Fight Summer Bummers with 10 Natural Remedies for Bug Bites, Sunburn + More

Everybody loves summer, but it comes with its own set of annoyances thanks to pollen, sweat, bugs and humidity. Keep these natural remedies on hand to fight summer bummers, and you’ll get back to enjoying (or sweating out) the sunshine and glorious weather in no time.

1. Bug bites

If you’re in a humid climate, you probably get your fair share of bug bites over the summer. (We’re basically swarming with mosquitoes here in Minnesota from May to September.)

Fight off the little buggers with citronella diffusers or candles and DIY all-natural bug spray, then treat the bites with a homemade calendula or activated charcoal-based bug bite balm.

2. Sunburn

The flip side of a day at the beach is a day—or two or three—of itching, peeling and general unsightliness. Not to mention the damaging and dangerous effects overexposure to the sun can have.

Apply sunscreen before you head out, then treat any burns with homemade cooling lotions and baths made with soothing ingredients like aloe and cucumber.

3. Chlorine hair

Does pool chlorine leave you or the kids with green, brittle hair? This DIY green-be-gone hair mask will do the trick.

4. Flip flop feet

Walking around barefoot and in flip-flops all summer long can be hard on your feet. Get them back in tip-top shape with soothing, rejuvenating DIY foot treatments made from household ingredients.

5. Ants & bugs

Summer often brings unwanted critters. Skip the toxic traps and sprays and try these all-natural ant deterrents straight from your kitchen that ants hate. We’ve also got solutions for getting rid of fruit flies and spiders.

6. Stains

Barbecue sauce, dirt, fruit…why do all of summer’s most wonderful things leave the worst stains? Consult this summer stain guide to find out how to remove them naturally, and this sweat stain-removal method to whiten up the underarms of your favorite t-shirts and tank tops, or go for this easy spray that keeps your whites white. 

7. Dehydration

Drinking enough water is even more important when it’s hot and we’re running around all day. Make sure you’re keeping on top of your hydration game with coconut water drinks (it’s called “mother nature’s sports drink” for a reason) and plenty of tasty infused water recipes.

8. Bee Stings + Poison Ivy

To treat bee stings or poison ivy rashes, make an Epsom salt compress by mixing two tablespoons of Epsom salt with a cup of cold water. Soak a cotton washcloth in the solution and apply. Or, take a soothing Epsom salt bath.

9. Summer Colds and Allergies

There is probably nothing worse than sitting inside with the sniffles on a gorgeous summer day. Battle summer colds with a eucalyptus steam, elderberry syrup, immune-boosing juices and 3 other DIY cold remedies that will have you back outside in no time. Allergies can be eased with a teaspoon of local, raw, organic honey or raw apple cider vinegar.

10. Cuts + Scrapes

Bike crashes, scraped knees and spills in the yard are far more common when the kids are playing outside more. For minor cuts and scrapes, treat with aloe vera gel, raw honey or a simple salve to speed up healing. A couple drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil can help the process, too.

How do you treat summer bummers?

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