Warmer weather undoubtedly means more time outside. Taking a hike, riding a bike, and even time spent in the garden will mean bug bites, rashes, or sunburn.

Calamine lotion is the go-to, cure all that can be used to treat anything from sunburn to poison ivy to itchy mosquito bites.

While store-bought calamine lotion isn’t as chemical laden as many over the counter cosmetics or anti-itch lotions, you can make it for a fraction of the cost of the store-bought stuff at home.

Make the lotion in small batches and keep it in the fridge for use during the summer season.

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

Add one tablespoon of bentonite clay into a glass jar. The clay helps to draw out toxins while also cleansing and healing the wound. Bentonite clay also helps to reduce the itch at the site of bug bites and rashes.

Add one tablespoon of baking soda to the mix. Baking soda helps to neutralize bug bites, stings, and some poisonous plants such as poison ivy.

Add one tablespoon of sea salt to the to jar. The sea salt exfoliates dead or dry skin cells and helps relieve swelling, inflammation, and relieves itchiness.

Mix well with a plastic or ceramic spoon. Also, you must use a non-metal spoon when working with bentonite clay. Metal will react with the clay, making it less effective.

Add enough witch hazel to form a smooth, creamy paste. Witch hazel helps cleanse wounds, soothes itching, and reduces inflammation.

Add in 5-10 drops of peppermint and chamomile essential oils to the mix. Mix well. Both peppermint and chamomile have antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe and heal any rash or bug bite.

In addition, chamomile is also a natural antihistamine.

To use: rub a dab of the paste onto the bug bite, rash, or any itchy spot for immediate relief.