As summer kicks in and you head outside for more adventurous activities, mosquitoes and other pesky bugs are ready to make you their snack. My kids and I seem to attract mosquitoes, so finding relief from bites is essential for us. With just a few essential oils and simple natural ingredients, you can make a bug bite relief stick that eases the pain, reduces redness, and most importantly, stops the itching!

What You Need:
– 20 drops Lavender Essential Oil
– 20 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
– 2 tablespoons Beeswax Pastilles
– 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
– Lip balm containers
– Heatproof container with a spout
– Bamboo skewer for stirring

For easy application, I use small lip balm container tubes, which usually come in packs of 25. This recipe fills about 14 tubes, each holding 3/16th of an ounce. If you prefer, you can use a half-pint canning jar instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1:
Add the beeswax and coconut oil to a heatproof container with a spout. Using a spout makes it easier to pour into the tubes later.

Step 2:
Place the container with the beeswax and coconut oil into a heavy-bottom pan with 2 inches of water. Heat on low, allowing the mixture to melt while stirring often with the bamboo skewer.

Step 3:
Once melted, carefully remove the container from the pan. Add 20 drops each of Lavender and Peppermint essential oils to the melted mixture and stir thoroughly.

Step 4:
Line up your lip balm tubes on a cookie sheet or a flat surface covered with a towel to prevent slipping. Pour the mixture into the tubes, filling them just to the top. Let them cool; they will turn opaque as they solidify.

How to Use:
Apply the bug bite relief stick generously to any bug bite. The coconut oil and beeswax keep the bite moist and promote healing. Peppermint relieves pain, while lavender reduces inflammation. The essential oils are also antibacterial. Carry a tube in your bag and give one to each family member. My kids each carry one when we’re out, especially on hikes. With these bite relief sticks, you can enjoy more time outdoors without worry.