Ouch! Yep, it’s that time of the year again--bug season. Whether it’s trying to avoid getting bit by those nasty little buggars, or attempting to keep your garden healthy and disease free, the challenge isn’t an easy one. Many traditional over the counter bug repellents have harsh chemical compositions. However, there are several natural essential oil and other plant remedies that can be used to create your own safe, natural repellents at home. In order to ensure safe usage, it is important to look up the specific properties of each essential oil before use. Pregnant or nursing women, or those with chronic medical conditions, should consult a health care provider before experimenting with any essential oil.
Here is a list of some common essential oils are known to combat biting insects such at mosquitos, fleas and ticks: cinnamon, lemon eucalyptus or traditioanl eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, castor oil, orange oil, and rose germanium oil, just to name a few. These oils can be used individually or combined together in various ways to make topical sprays or balms/oils, used in a vaporizer, Other options would be to use an aromatherapys mister, or add a few drops to a cotton ball and keep with you or a dew drops to sleeping bag, just be cautious that some oils may stain when directly applied to clothing, and should not be applied directly to skin without a carrier oil. Carrier oils include but are not limited to olive oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, witch hazel, high grain wood alcohol, or aloe vera gel (2). The following are three recipe examples that can be used to make our own essential oil insect repellents.
Essential Oil Big Spray:
- 2 oz. Witch Hazel
- 2 oz. Aloe Vera Gel
- 20-40 drops of essential oil(s) - start with less and gradually add more if desired
- Combine witch hazel and aloe vera gel
- Add mix to 4 oz. spray bottle
- Add 20-40 drops of essential oil per 4 oz. bottle
- Use: apply to the skin, avoid the eyes
- Store in a dark bottle, away from heat and sunlight (4)
Bug Off Skin Oil:
- 2 TSP carrier oil
- 5 drops Cedarwood essential oil
- 4 drops Lemon essential oil
- 2 drops Geranium essential oil
- 1 drop Citronella essential oil
- Use: apply to the skin, avoid the eyes
- Store in a dark bottle, away from heat and sunlight (1)
Essential Oil Insect Repellent Beeswax Candle Recipe:
- Beeswax (one brick)
- 2 TSP carrier oil
- Candle wick
- 7- 10 drops (total alone or combined) essential oil (see list above)
- Place the wick in your desired mould. Over low heat, melt your beeswax in a double boiler. Add your desired essential oil(s). Pour beeswax mixture into mold with wick, making sure the wick stays centered when pouring. Let stand until wax is firm. (3)
Sources:
(1) Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal by Valerie Gennari Cooksley, R.N. p.206-207.
(2) Natural Insect Repellant Recipe: How to Make Natural Insect Repellant by Anne Marie Helmentrine, Ph.D. http://chemistry.about.com/od/healthbeautyprojects/a/naturalinsectrepellent.htm
(3) Beeswax Essential Oil Insect Repellent Candle by Evelyn Vincent. http://blog.younglivingcircle.com/2011/06/07/beeswax-essential-oil-insect-repellent-candle/
(4) The Art of Healing Touch: Integrative Therapies for the Body and Soul. Essential Oil Bug Spray Recipe(s) by Rochelle Clark. http://theartofhealingtouch.com/essential-oil-bug-spray-recipes/