Holly's Herbal
Insect Repellant
Ingredients:
10 lemongrass sticks
4 tsp scented pelargonium Citronella leaves (about 15 leaves)
4 tsp whole cloves
400ml sunflower oil, to cover
1. Wash and chop the lemongrass sticks and pelargonium leaves, and place both in a blender with the cloves. Add the oil, then whiz until pulped.
2. Place the pulp in a glass heat-proof bowl and cover. Put the bowl over a pan of boiling water on a low heat, making sure there are no gaps around the bowl, and leave for 1 hour. Keep checking that the pan does not boil dry.
3. Leave to cool, then strain the citrus-and spice-scented oil through muslin to remove all the fibrous bits, and store in a pump spray bottle.
USE: Shake the bottle well, then spray or apply liberally onto your skin up to 4 times a day, paying particular attention to exposed areas like ankles, wrists and neck, and avoiding the eyes. Re-apply after washing or bathing, and before bed.
CAUTION: If any irritation occurs, wash it off immediately.
STORAGE: It will keep for up to 1 year in a cool dark place.
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Carrot Infused

Lip Balm

Ingredients:
1 carrot grated

olive oil to cover carrot
10grams beeswax, grated
Couple of drops of Essential Oil of your choice

Place the grated carrot into a saucepan and add enough olive oil to cover it. Slowly heat but do not boil. Strain oil from carrot.

Heat grated beeswax in a double boiler, once melted, add 40ml of carrot infused oil. Stir well to combine. If desired add a couple of drops of essential oils when balm is cool but not set – stir essential oils through evenly.

Pour into jars to set. Simply multiply ingredients to make a larger batch. Use more beeswax if a firmer consistency is desired.

Ideal for dry elbows, feet and badly chapped lips as it is soothing and healing.

This recipe has been taken out of our current Cookbook.
As summer comes we spend more time outdoors relaxing, at barbeques and watching sport. But there are always those pesky insects!
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So why not try a few of these ideas to keep them away. Essential oils can be used to spray inside the house without worrying about causing harm to ourselves, pets or the environment.
Flies in particular dislike lavender oil, while peppermint oil will deter the mosquitoes. Here is an ideal for a great general insect repellent that is gentle on the skin. Mix together 4 drops each of thyme, lavender and peppermint essential oil with 8 drops of lemongrass essential oil.
Blend this mixture with 5 tablespoons of almond oil and 1 teaspoon of wheatgerm oil. Store this mixture in an airtight container or a purse size atomiser and use when needed – apply liberally to the skin.

This personal repellent will discourage flies, midgies, mosquitoes and sandflies. If you do get bitten the following will help to ease the irritation.

Mosquito bites can be relieved by applying a paste of bicarbonate soda and water. Lavender essential oil will ease the itchiness and if you have bites over a large area, dilute 10 drops lavender essential oil and five drops thyme into one cup of cider vinegar, then add this mixture to a bath and soak.
Midgie bites respond well to the following: dilute 3 drops of thyme essential oil in one teaspoon of lemon juice and apply to bites.
Apply lavender essential oil directly to sandfly bites as soon as possible for best results. If unsure exactly what sort of insect has bitten you, apply neat apple cider vinegar to the itchy spot. Enjoy your summer!