I had the pleasure and bliss to go on a mini-retreat this weekend, a sweet little Reiki getaway planned and well organized by Kate from Vibes in Ravenna Ohio. We took off to PA, a beautiful cabin in the woods on 66 acres of land, surrounded by nature on all sides. I can’t claim that the essential oil blend I made last minute was enough to keep the bears away as we saw a momma and baby but I didn’t come home with a single bug bite! I’m calling this a success!

I realized I had forgotten bug spray and prefer to be as natural as possible so I made this blend just before leaving, it’s in a good essential oil bottle, which is glass and tinted!

This blend has some contraindications for pregnant women and young children (5 and below I would avoid use). Keep away from pets. I also prefer not to use this blend on the skin directly as some of these oils can cause irritation and exposure to the sun can also create challenges that aren’t necessary. I sprayed it on shoes, socks, clothing, and a fine mist in the air that I walked through. It has a beautiful scent that doesn’t overpower, super calming and stress relieving too!

Here are some of my notes on this blend!

Lavender– promotes consciousness, health, love, peace, and a general sense of wellness. Emotional Balance support. Wonderful for alleviating anxiety and stress, comforting muscle aches.

Analgesic, anticoagulant, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antifungal, antihistamine, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antitumor, cardiotonic, regenerative, and sedative.

Patchouli– Sedative and calming, reduces anxiety, influences sex, physical energy, and money. Very relaxing, and used as a mosquito repellent.

Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, antitoxic, astringent, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, insecticidal, stimulant, and tonic.

Lemongrass– supports circulation and digestion, headache relief, and clearing infections. Supports the immune system, muscles, and bones. Gently wakes up the lymphatic system.

Analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, insect-repellent, revitalizer, sedative, tonic, and vasodilator.

Contraindications: Can cause extreme skin irritation

Geranium– Creates Emotional Balance, Calming, Reduces Environmental Stress, Refreshing, Relaxing, Sedative and Tonic. Helps to relieve Jet Lag, Uterine support, reduce inflammation.

Antibacterial, Anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, insect repellent.

Contraindications: Repeated use can cause contact sensitivity

Tea Tree/ Melaleuca– Immune and respiratory system support, muscles, bones, and skin, helps burns and digestion, defend against mites and ticks. Great for infection reduction.

Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, strong antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, digestive, expectorant, immune stimulant, insecticidal, neurotonic, stimulant, and tissue, regenerative.

*Contraindications: Repeated use can cause contact sensitivity
*
Citronella– Uplifting floral and citrusy scent, natural pest repellent, emotionally uplifting, and stress-reducing. Skin and scalp soother and booster.

Insect Repellent, antifungal, antimicrobial.

*Contraindications: Possible skin sensitivity, Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. *

Cedar– Calming, Tension Easing, Tuberculosis support, UTI support, Great for diffusing in a Yoga class. Supports the Nervous and Respiratory systems. Eases feelings of anxiety.

Insect repellent, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic (urinary and pulmonary), sedative, and astringent.

Contraindicated for: Not for use during pregnancy, used with caution for children aromatically, and can also have a diuretic effect when applied on the skin.

Eucalyptus– Cooling, Pain relief, fever reducer, arterial vasodilator, asthma, and bronchial support, muscle support.

Analgesic, antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insecticidal, and expectorant.

There is a specific formula and balanced way to create essential oil blends, putting contradicting frequencies together will create just that, a clash to the experiences and no doubt nose! So when I am creating a blend it is done with care, accuracy, and a great deal of forethought and research. I adore making custom roll-on, sprays, bath salts, and more with essential oils.

What I adore about my blend is using it really feels refreshing and all-encompassing, it’s very uplifting and leaves a lasting freshness in the air that is rather super calming and supportive. At first, it’s so freshening, and then it’s just deeply calming and peace enhancing. The citrusy scent is very uplifting, followed by a feeling of being deeply grounded and present.

Here’s my recipe:

Bug Bye Spray

• 8oz Glass Spray Bottle (Always best to use glass, especially of citrus oils are used and choose one that is tinted for essential oils)

1% Dilution (48 Drops of Essential Oils)

**Essential Oils: **

• Lavender 10 Drops
• Patchouli 5 Drops
• Lemongrass 2 Drops
• Geranium 5 Drops
• Tea Tree/Melaleuca 5 Drops
• Citronella 5 Drops
• Cedar 10 Drops
• Eucalyptus(Radiata) 5 Drops

**Preserving: **

• Witch Hazel 1.5 Tablespoons. Just like with essential oils finding good quality and pure Witch Hazel is essential.

Keep in mind when spraying essential oils that things they come into contact with such as clothing, can be affected, I used this for camping so didn’t give thought to my clothing and was fortunate not to see any damage done. If you were using this on outdoor seating with cushions that get sun exposure it may have been a different outcome. Always spray away from the face and eyes!

Enjoy! Hope that all your outdoor adventures and family time are safe, happy, and uplifting.

If you make this blend at home send me a message and let me know how it went for you and what you like about it, comment below!