Natural products: the essentials of the campsite

By Véronique Cousineau; Nd, rhn

The campsite season is in full swing. Facilitate your package session by having this list of essentials under hand that will relieve all the ailments of the camper!

Lemon eucalyptus : scientific studies have shown that lemony eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus CitrioDora) offers results comparable to those obtained by the most efficient insecticides.

• Pour two drops on your hat and backpack to hunt mosquitoes naturally.
• In application on the skin, 5 drops of essential oil diluted in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil should be enough to coat the body well. Repeat the application at two hours to get the best results.

Aspic lavender : For mosquito or bee bites, nothing better than applying two drops of aspic lavender essential oil (Lavandula Latifolia - L. Spica). The itching will fade instantly and you can repeat the application as needed. Lavender is also an excellent antibacterial and cleanses wounds well in addition to promoting healing.

Aspic lavender also distances mites, tics, fleas and small invading insects. By pouring a few drops of lavender on your sleeping bag and your pets, you keep little visitors and unpleasant surprises away.

Soapasle : in camping, it is important to respect the ecosystems around us. However, it is difficult to find products not harmful to flora and fauna and we often end up bringing several bulky products. Fortunately, with a single bottle of soap, you can make the following uses:

• Shampoo: pour a few drops into the palm of the hand and rub the scalp;
• Bodily soap : a few drops are enough to clean the whole body well;
• Toothpaste: opt for the odorless version and voila;
• Dish soap : by adding a share of soap to 10 parts of water;
• Fruit cleaner : incorporating a small spoonful into a bowl of lukewarm water;
• Detergent : Pour 1/3 cup of Castile soap in a pool of water.

Aloe vera : Aloe gel is the best known remedy for relieving a sunburn. When applied regularly to burnt skin, it promotes rapid healing. Its refreshing action will also soothe an insect bite and prevent the spread of a flea grass lesion.

Witch Hazel : Hamamelis floral water is one of the natural versatile products for multiple uses and benefits. By spraying it under the armpits, we replace the deodorant. It can also be used to reduce burns associated with sunburn, alternating with aloe vera. Poison ivy? No problem! 15 drops of aspic lavender essential oil are mixed in Hamamelis floral water for relief and rapid healing. For best results, keep your bottle cold and apply regularly to the desired places.

Arnica Montana: Few of camping weekends are going on without incidents. A fall here, a shortening there, passing through bruises and sprains. Arnica Montana 200C is an emergency homeopathic remedy par excellence that will relieve little ones and big sores. One dose can be taken every 15 minutes of the incident until the symptoms improve. Thereafter, 3 granules are administered 3 times a day.

Coconut oil : Coconut oil is very versatile and is one of the essentials of camping for several reasons. The application of coconut oil relieves burns and dryness of the skin in addition to being an excellent lip balm offering natural sun protection. It is also a very good cooking oil and a good way to massage a sore muscle.

Coconut water : sip of natural electrolytes, coconut water will hydrate you after long hours spent in the sun and warn the unknowns linked to heat stroke. Bring several boxes, it prevents dehydration.

Vitamin C : If you have seasonal or environmental allergies, drag a vitamin C bottle with you and take 5g per day to limit allergic symptoms. The same dosage can be taken for 2 weeks following a sunburn in order to limit the ultraviolet damage.

Here is how to treat a sunburn as quickly as possible, while minimizing the damage to the skin:

• Immediately apply aloe vera gel. Repeat three times a day for 5 days;
• Spray Hamamelis floral water between aloe gel applications to soothe burns;
• Coat the skin of coconut oil before bedtime;
• Take 5,000 mg of vitamin C per day for 2 weeks.