Build a Summer Apothecary

Start Building Your Summer Apothecary: Natural Remedies for Sunburn, Bug Bites & More

Summer evening in the field

Summer is not exactly my favorite time of year. If I'm honest, I am not a fan of heat or bugs. But summer has its perks—sunshine, fresh air, county fairs, and kids (children and goats) running wild. The problem is, all that fun comes with sunburns, bug bites, bumps, and the occasional overheated kid (or adult, like me). Thankfully, with a few simple herbs and remedies, you can keep your family comfortable and ready for anything.

A well-stocked summer apothecary gives you natural tools to keep your family comfortable and cared for, no drugstore run needed. Here’s what to keep on hand, why, and how to use each remedy, simple and straight.

Summer sun

Key Herbs for Summer Care

These herbs can be used in teas, wound washes, compresses, infused oils, or poultices

• Plantain (Plantago spp.) – Takes the itch out of bug bites, draws out splinters & stingers

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Gentle skin healer for rashes, cuts, and sun-exposed skin

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Great for minor bleeding, skin repair, and cooling; caution if you are allergic to the aster/daisy family

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Calms the skin, the mind, and supports healing

• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) – Cools the body, eases heat-related headaches and tummy troubles

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – Antimicrobial; great for first aid washes or respiratory steams

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – Soothes irritated skin and cranky kids of all ages

Essential Oils to Keep On Hand

Use these in salves, sprays, or diffusers—always diluted. They’re potent, so a little goes a long way

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Skin soother, bite relief, and calming for the nervous system; one of the safest and most versatile essential oils

• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – Cooling and refreshing; helpful for nausea, itchiness, and headaches; best for children over the age of 5, and dilute to 2% or less

• Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) – Natural insect repellent; great in sprays or diffusers; dilute to less than 3%

• Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) – Calming scent, adds depth to bug-repellent blends; gentle enough for children

• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) – Earthy and soothing; supports skin healing; repels insects

• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – Antimicrobial and cleansing; good for minor wounds

• Thyme ct linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct linalool) – Gentler chemotype of thyme; still antimicrobial, but less irritating

Hydrosols for Gentle Cooling and Skin Support

Hydrosols are excellent for summer—they are mild, safe for children, and do not require dilution; refrigeration helps extend hydrosol shelf life

• Witch Hazel – Astringent and toning; use in sprays and post-sun care (look for alcohol-free)

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Soothes hot, itchy skin; pairs beautifully with aloe

• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – Naturally cooling; great for overheated kids and tired feet; best to use in children over the age of 3

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Skin-calming; ideal for rashes or chafing

• Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) – Lightly floral; balances skin and may help repel insects

• Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus) – Fresh, antimicrobial, and uplifting; useful in bug sprays

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Cooling and mildly astringent; good in wound washes or skin sprays

Helpful Extras to Keep on Hand

• Aloe Vera Gel – Hydrating and soothing, great for after-sun care

• Baking Soda – Use in bug bite pastes or cooling baths

• Bentonite Clay – Draws out stingers or splinters

• Manuka Honey – Naturally antibacterial; great for minor burns and wounds

Sliced aloe vera

Remedies and Recipes

After-Sun Gel

Use: Cools sunburns, soothes rashes or hot skin

Why It Works: Aloe vera gel and these hydrosols are cooling and refreshing

• 1 oz aloe vera gel

• 0.5 oz lavender hydrosol

• 0.5 oz peppermint hydrosol

• 2 oz PET plastic bottle with flip-top lid

  Shake well and spritz on sun-exposed skin for cooling relief. Store in the refrigerator, and make a fresh batch every 3-6 months as needed.

  Note: For children under 3 years, leave out the peppermint and double the lavender hydrosol for a gentler blend

Cooling Spritzer

Use: Cools overheated bodies, eases itchy skin

Why It Works: Witch hazel and peppermint hydrosol create a cooling sensation

• 4 oz witch hazel (optionally infused with lavender, calendula, and/or peppermint)

• 2 oz peppermint hydrosol

• 1 oz aloe vera gel (optional)

• spritz bottle

  To infuse the witch hazel, fill a jar ½ to ¾ full with dried herbs, top off with witch hazel, cap with a plastic lid, and allow to infuse for at least 2 weeks, then strain off the herbs.

  Combine all ingredients, blending well, and transfer to a spritz bottle. Store in the refrigerator, and spritz generously over neck, arms, and legs—great after yardwork or hot car rides

  Note: For children under 3 years, substitute peppermint hydrosol with lavender or yarrow hydrosol for a gentler, child-safe version

Post-Sun Butter

Use: Moisturizes and nourishes dry, sun-exposed skin

Why It Works: Tallow and oils deeply moisturize while beeswax seals in hydration; lavender and patchouli soothe and calm irritated skin

• 3 Tbsp tallow

• 2 Tbsp coconut or babassu oil

• 2 Tbsp almond or jojoba oil (optionally infused with lavender and/or calendula)

• 1 Tbsp beeswax pellets

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

• 10 drops patchouli essential oil

• 4 oz (or 2 x 2 oz) glass jar(s)

  In a double boiler, melt the beeswax, tallow, and coconut (or babassu) oil. Once melted, add the almond (or jojoba) oil. Remove from heat, and blend in the essential oils. Pour into glass jar(s). Apply to dry, sun-kissed skin for a luscious, skin-nourishing moisturizer

Bug Repellent Spray

Use: Repels mosquitoes and biting insects

Why It Works: Essential oils like patchouli, cedarwood, and eucalyptus citriodora are natural insect repellents; alcohol helps preserve and disperse the oils

• 3 oz lemon thyme or peppermint hydrosol

• 1 oz Everclear (or highest proof alcohol you can get)

