Camping Essentials From Nature's Source

Thinking of getting away and enjoying all nature has to offer this summer. Maybe you’re roughing it in the wild, maybe you’re heading to a provincial park with your RV, or maybe your idea of camping involves running water and a comfortable cabin (no judgement). Regardless of your camping style, here are some essentials to keep you bug bite-, sunburn-, and pain-free.

No matter where you go, you are bound to come into contact with critters that bite and bother you. Of particular concern, these days are ticks, which can cause Lyme disease if not removed or treated properly. Conventional insect repellents definitely work to ward off bugs; however, they typically contain DEET, which is a known neurotoxin. (Not to mention, many come in aerosol containers, which isn’t good for Mother Nature). Fortunately, there are many all-natural, effective bug repellents that won’t cause any nasty side effects to you or the environment. Touch of Earth BUGz BE GONE is a blend of essential oils known to not only repel mosquitoes, but also ticks. Add 20-40 drops of this blend to a 4oz spray bottle containing 1/3 witch hazel, 1/3 water and 1/3 apple cider vinegar and apply every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can create your own blend using individual essential oils. If you chose this route, make sure you include Geranium oil for preventing tick bites, and Eucalyptus and Lavender for repelling mosquitoes. As a bonus, these blends can be sprayed on any existing bug bites to reduce itching and inflammation.

After the never-ending winter we had, our bodies probably forget what it is like to be exposed to sunshine. If you are lucky enough to have skin that has only really burned twice in your life (don’t hate me!), then simple all-natural sunscreens, like those from Goddess Garden Organics, will be enough to get you through the summer. However, if your skin blushes at the sight of sun even when covered in SPF 100, it never hurts to keep a good post-sun balm around. An effective go-to for burn relief is aloe vera gel, which soothes the skin and has a cooling effect. Look for a gel without any added alcohol, such as Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera, which can actually make burns worse by drying out the skin. Mix aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and a few drops of lavender essential oil and apply to your skin as needed.

Any camping trip isn’t complete without some bumps, bruises, and scrapes. In addition to your typical First Aid Kit (bandages, cotton balls, gauze, tweezers, etc.), consider including these natural products in case of any injuries or illnesses:

1. Arnica Gel – Arnica, found in products such as Trauma care, is used to prevent or decrease bruising, to relieve pain from sprains or bumps, and to decrease inflammation from injuries. Apply directly to the injured area up to 6 times a day.

2. Activated Charcoal – Activated charcoal has been used traditionally for detoxifying the body, making it a great product to keep around in case of food poisoning or diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. It can also be applied externally to draw out toxins from stings or bites.

3. Essential Oils – Aside from the above-mentioned uses, many essential oils also contain antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Lemon balm and Tea Tree are two important essential oils that can be applied directly to cuts or scrapes to ward off infection before bandaging up.

Need more advice before your camping trip? Come in to one of our locations and ask our experts for help!