If you love hiking but hate mosquitos, give essential oils a try.
With their natural properties, these oils can help you get the most out of your hike. After researching and testing various options, we’ve found the four best essential oils for hiking: Peppermint, Lavender, Helichrysum, and Citronella (along with some honorable mentions). Whether you need an energy boost, relief for sore muscles, or protection against bugs, these oils have got you covered. So, next time you hit the trails, don’t forget to pack your essential oils and elevate your hiking experience.
4 Best Essential Oils for Hiking
Peppermint Essential Oil
Aroma: Sharp & Minty
One of the best oils for hiking is Peppermint Essential Oil. Not only does it give you a burst of energy, but it can also provide a cooling sensation to help soothe sore muscles. Imagine taking in the fresh mountain air while feeling invigorated and refreshed by the power of peppermint. Trust us, this oil is a must-have for any hiker looking to elevate their adventure to the next level.
Lavender Essential Oil
Aroma: Fresh & Floral
Lavender Essential Oil is one of the best in soothing minor scrapes and scratches. It smells great and has natural properties that can help calm and soothe irritated skin, making it a must-have for any hiking first-aid kit. But that’s not all! Lavender is also known for its uplifting properties, which means it can help lift your mood and keep you energized for the trek ahead.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Aroma: Earthy & Herbaceous
When it comes to hiking, taking care of your skin is crucial. This is where the Helichrysum Essential Oil comes in handy. Known for its cleansing properties, this oil can effectively help remove dirt and grime from your skin. It’s also great for promoting rejuvenation, which is important after a long and tiring hike. One of its best benefits is its ability to help heal skin, making it perfect for any accidental cuts or bruises that may happen on the trail.
Citronella Essential Oil
Aroma: Fresh & Citrusy
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just someone who enjoys the occasional stroll in the great outdoors, dealing with pesky insects like mosquitoes and ticks can be a total buzzkill. This is where Citronella Essential Oil comes in! It’s one of the best natural insect repellents out there. Not only does it fend off those annoying critters, but it also has an energizing and uplifting effect on your senses. And, for those who may experience joint discomfort from all that hiking, Citronella Oil has been known to support joint function, too.
Honorable Mentions
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Aroma: Clean & Herbaceous
Planning to hit the trails? Eucalyptus Essential Oil is your new best friend. While it may have just missed the top spot on our list of best essential oils for hiking, it’s definitely an honorable mention. Not only does it have a refreshing and energizing scent, it can also soothe sore muscles after a long day of trekking and provide ease for any pesky bug bites.
Cypress Essential Oil
Aroma: Herbaceous & Fresh
Have you ever gone on a hike and returned feeling sore and achy? Hey, it happens to the best of us! Cypress Essential Oil is a powerhouse oil that is perfect for relaxing sore muscles and supporting joint function, allowing you to conquer even the most challenging trails with ease. But that’s not all – Cypress also promotes rejuvenation for scrapes and scratches, ensuring you can focus on the views instead of a pesky injury.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Aroma: Earthy & Citrusy
Are you planning a hiking trip? Don’t forget to pack Lemongrass Essential Oil, another honorable mention for the best essential oils for hiking! Not only does it have a refreshing scent, but it also deters insects like mosquitoes and ticks. This means you can enjoy your time in nature without worrying about pesky bug bites.
How to Use Essential Oils in Hiking
All-Natural Recipes
One way to incorporate essential oils in hiking is by creating all-natural recipes like massage oil, lotion, salve, soothing spray, and more. It’s easy to make batches of these products to take them with you on every hike and enjoy the natural, healing benefits of essential oils in the great outdoors.
Check out our Toxin-Free Magazine for tons of recipe inspiration you can follow and use.
Roll-On Recipes
Roll-on recipes are a great way to incorporate the benefits of essential oils into your outdoor adventure. Not only are they easy to carry and apply with the roller, but they’re also pre-diluted, making them safe for topical use. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, energy, or bug repellent, there’s a recipe out there for you.
Check out this little roll-on travel bag that holds 6 roll-ons, making it easy to bring your roll-ons with you wherever you go!
Extra Tips
- Seal your essential oil bottles and liquid recipes in small zip-lock baggies. Not only does it keep everything secure, but it also makes it easy to access your oils without the fear of spilling them in your pack.
- Always use diluted essential oils – trust me, you do not want to experience the harsh effects of pure essential oils on your skin! It’s also a good idea to ditch the idea of bringing pure essential oils altogether and instead opt for ready-made recipes. Not only is this more convenient, but it’s also safer and more effective.