Summer Relief Kit

Natural Remedies for Summer Aches & Complaints

Hibiscus

Summer brings unique challenges when it comes to pain and discomfort. From sunburns, itchy bug bites, muscle cramps due to dehydration, or a tension headache from excessive sun exposure, having a well-stocked summer relief kit can make all the difference between suffering through summer or enjoying it.

I am always amazed at how God has provided us with exactly what we need through every season. The same season that brings challenging heat and bugs also offers us cooling herbs and soothing plants that can naturally ease our discomfort. Let's explore how to put together a summer relief kit that addresses the most common warm-weather ailments.

Summer Aches, Pains & Complaints

Summer aches, pains, and complaints tend to fall into several categories. The beauty of natural remedies is that many herbs and oils work across multiple categories, making your summer kit both effective and efficient.

Heat-Related Discomforts

Sunburns, heat rash, dehydration-headaches, and heat exhaustion

• Herbs: lemon balm, hibiscus, mints, rose petals, lavender, calendula

• Essential Oils: lavender, German chamomile, peppermint, helichrysum

• Hydrosols: witch hazel, German chamomile, lavender, peppermint

• Carriers & More: tamanu oil, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera gel

Insect-Related Issues

Bites, stings, allergic reactions, and secondary infections from scratching

• Herbs: lemon balm, calendula, plantain, mints

• Essential Oils: lavender, tea tree, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, peppermint

• Hydrosols: witch hazel, German chamomile, lavender

• Carriers & More: neem oil, tamanu oil, aloe vera, bentonite clay

Activity-Related Aches & Pains

Muscle cramps, strains, and joint stiffness from increased outdoor activities

• Herbs: lavender, calendula, chamomile, dandelion flowers, ginger, hops

• Essential Oils: lavender, frankincense, copaiba, peppermint, German chamomile

• Hydrosols: lavender, frankincense, copaiba, peppermint, patchouli, sweet marjoram

• Carriers & More: tamanu oil, apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil, kombo butter

Skin Sensitivities

Allergic reactions to plants, chemicals in pools, or increased sensitivity from sun exposure

• Herbs: calendula, chamomile, plantain

• Essential Oils: German chamomile, lavender

• Hydrosols: German chamomile, lavender, frankincense, patchouli

• Carriers & More: aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, shea butter

summer sun

Recipes

Sun Care & Skin Soothing

All-Purpose Sunburn Soother

• 2 Tbsp aloe vera gel

• 1 Tbsp calendula hydrosol

• 1 Tbsp lavender hydrosol

• 3 drops helichrysum or lavender essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a labeled 2-oz bottle with a flip-top lid. Cap and shake well. Store in the refrigerator for a cooling effect. Apply liberally to sunburned areas. The cooling hydrosols provide immediate relief while the essential oil supports healing.

General Skin Soothing Salve

• 2 Tbsp dried calendula flowers

• 2 Tbsp dried lavender buds and leaves

• 1 Tbsp dried chamomile flowers

• 8 oz tamanu or jojoba oil

• 2 oz beeswax

• 20 drops frankincense essential oil

• 20 drops lavender essential oil

Place the dried flowers into a clean 8-oz glass jar and top off with tamanu or jojoba oil. Infuse slowly over 4 weeks, or if needed sooner, infuse over low heat in a double boiler for 4-6 hours. Strain off herbs. In a double boiler, melt beeswax and then add the infused oil. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, add essential oils, and stir well to ensure even distribution. Pour into labeled tins or small jars.

mosquito

Bites & Itch Relief

Itch Relief Roll-On (3% dilution)

• 10ml tamanu or jojoba oil (optionally infused with plantain)

• 3 drops lavender essential oil

• 3 drops helichrysum or frankincense essential oil

• 10-ml roller bottle

Apply to bites or irritated areas as needed

Bug-Away Spray (2% dilution)

• 4-oz witch hazel

• 15 drops patchouli essential oil

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 4-oz spritz bottle

Mix hydrosol and essential oils in a labeled spray bottle, shake well before each use

summer adventure

Aches & Pains

Muscle Cramp Oil (3% dilution)

• 30 ml apricot kernel or sweet almond oil (optionally infused with dandelion flowers)

• 8 drops lavender essential oil

• 8 drops sweet marjoram essential oil

• 1-oz glass dropper bottle

Combine all ingredients in a bottle and shake well. Massage into cramped muscles, particularly calves and feet that are prone to heat-related cramping.

