Summer's on full-bore now, as we've moved into the "dog days" of August. Cooling down the fire element is the order of the day! And we have some great herbal ideas for making that happen.
Chill out with iced teas. Our Hibiscus Cooler tea is a seasonal favorite, tangy and refreshing by itself, blended with lemonade for a caffeine-free Arnold Palmer, or mixed with your adult beverage of choice—you really can't go wrong!
And remember that many other herbal teas are delicious when you put them on ice. Get creative, and try your favorite single herb or herbal combination tea on the rocks. Staying hydrated will keep you going... putting a tasty tea in your pitcher can make that so much easier and more fun.
Keep the bugs away, and avoid those annoying bites! Em's Bug Blocker spray is an effective, nontoxic, mix of essential oils that repel the little suckers, and it smells nice too! There's room for your personal preferences here too, since any one or more of the these organic oils (Catnip, Citronella, Geranium, Lavender, Patchouli, Peppermint, Thyme) can be added to a carrier oil and applied to provide significant protection, with the fragrance profile of your choice.
Outdoor activities are awesome... but stuff happens, and herbs can help. Remember Arnica infused oil, or salve, for the bumps and bruises, like when you fall off the bike, or collide with the shortstop... Calendula infused oil, or salve, for the sunburn, and the cuts and scrapes... Chamomile infused oil, to soothe the chafing, or the bug bites you didn't quite avoid... Lavender or Rosemary infused oil, to relax the tight muscles, or ease the headaches, that might follow a long day in the sun.
Breathe a little easier when wildfire smoke darkens the skies. Open Air tea is a good-tasting formula that helps to reopen your lungs, and to reduce the oxidative damage from inhaling the residues from these all-too-common events.
Summer's not over till it's over... we're loving it, and we truly hope you and your family are making the most of every moment, whether you're working, playing, or just goofing off in the sun.
Stay cool, and have a great rest of your summer!