Sunburn, headaches, mosquito bites, frizzy, or oily hair… welcome to Costa Rica! While you may encounter one of these irritations, it does not mean that you shouldn’t come. There are ways to prepare safely for your trip, especially for situations you’re not accustomed to.
Costa Rica is abundantly rich in nature and is estimated to house 2.5% of the biodiversity of the entire world. Being the most biologically intense place on earth, you can imagine the diverse range of species of exotic flora and fauna.
When packing for holiday, most of us tend to include the same assortment of headache pills, repellants and chemically enhanced creams, and while they may work, there are natural remedies that can provide an alternative solution.
Being In A Natural Place With Natural Products
What’s more fitting than bringing natural products and remedies to a place that’s abundant with nature? I will admit, I have found nature to be a great doctor. Keep in mind that these remedies only work for non-life-threatening cases, if there’s an emergency, please consider seeking a medical doctor.
Remember how grandma’s ancient homemade recipes of soups laced with her “special ingredients” always worked wonders for stomach aches? Or when you had a sunburn and she bathed you with oats? Read on for a list of natural remedies I found to work best. Some may even transport you back to one of those memories with your grandmother.
Living in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica has often required me to seek out these remedies. I only wish someone had told me about these before I arrived. With this in mind, I am sharing these secrets with you so that you may better prepare yourself for your holiday in Costa Rica.
Below is a list of a few natural remedies to make your trip more enjoyable.
Aloe Vera
In Blue Osa Resort and Spa, we have Aloe Vera plants which I’ve found to be incredibly useful. If you cut off a leaf and open it horizontally with a knife, you will see the gel inside. It is transparent in appearance and has a distinctive odor. Aloe Vera contains bioactive compounds combined with a variety of vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids. Perfect for a tropical remedy!
What can I use this for? The natural gel from Aloe Vera can be applied directly to your skin to help with sunburn, peeling skin, heat rashes, or simply to cleanse, tone and moisturize your face.
Tea-Tree Oil
There are insects everywhere in the Osa Peninsula, and nobody wants to suffer from bites or risk scarring after the itching commences.
What can I use this for? I found this antiseptic oil to be an incredible itch relief for bug bites. You barely need to apply a drop on the bite and results can be seen and felt in less than 2 days. After discovering the magic of this product, the first thing I do when I wake up is apply my tea-tree oil.
Coconut Oil
This is for all the coco lovers out there like myself. This oil is rapidly growing in popularity as people discover the abundance of beneficial properties found within the product. In Costa Rica where the weather is tropical and humid, hair can suffer from oil or become frizzy. This oil is great for these kinds of hair and skin issues.
What can I use this for? Apply a small amount onto your fingertips and run them through the ends of your hair. Your hair can either be wet or dry, but remember to only apply a small amount so it doesn’t get oily. This product not only smells fantastic but also ensures my hair stays moisturised.
Coconut Water
In the Osa Peninsula, it’s very important to stay hydrated as the strong sun blesses us with its presence most days. It can be easy to forget to drink water when we’re busy enjoying outdoor activities, but it’s important to remember to do so as dehydration can lead to headaches and further problems. Coconut water is full of electrolytes and is an incredible source of hydration.
What can I use this for? Dehydration.
Peppermint Oil
This is one of my all time favourite oils. I love feeling minty and fresh, and this oil never fails to produce this sensation. Sometimes when I can’t sleep, as a result of the natural heat or when I’m feeling itchy, I apply this oil to my body and immediately benefit from the cooling effect that ultimately relaxes and calms me down.
What can I use this for? Relief from itching, aid relaxation, to ease sore muscles and improve digestive issues.
Working in a yoga resort and spa, I witness the continuous stream of excited guests from various cultures and backgrounds eager to drink in all Costa Rica has to offer. During the hot summer months, the spiraling temperatures bring with them the predictable cases of sunburn and heat rashes which can often make life uncomfortable for those unfortunate enough to suffer. Fortunately for those unlucky enough to be afflicted, we can share the healing power of these locally sourced natural remedies. It is always rewarding to see first hand, more people opening their eyes to the healing power of nature.
I have always loved the concept of natural remedies but have never used them before until my trip to Costa Rica. I got tired of continuously buying products that initially appeared to work but didn’t offer long term solutions, in fact sometimes making ailments worse. I turned back to nature, embraced the natural way and I am happy to report this seems to have worked wonders.
Most of these items can be bought in regular health stores. Make sure to pack these items when coming to Costa Rica, or you could purchase them from our local supplier in Puerto Jimenez. Being cautious and smart will help you enjoy your trip even more. It would be criminal to miss out on the adventures Costa Rica has to offer, you won’t be disappointed!
Experience nature at its finest at Blue Osa!
“A wise man ought to realize that health is his most valuable possession.” – Hippocrates
About The Author
Born in Colombia, raised in Florida with a mind full of curiosity on spirituality and how to make the world a better place. Nicole has been practicing yoga since she was 16 years old, ever since she’s wanted to expand her yoga practice which has turned into her ultimate passion. She went to Costa Rica where her practice got more deep and now being a certified yoga instructor, still in Costa Rica, as a writer/blogger and finishing her studies on holistic health. Growing up in a household and group of friends full of support and love is what has allowed her to achieve her dreams and to continue to be where she currently is. Expressing her passions with yoga, writing, health and nature through social media wanting to spread her passion through out the world, one picture and one message at a time. (IG: @nicoletovz)(FB: Nicole Tovar)
