My Precious: The Miracle Traveling Item

You’re packing before a trip and the dilemma happens every time – what to bring, what not to bring and is it still going to fit into that tiny rucksack over there? From personal experience, I can lighten your load with this helpful tip that reduces seven items into one.

I’ve been to 25 different countries and this all–in–one goodness be used as:

• favorite moisturizer with the best hydrating qualities
• mosquito repellent
• lip balm
• shaving cream
• hair mask to prevent sun damage (great for nourishing hair, especially tropical destinations)
• makeup remover
• natural sunblock

This staple item has been first on my packing list for a couple years now. Less is more when traveling. By making this product before leaving (which takes minimal effort and time) it has cut my toiletries bag by two thirds! This homemade miracle lotion is not only my main moisturizer at home – it is my traveling companion.

The ingredients are simple:

• 15 oz jar Raw Coconut Oil
• 7 oz Raw Shea Butter (I typically have another 7 oz Shea Butter in case I want to add to make consistency less oily; this is a preference)
• 50 drops of Essential Lemon Oil
• 10 tablespoons Raspberry Seed Oil

I make a big batch by combining ingredients into any mixer and store it in the refrigerator. Prior to any trip, I take my concoction and put it in a tightly sealed 3 oz container for carry-on requirements. This recipe is also versatile. You can just mix the Coconut Oil and Shea Butter as your base, and then add different essential oils in a separate travel container for different scents and benefits.

I use the Lemon Oil (a natural mosquito repellent) when traveling to tropical destinations because the mosquitos absolutely love me. When I apply, I NEVER get bit. I also use the Raspberry Seed Oil, which acts as a natural SPF of 25.  I use Coconut Oil and Shea Butter for its many beneficial properties – moisturizing, antibacterial properties, vitamin content, and anti-aging properties, to name a few. Oh, did I tell you it smells fantastic too?! It is the gift that keeps on giving. One batch has taken me through about 10 international trips and I still have leftovers.

Warning! You will run out if you are traveling with friends because once they try it, they won’t leave you alone! I once brought it with me for my yoga teacher training in Thailand and let me tell you… crouching down like Smeagol from Lord of the Rings trying to savor “my Precious” was not my most attractive look, especially when I was just meditating 30 minutes prior.  If you are like me, a victim to unsightly Everest–looking mosquito bites – I’m sure you can understand why I had such a weak moment. (So, perhaps you may want to bring more than three ounces for sharing purposes.)

Being a health nut, my favorite thing about this recipe is you can avoid toxic ingredients that come in many other lotions, creams, makeup removers and bug sprays – not to mention the repulsive smell from bug spray! You don’t want to repel people as well! The best time to apply is before bed because, after all, it is oil and it takes a little longer than a normal lotion to absorb into the skin.

However, your skin is the largest organ in your body and it is worth the nourishment. And, if you are like me, mosquitos will find even that one spot where you haven’t covered yourself.  Make sure you thoroughly cover from head to (in–between) toes and reapply before entering any tropical jungle! A little of this goes a long way so you don’t need to apply a lot. So, try it – and if you love it – share it as these make fantastic gift ideas too!

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