill shaker with ice. Add ingredients to the shaker and shake well. Serve over ice.
Benefits of On Guard Essential Oil
- Immune booster
- Contains purifying and cleansing properties
- Supports digestive system
Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 2 oz cucumber juice
- ½ fresh squeezed lime
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 drop Spearmint oil
- Top with soda water
- Garnish with sprig of mint
Directions:
Fill shaker with ice. Add ingredients to the shaker and shake well. Serve over crushed ice.
Watermelon Margarita
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon
- ½ c tequila
- ¼ c triple sec
- 1/3 c fresh squeezed lime
- 1 drop Lime essential oil
- 1 tsp agave (if desire sweeter)
- 1 cup ice
- Himalayan salt for rim & watermelon to garnish
Cut watermelon and freeze on baking sheet for at least 6 hours. Add ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour in martini glass.
Benefits of Lime Essential Oil
- Supports healthy immune function
- Has energizing properties
- Use as an internal cleanser
Drink Recipes Without Alcohol
Spearmint Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
- 10 lemons, juiced
- 8 cups water
- 2 drops Spearmint oil
Directions:
Juice roughly eight lemons (you’ll want two cups of lemon juice; use more lemons, if needed, to get to that amount). Add the water and lemon juice to sugar and stir everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved, 1-2 minutes. Add spearmint oil and stir. Chill the lemonade until ready to serve.
Honey Ginger Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 1-2 Tablespoons ginger, juiced
- 3 lemons juiced
- 3-5 drops of Lemon oil
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup raw honey
- 1 cup ice
Directions:
Juice lemons and ginger. (To juice ginger, add ginger pieces to a juicer or a blender) Separate pulp from the juice with a cheesecloth. Combine all ingredients into a two-quart pitcher. Mix well. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Makes to quarts.
Benefits of Lemon Essential Oil
- Supports healthy respiratory systems
- Aids in digestion
If you are planning to have a 4th of July BBQ or a summer celebration, try setting up a sparkling water bar, with ingredients to make the essential oil infused spritzers. Everyone will have pretty drinks to sip on, they have the choice of alcohol or no alcohol, and ultimately, they get to choose the flavors of their drinks. I promise this will be a huge hit at any summer party.
It wouldn't be an official summer celebration without snacks, so check out the article below for some delicious recipes that will be a hit at any event.
These drinks are not only tasty but also provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, making your relaxation time even more special. Ingesting essential oils can support digestion, boost your immune system, and enhance your mood.
Don't Forget Your Sunscreen!
Spending time outdoors is wonderful, but protecting your skin is essential. doTERRA's mineral sunscreen offers a natural and effective way to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
doTERRA Sun Care Lineup
- Face and Body Sunscreen
- Spray Sunscreen
- Stick Sunscreen
- After Sun Spray
The dōTERRA Sun product line includes a series of safe, natural products. When creating this line, doTERRA knew they had to meet three key objectives to create products they were proud to introduce to the market.
First, the products needed to be good for all skin types. The formulas they’ve chosen are nourishing, antioxidant-rich, and hydrating. They also leave minimal residue, so they accommodate all skin tones!
Second, the products needed to be environmentally conscious. All formulas are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Plus, they’re reef-safe! They can be used in places that restrict sunscreens that aren’t reef-safe, and they’ll help keep our underwater ecosystems healthier and happier.
What does Reef-Safe Mean?
- Terms like reef-safe or reef friendly mean the sunscreen doesn’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Studies show these UV-blocking chemicals can cause coral bleaching.
- When coral bleaches, it’s still alive but under severe stress, which leaves it susceptible to disease and death.
- All doTERRA products are reef safe.
Third, the products needed to have clean, green formulas. On top of being mineral-powered by non-nano zinc oxide, every dōTERRA Sun product is free of harsh, synthetic ingredients—including oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates, and more.
doTERRA thought of everything when creating this sun care line, the sunscreen comes in three different delivery systems: lotion formula with convenient flip cap, stick formula with a thick twist up tube, and spray formula packaged in an aluminum non-aerosol spray bottle. All three formulas are at least SPF 30, water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and broad spectrum protective, which means they block both UVB and UVA rays. To round out their sun care line doTERRA also created an After Sun Soothing Body Spray.
Suggestions to Stay Safe in the Sun
- Seek Shade or Stay Indoors from 10 am to 4 pm
- Wear a Wide Brimmed Hat
- Wear Protective Clothing
- Wear Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection
- Use Sunscreen that is SPF 30 or Higher.
- Reapply often.
The doTERRA Sun products can be used all year long, but I especially recommend keeping them on hand for all your summertime adventures. You can get all these products in a set or purchase individually. I recommend buying the set so that you can try the different formulas and decide which one you like best, but at the very least I would get at least one version of the sunscreen and the After Sun Spray. If you have kids I recommend trying the spray or stick formulas for faster application. Enjoy the sun, but keep your skin protected.
Tips for a Safe and Fun Summer
To ensure you have the best summer ever, here are a few extra tips:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
- Use natural sunscreen and essential oils to keep your skin healthy and protected.
- Always have a small first aid kit handy, especially when exploring the great outdoors.
Stay blissed and enjoy your summer adventures!
Want to create a personalized roller blend for your Zodiac Sign?
Sign up below and receive your free copy of this ebook.
Other Articles You May Enjoy