Bugs Be Gone – Natural Insect Repellent
This past weekend, the weather warmed up and lots of people headed outdoors to enjoy being outside. Here in New England (which is where I was this past weekend), natural insect repellent is a necessity due to ticks and the prevalence of Lyme Disease. Everywhere I went, I could smell that unmistakable smell of chemical bug sprays.
Most insect repellents on the market today are full of chemicals with unpleasant toxic aromas that are often masked by irritating synthetic fragrances. Why would you want to repeatedly spray your body with unhealthful products in order to enjoy the outdoors? Many people, myself included, are highly sensitive or even allergic to chemicals in these commercial products.
Thank goodness there are now a handful of non-toxic insect repellents available commercially from health food stores or online in case you don’t want to make your own formula at home.If you would like to make your own natural insect repellent, the following, easy to make, aromatic recipe offers a natural alternative to a chemical-based spray.
Benefits of Using a Natural Insect Repellent
Note: Prior to going outdoors, always to remember to avoid wearing any type of fragrance, including cologne, aftershave, scented deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, breath mints, hair gel, soap or even laundry detergent and linen sprays. Biting insects also seem to be attracted to most scents we like.
Reasons Not To Use A Chemical-Bases Mosquito Repellent
Read some of the precautionary statements – in tiny print- on labels of most popular, commercially available chemical-based mosquito insect repellent sprays. Perhaps you will think twice in the next bug season using this type of product on your skin and seek natural non-toxic alternatives and cover up with clothing and hats when necessary.
Bugs Be Gone Herbal Oil Insect Repellent
I make sure to use this oil every day when bugs are at their worst – and sometimes twice per day to achieve the effect of literally saturating my pores with its bug repellent properties. As a bonus, my skin is very soft and conditioned – and occasionally I even get a compliment on my unusual fresh ‘perfume’. If only they knew!
Bugs Be Gone - Natural Insect Repellent
Equipment
- 1 small spritzer bottle
Materials
- ½ cup soybean oil (this oil has natural bug-repellent properties)
- 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 15 drops geranium essential oil
- 15 drops catnip essential oil
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients directly to a storage container such as a plastic or glass spritzer, pump or squeeze bottle
- Shake the mixture vigorously to blend
- Allow the oil to blend and mix for one hour
No refrigeration is required, but for maximum bug-repelling freshness and potency, use within 6-12 months. Kid-friendly too!
Application: I like to apply this formula to my palms first, then massage the oil into the areas that need protecting. During the height of the bug season when the little beasties are on their worse behavior, I actually use this pleasantly fragranced, oil-based repellent as an after-shower massage oil and all-over body moisturizing oil.
Go ahead and enjoy nature – if you would like more natural remedies that suit you, take a look at the Seasonal Dosha kit that includes a natural skin shield for the summer. Just click the button to see how a dosha kit can give you everything you need for the summer.
In health,
