Essential Oils & Ticks

Our fabulous massage therapist Katie recently got a diffuser for Essential Oils for her room. It's heaven. Really. For anyone who doesn't know what a diffuser is it takes the Essential Oil and whatever carrier oil you use (to dilute it) and makes it into a wonderful mist that fills the air and wows your senses. Kind of like a humidifier but way better.

I am a girl who loves, loves, loves her Essential Oils. My house is never without Peppermint and Lavender especially. There are so many uses for Essential Oils in every day life that I could go on and on for days. But I'm going to highlight one of my every day faves that I've actually tried and continue to use.

One problem I'm sure we're all facing this year is TICKS. Gross, crawly, blood sucking ticks.

They. Are. Everywhere.

I'm sure you've always been taught that any time you are outside in long grass or in the woods etc you're supposed to check for ticks. Well, what about your lawn? That's right. Ticks have been so bad this year due to the extremely cold winter that people (and pets!) are finding them right on short grass on their own lawns. My dog picked up 2 at the very beginning of tick season. She has super thick fur that they can't get through so of course they just jump off in my house. I found one on my son and one in my bed.

Did you know Essential Oils can help with that? Oh yes.

There are a few recipes that I've seen get good reviews that I haven't tried. Most include a combination of  Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Lavender or Peppermint, Lavender and Melaleuca (tea tree) oils. I don't have Eucalyptus or Melaleuca in my collection at the moment so I haven't had a chance to try them. They should help with mosquitos too.

I have used Rose Geranium Oil.

This is great in diffuser or lotions as well. It has a sweet, floral scent that is fresh. And apparently ticks hate it. To help protect your animals you can add a few drops to their collars all the way around, a few drops in between their shoulder blades, on their ankles/feet, bellies etc. Or you can dilute it with water and/or vinegar spray it on like regular bug spray. (There are tons of recipes on Pinterest.)

I used the Rose Geranium oil a lot at my parents because my dog was running in and out of the woods and I never found another one. Enjoy!!

Jaime