Things to Take Camping, First Aid, Essential Oils

I don't know about you, but I hate when I get somewhere and then realize I left something at home that would make life more comfortable, whether camping, hiking, paddling, bike riding, or anything else. There's no harm in keeping checklists. And thanks to smartphones and apps, you can keep a variety of checklists and update them as needed.

Below is a list of my "must-haves" when we go camping. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, however, these are just a few essentials for me.

First Aid Kit - We have several sizes and types; one for the camper and one for our bikes or tent camping

Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes - I prefer to make my own (DIY, see below)

Extra Sunglasses

Eye drops & Cleaners (wipes if you wear any glasses)

Extra Water & Water Bottle

Snacks - preferably Healthy and won't spoil

Essential Oil Kit*

Phone Charger (portable battery or solar)

Sunscreen & Aloe gel (pure)

Kleenex - small package (great for TP)

Let's break the down a little more. My Essential Oil First Aid Kit includes: Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Lavender, Peppermint, Frankincense, Breathe, Digestzen and Deep Blue (lotion). I usually carry a few others but these will get you through for a myriad of physical and mental health issues. I usually carry these oils in a smaller version, 5 ml bottles in a zipper bag and I also have a smaller version with 5/8 travel size bottles in a pouch on a keychain.

Frankincense has many uses from supporting your body naturally and may help with cellular health to mental fatigue to internal support for immune system and more. When in doubt get Frank out.

Peppermint offers a variety of support to the body. When ingested, Peppermint essential oil promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing, it may promote digestive health when taken internally and repels bugs naturally.

Lavender oil has been used and cherished for centuries for its unmistakable aroma and myriad benefits. In ancient times, the Egyptians and Romans used Lavender for bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume. Its calming and relaxing qualities, when taken internally, continue to be Lavender’s most notable attributes. Applied topically, Lavender oil is frequently used to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the temples and the back of the neck. Add a few drops of Lavender oil to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. Due to Lavender’s versatile properties, it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times.

Tea Tree essential oil has over 90 different compounds and limitless applications. The leaves of the Tea Tree have been used by the Aboriginal peoples of Australia for centuries. They would apply crushed leaves directly to the skin for a cooling effect. Tea Tree oil is best known for its purifying properties. It can be used to cleanse and purify the skin and nails and to support a healthy looking complexion. Tea Tree oil is used on occasional skin irritations to soothe the skin and diffusing Tea Tree essential oil will help purify and freshen the air.

DigestZen is well known for its ability to aid in digestion, soothe occasional stomach upset and maintain overall digestive health when taken internally.* This unique blend contains Ginger, Fennel and Coriander to help ease occasional stomach discomfort, including motion sickness and indigestion, while Peppermint, Tarragon, Anise, and Caraway aid with digestion and help maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract.* Internal use of DigestZen is a healthy, natural, and gentle way to soothe an upset stomach or maintain a healthy digestive system.*

doTERRA Breathe is a remarkable blend of essential oils including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara. doTERRA Breathe maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats. doTERRA Breathe can be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet, or diffused at nighttime to calm the senses and promote a restful sleep.

doTERRA Deep Blue is perfect for a soothing massage after a long day of work. Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Helichrysum, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Osmanthus work together to soothe and cool. After long hours on the computer, try rubbing Deep Blue proprietary blend on your fingers, wrists, shoulders, and neck. A few drops of Deep Blue Soothing Blend diluted in doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil can be part of a cooling and comforting massage.

From this list you can derive just these few oils can help with any number of issues you might face while camping or in the outdoors. It always helps to be prepared. Your First Aid Kit, besides the Essential Oils, will include: other cleaning supplies and bandages as well as other supplies for acute injuries to be treated immediately or in the interim.

Essential oils have been around for thousands of years and in the past ten years alone, the clinical and scientific studies and peer review articles have increased by 400 percent. Holistic medicine can be used safely and effectively when done correctly, for both adults and children. I use the doTERRA brand because their products are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade. And if you check with third party labs, you will see that more than 90 percent of essential oils on the market are "adulterated" which means they have fillers in them, chemicals. This is not safe.

(more to follow)

DIY Handi-Wipes