Soothing Joint Oil (3% dilution)

• 30ml jojoba or tamanu oil (optionally infused with lavender and ginger)

• 8 drops German chamomile essential oil

• 8 drops lavender essential oil

• 1-oz dropper bottle

Massage over aching joints as needed.

Cooling Headache Blend

• 6 drops peppermint essential oil

• 6 drops lavender essential oil

• 3 drops frankincense essential oil

• Aromatherapy inhaler

Add oils to the inhaler wick. Inhale for heat-related headaches, nausea from sun exposure, or mental fatigue from too much heat.

iced tea

Cooling & Hydrating Herbal Teas

Summer Sun Tea

• 1 part dried hibiscus

• 1 part dried lemon balm

Add a mix of dried hibiscus and lemon balm (1 Tbsp dried herb to 8 oz of water) to a glass jar filled with filtered water. Set in the sun for 3-4 hours. Strain, chill, and enjoy with a slice of lemon, a fresh sprig of mint, and a touch of honey.

Summer Cooling Tea Blend

• 2 parts dried lemon balm

• 1 part dried hibiscus

• 1 part dried peppermint

• 1 part dried rose petals

Mix herbs and store in an airtight container. Use 2-3 tsp per cup of hot water, steep 10 minutes, then chill. This naturally cooling blend helps reduce internal heat and supports hydration.

first aid box

Build Your Own Summer Relief Kit

Want to be ready for anything summer throws your way? Stock your home apothecary with these essentials:

• Herbs

  • Calendula - Soothes skin irritations and promotes healing

  • Lavender - Gentle analgesic, anti-inflammatory, skin-soother

  • Chamomile - Gentle anti-inflammatory and ideal for sensitive skin

  • Ginger - Supports circulation and eases cramps

  • Hibiscus - Cooling and hydrating

  • Lemon balm - Cooling and calming

  • Peppermint - Cooling and energizing

  • Rose petals - Cooling and uplifting

• Essential Oils

  • Lavender - A gentle go-to for burns, bites, and stress

  • Frankincense - Reduces pain and inflammation and soothes the skin

  • Peppermint - Cooling and refreshing; eases headaches

  • Patchouli - Bug-repellent and calming to bites and skin irritations

• Hydrosols

  • Lavender - Gentle and versatile, reduces pain and inflammation

  • Calendula - Gentle support for a variety of skin complaints

  • Witch hazel - Astringent and soothing for bites, rashes, and sunburn

• Cariers & More

  • Tamanu or jojoba oil - Healing base oils that nourish and absorb easily

  • Apricot kernel or sweet almond oil - Light, nourishing carriers and mildly analgesic

  • Aloe vera gel - Cooling and soothing for sun-exposed skin

  • Beeswax - Thickens and stabilizes balms and salves

  • Containers and labels - For safe storage and easy identification

Safety Considerations for Summer Use

• Store preparations in cool, dark places

• Stay extra hydrated

• Patch test new formulations, as skin can be more sensitive in summer

• For Kids (2–10): Use hydrosols in place of essential oils

  
  

When to Seek Medical Attention

While natural remedies are wonderfully effective for minor summer ailments, seek professional medical help for:

• Severe sunburns with blistering

• Signs of infection in insect bites (red streaking, fever, swollen lymph nodes)

• Allergic reactions with difficulty breathing or widespread hives

• Heat exhaustion symptoms (confusion, nausea, rapid heartbeat)

• Deep cuts or wounds that won't stop bleeding

sunset

Final Thoughts

Start with just 2-3 basic recipes that address your family's most common summer issues, such as the sunburn soother, an insect repellent, and a cooling spray. As you gain confidence and see results, you can expand your kit.

Summer is a fun time to get out and go on adventures, so do not let discomfort get in the way. From sunburns to sore feet, there are natural ways to ease the pain and support healing. Start small and simple: try a tea, make a roll-on, or craft a salve.

Do you have a favorite summer remedy? Share your go-to recipe or tip in the comments!