Essential oils have been around for centuries, almost as long as the earliest recordings of human beings, and have been used for the healing of many maladies. Utilizing essential oils at the campground is a great way to support your body, reduce your toxic burden to chemicals and fragrance, and stay healthy while on the road.

Add these 4 little bottles to your camping “medicine cabinet” and you’ll be prepared for just about anything you encounter. They pack a punch with their compact size and multifunctional capabilities, which means no more packing an extra tote with all of your full-size containers!

Many essential oils can be applied neat—undiluted/full strength—to the body while others need to be used with a carrier oil or lotion. Please do not use on pets and take caution with very small children. Essential oils are very potent and some folks may be highly sensitive. Best way to find out how sensitive you are is to do a patch test before using. Take a sterile cotton ball, add 1 drop of oil and apply it to the inner side of your elbow—holding in place with a bandaid or piece of tape. Wait a few hours and if you have no reaction you are good to go! If you notice any burning, itching or tingling sensation, remove immediately and wash affected area with a mild soap and cold water. Apply aloe or coconut oil to irritated area and allow to breathe.

**Never allow essential oils to get in, around, or near the eyes.**

Tip! Did you know the palms of our hands and the soles of our feet do not have sebaceous glands? When essential oils are applied to the soles of the feet, traces can be found throughout the body in as little as 20 minutes! Sebaceous glands block the absorption of oils which means the palms and soles have no barrier between the essential oils and our pores. They are more readily absorbed into the body and able to go to work faster when applied to the feet!

I have carried these four oils with me for over 15 years and never travel anywhere without them. Currently you will find them in the cupholder of my truck as I drive across the country exploring!

Top 4 Essential Oils For Girl Camping

Lavender — antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory.

For bug bites, tick bites, stings, small cuts, scrapes and burns: Immediately apply a drop or two directly to affected area. Lavender takes the sting and itch away pronto. When using on small cuts or scrapes some stinging will occur.

For bruises and sprains: Mix 40 drops of lavender with 1 ounce of carrier oil such as jojoba, olive, grapeseed, or coconut. Gently rub on affected area. Reapply 2-3 times per day. If skin irritation occurs, reduce to 20 drops

For sunburn: Mix 20 drops of lavender with 1 ounce of carrier oil, fragrance free lotion or aloe vera. Apply to affected area as needed.

For sleeping 1: Pour 1-2 drops into the palm of you hand. Rub palms together quickly to “warm” and then cup palms over nose and mouth. Set an intention such as “My body is calm, my mind is calm, I am calm.” Inhale deeply through your nose, pause briefly, and slowly release the breath. Repeat 5-6 times. You may also add 2–3 drops to a sterile cotton ball instead of your palms.

For sleeping 2: Apply a few drops neat to the soles of your (clean) feet and massage in for a few minutes. When finished, cup hands over nose and mouth and follow procedure above.

Grapefruit — stimulates circulation, increases energy, enhances mood, and improves digestion.

For an afternoon pick-me-up or boost: Pour 1-2 drops into the palm of you hand. Rub palms together quickly to “warm” and then cup palms over nose and mouth. Set an intention such as “My body is energized, my mind is awake, I am alert.” Inhale deeply through your nose, pause briefly, and slowly release the breath. Repeat 5-6 times. You may also add 2–3 drops to a sterile cotton ball instead of your palms.

To improve digestion: Dilute with equal parts carrier oil, fragrance-free lotion, or aloe vera and apply in a clockwise motion to abdomen.

To reduce cravings: Dab a sterile cotton ball in melted (not hot) coconut oil and then add 4-5 drops grapefruit essential oil. Dab on pulse points on wrists, neck and upper chest. This will also boost circulation!

Peppermint — antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antispasmodic and soothes digestion.

For soothing aching feet and sore muscles: Mix 20 drops of peppermint with 1 ounce of carrier oil such as jojoba, olive, grapeseed, or coconut. (Reduce by half if highly sensitive skin.) Gently rub on the soles of the feet and any sore muscles. Reapply as needed. You may notice a “burning” or tingling feeling.

For headaches: Dab a sterile cotton ball in a carrier oil or fragrance-free lotion and then add 1-2 drops peppermint essential oil. Lightly press to base of neck.

Indigestion, nausea and motion sickness 1: Pour 1-2 drops into the palm of you hand. Rub palms together quickly to “warm” and then cup palms over nose and mouth. Inhale deeply through your nose, pause briefly, and slowly release the breath. Repeat 5-6 times. You may also add 2–3 drops to a sterile cotton ball instead of your palms.

Indigestion, nausea and motion sickness 2: Apply 2-3 drops directly to abdomen and very gently massage in a clockwise motion.

Indigestion, nausea and motion sickness 3: Apply a drop to inner wrists and rub together lightly. Measure two finger widths down from hand and press thumb into pressure point on wrist.

Thieves, Medieval Mix or Good Samaritan*: antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal anti-inflammatory, insecticidal.

For a hand sanitizer: Apply 1-2 drops to palms of hands neat, and rub together.

As a disinfectant: Mix 1 cup distilled water, 1 cup white vinegar and 1/2 bottle of any of the above essential oils in a spray bottle. Shake well (and before each use) to sanitize countertops, shower areas, door handles, etc. Must be used up within a few weeks as the essential oil will deteriorate the plastic parts inside the bottle. Rinse empty bottle with mild soap and water when empty.

At the onset of a cold or virus: At the very first notice of a sore throat, stuffy nose or chest congestion. Apply 2-3 drops to fingertips and rub into swollen glands on neck. Repeat on chest area. You may use neat but if any irritation occurs, mix with a small about of carrier oil. Repeat multiple times throughout the day. Apply a few drops neat to the soles of your (clean) feet and massage in for a few minutes. When finished, cup hands over nose and mouth and take several deep breaths through your nose.

For a sore throat: Mix 1 drop in a cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon salt. Gargle several times being careful not to swallow.

*Thieves (Young Living), Medieval Mix (Aura Cacia) and Good Samaritan (Pranarōm) are trademark branded blends and can be found online and at natural markets across the U.S.

(Please note that information on this post does not replace advice and information provided by your medical practitioner. Information is educational only and not intended for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.)

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