Warmer weather means more time outdoors, doing things like hiking, biking, or gardening. Unfortunately, this also leads to bug bites, rashes, or sunburns. A great remedy for these common issues is calamine lotion, which can be used for everything from sunburns to poison ivy to itchy mosquito bites.

While the store-bought versions aren’t loaded with chemicals like many over-the-counter cosmetics or anti-itch lotions, you can easily make your own at home for a fraction of the cost. Create small batches and store them in the fridge to use throughout the summer.

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon sea salt or Himalayan salt
– 1 tablespoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
– Witch hazel
– 5-10 drops Plant Therapy Peppermint Essential Oil
– 5-10 drops Plant Therapy Chamomile Essential Oil
– Plastic or ceramic spoon
– Glass jar

Instructions:
1. Add one tablespoon of bentonite clay into a glass jar. The clay helps to draw out toxins and cleanse and heal wounds. It also reduces the itch from bug bites and rashes.
2. Add one tablespoon of baking soda. Baking soda neutralizes bug bites, stings, and some poisonous plants like poison ivy.
3. Add one tablespoon of sea salt. Sea salt exfoliates dead or dry skin cells and helps relieve swelling, inflammation, and itchiness.
4. Mix well with a plastic or ceramic spoon. Be sure to use a non-metal spoon when working with bentonite clay, as metal makes it less effective.
5. Add enough witch hazel to create a smooth, creamy paste. Witch hazel cleanses wounds, soothes itching, and reduces inflammation.
6. Add 5-10 drops each of peppermint and chamomile essential oils. Mix well. Both oils have antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and heal rashes or bug bites. Chamomile also acts as a natural antihistamine.
7. To use, rub a dab of the paste onto the bug bite, rash, or itchy spot for immediate relief.

Make sure to keep this homemade lotion handy for any outdoor activities.