Another recipe that I have been meaning to make for awhile. Less toxins and chemicals than most lotions and less costly!  The ingredients can be found at a health food store or purchased online. These make great gifts!!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1/2 cup cocoa butter OR mango butter
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup light oil (i.e. almond, jojoba or olive oil)
• optional: 10- 30 drops of your favourite essential oil

Directions:
1. In a double boiler or a glass boil over a boiling pot of water, melt all oils except for the essential oils.
2. Stir and make sure all mixed well
3. Remove from heat, add oils once the mixture has cooled a bit.
4. Move to fridge and let cool for about 1 hour or until it solidifies
5.  Take out of fridge and use a mixer to whip it fluffy for about 10 minutes
6. Put in glass jars to store

One batch makes 3.5 mason jars that are 4 oz in size. 

 I LOVE when I can make something that is an effective natural alternative to a more chemically laden product. This is a recipe I got from a patient actually who raved about it. So I thought I would give it a try as I react very severely to mosquito bites and wanted something that did not have DEET in it to use on my kids and my dog. This is a sure winner in my books and to those family, friends and patients I recommend it to!

Ingredients/Directions:
For each 2 oz of witch hazel or vodka in a small spray bottle:
Add 10-20 drops each of the following essential oils:

• Citronella OR lemon grass
• Tea tree
• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus

And then 5-10 drops of

• Cinnamon leaf 

 
Best if sits for a few months before use, but still effective when made 'Fresh'.
Spray apply to skin and clothing/hats. Spray on hand to apply to face. A small amount last a long time, but reapply as necessary.
 
Check out this Scientific American article explaining deet as well as how Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a CDC (Centers for Disease Control) approved insect repellent! AMAZING!

Enjoy a bite free (hopefully) summer!
~Dr. Laura ND