• 12 drops patchouli essential oil

• 12 drops cedarwood essential oil

• 10 drops eucalyptus citriodora essential oil

• 4 oz (or 2 x 2 oz) spray bottle(s)

  Add the Everclear and essential oils to the bottle, shake well, then add the hydrosol and shake again. This makes a 1.5% dilution, safe for children over the age of 3 years. Shake before each use. Spray on clothes as often as needed, avoiding the face

  Note: For children under 3 years, use lemon thyme hydrosol

Bug Repellent Diffuser Blend

Use: Repels bugs in outdoor or semi-open spaces

Why It Works: Eucalyptus citriodora, cedarwood, and peppermint essential oils are proven insect repellents

• 3 drops eucalyptus citriodora

• 2 drops cedarwood

• 2 drops peppermint

  Diffuse on porches or near open windows during buggy evenings

Bug Bite Relief Salve

Use: Soothes itching and inflammation from bug bites and stings

Why It Works: Plantain and lavender-infused oils reduce swelling; beeswax creates a protective barrier; the essential oils provide antimicrobial and soothing effects

• 4 oz infused oil (plantain and lavender infused oil in your preferred carrier oil, like jojoba or almond)

• 1 oz beeswax

• 10 drops lavender essential oil

• 5 drops thyme ct linalool or tea tree essential oil

  In a double boiler, melt beeswax, then add infused oil. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, stir in essential oils (0.5% dilution), and pour into tins or small jars. Apply to bites or stings as needed

Bug Bite Paste

Use: Relieves itching and swelling from bug bites

Why It Works: Bentonite clay and baking soda reduce inflammation and draw out toxins; plantain also draws out while calming irritated skin

• 1 tsp bentonite clay (optional)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp dried, powdered plantain

• water or hydrosol of choice (yarrow or calendula are great options)

  Blend dry ingredients, then slowly add water/hydrosol until a paste forms. Dab the paste directly to the bug bite, let it dry, then gently rinse off. Repeat as needed.

Warm Compress for Minor Injuries & Bruises

Use: Relieves pain and reduces swelling in minor injuries and bruises

Why It Works: Yarrow and chamomile are anti-inflammatory and soothing herbs

• 1 Tbsp yarrow

• 1 Tbsp chamomile

• 1 cup hot water

  Steep the herbs in the hot water for 10-15 minutes, as if making a strong tea. Strain off the herbs, and cool to a comfortably warm temperature. Using a clean cloth, soak the cloth in the tea, wring it out, and place it over the injury, either loosely or wrap it in place. Allow the compress to sit in place for 15-30 minutes, repeated as needed, 2-3 times per day

Wound Wash

Use: Cleans scrapes and minor cuts gently

Why It Works: Lavender, thyme, chamomile, and rose geranium hydrosols have antimicrobial and soothing properties

• 1-2 tsp lavender or 1 Tbsp lavender hydrosol

• 1-2 tsp thyme or 1 Tbsp lemon thyme hydrosol

• 1-2 tsp chamomile or 1 Tbsp rose geranium hydrosol

  Option 1 (herbal tea): make a strong tea with either fresh or dried herbs by steeping the herbs in one cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes

  Option 2 (hydrosols): combine your chosen hydrosols directly

  Option 3 (herbal tea + hydrosols): blend the cooled herbal tea with hydrosol(s) for extra benefits

  Store in refrigerator for up to 48 hours (tea-based) or 3 months (hydrosol blend). Use this gentle wash to clean scrapes, minor cuts, or skin that's gotten roughed up from summer adventures

Manuka plant

Honey for Minor Burns

Use: Soothes and protects minor burns while promoting healing

Why It Works: Manuka honey is antimicrobial and creates a moist healing environment

• Manuka honey

• gauze bandage

  For minor burns, first cool the burn with cool water for 10 minutes to stop the spread of the heat. Gently dry the burn, and apply enough honey to cover the burn, and gently cover with a loose bandage. Twice a day, clean the area with cool water and reapply the honey and bandage until no longer needed

Boo-Boo Balm

Use: Heals cuts, scrapes, and irritated skin

Why It Works: Calendula, lavender, and yarrow-infused oils calm and repair skin; tallow and beeswax moisturize and protect; essential oils add antimicrobial and soothing effects

• 4 oz infused oil (calendula, lavender, and yarrow infused in your preferred carrier oil, like jojoba or almond)

• 1 Tbsp tallow (optional, for a more luxurious feel)

• 2 Tbsp beeswax pellets

• 5 drops lavender essential oil

• 5 drops thyme ct linalool or tea tree essential oil

• 5 drops patchouli essential oil

• small jar or 2 oz salve tins

  In a double boiler, melt the beeswax and tallow, if using. Then add in the infused oil. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, stir in the essential oils, and pour into jars or tins. Use on cuts, scrapes, or irritated skin

Soothing Bath

Use: Relieves itchy, irritated skin or muscle achy after a long day of outdoor activities

Why it works: Chamomile and lavender have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin, peppermint cools and refreshes, and baking soda neutralizes skin pH and reduces itch

• 1 Tbsp dried chamomile

• 1 Tbsp dried lavender

• 1 Tbsp dried peppermint

• 1 tsp baking soda

• muslin tea bag

  Add the herbs and baking soda to the muslin tea bag, toss the tea bag into the bathtub as it is filling with water. Soak to soothe and cool irritated skin and tired muscles

Final Thoughts

Summer may bring heat and bugs, but with just a bit of planning, you can handle it all with calm and confidence. Your DIY summer apothecary gives you the tools to care for your family naturally, safely, and effectively—no matter what the season throws your way. Try the Bug Bite Relief Salve or Paste and see the difference it makes. Got a favorite summer remedy? Drop it in the comments and let us know what your favorite summer remedies are!