Tag: bug bites

  • DIY Bug Bite Balm!

    DIY Bug Bite Balm!

    Everyone loves summertime, from swimming in the pool, to going on hikes, and having lots of outdoor parties and barbecues. The one downside to being outside… getting bug bites! We tried this DIY Bug Bite Balm and we had to share with everyone! The “pulling” action from the activated charcoal helps remove the toxins from the stings and bites, while the soothing properties from the lavender essential oil help the inflammation and itching. Plus, the coconut oil and shea butter offer a nice anti-bacterial and rejuvenating effect (respectively).

    Ingredients

    3 Tablespoons Coconut Oil

    1 ½ Tablespoons Shea Butter

    15-21 Drops of Organic Lavender Essential Oil

    1 Tablespoon Activated Charcoal (grab some from our bulk section!)

    1 Reusable Container (we used U-Konserve’s Big Mini Stainless Steel Container)

    Method

    1. Melt down coconut oil and shea butter.

    2. Once fully melted, add essential oil and activated charcoal. Mix well!

    3. Carefully spoon the liquid into reusable container. Allow to rest for 2-3 hours.

    4. When needed, rub the balm on the affected area, allowing it to run into the skin. Place a bandage on top of the balm and allow it to work its magic before rinsing off later.

    NOTE: During extremely hot days, you want to make sure to keep your new bug bite balm in a cool spot so it doesn’t melt.

    Tell us how much you love your DIY Bug Bite Balm and where you take it on-the-go! Leave us a note, email us, tag us on social media, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Summer Camp Week 4: Bites and Rashes

    Summer Camp Week 4: Bites and Rashes

    A true summer camp would not be complete without some chatter about those flying pesky creatures that sting and bite. Bugs are a welcomed part of our ecosystem, but we like them better when they keep a fair distance from our bodies.
    Bites, stings and poison ivy rashes can be both painful and irritating. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prevent and treat these nasty nuisances naturally that are more problematic during summer months.

    Prevention

    Most traditional bug deterrent products use N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, or “DEET” as an active ingredient. Unfortunately, DEET is also an eye irritant and an allergen to sensitive skin. It has been linked to possible neurological problems in humans and toxic effects on birds and aquatic life, according to the National Institutes of Health.
    At Basil Bandwagon, we carry many essential oil-based bug sprays that are equally as effective in deterring bugs, without any of these potentially dangerous side effects. And if you’re feeling particularly creative, you can even make your own using essential oils from the assortment we sell. Geranium, cedarwood, citronella and peppermint are just a few options that are both effective and pleasant to the nose!
    Come visit us to speak to one of our team members about the bug sprays we carry or how to make your own!

    Click here to watch a DIY video tutorial by natural blogger, Honeysuckle.

    Treatment

    You may not know that your pantry likely has some solutions to soothe your irritated skin. In addition, there are many simple, cost-effective items to add to your first aid kit for times of need. Here’s a list of our top 10 favorite natural treatments to soothe bug bites, bee stings and rashes: (click to download PDF)

    Top 10 Bite and Rash Remedies

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