Favorite Extract of the Day…Mosquito Repellent

Awhile back I became pretty fascinated with flower essences, Ayurvedic healing powers, energy centers, the whole bit – of course, while I had the interest, and I have all the books – I never really researched it.

The other day I was talking with a friend at work about how my summer Florida yard next to a dried up old creek is swamped with mosquitoes and how my little  Rigby was getting eaten alive!

She had a fantastic fix – one I may have come across had I not been so lazy as to research a littler further in my ‘lost-cause’ hobby.

To thwart a mosquito from invading your skin – or your dog’s -  she suggested a couple of drops of pure lavender essential oils in a spray bottle full of water.  Those pokey pests won’t come near the potency and you won’t smell like you stepped out of a chemical factory. 

Lavender is also good for

• Your digestion by increasing the mobility of the intestine.
• Your circulation by lowering your blood pressure.
• Aiding in the formation of scar tissue, or adding it to chamomile to help heal eczema.
• One you may have heard of –  helping put you sleep – place a little watered down spritz under your pillow for the sweetest dreams.

You can also mix the lavender in a carrier oil, such as olive oil or rubbing alcohol.

Other essential oils that help deter this bug is: geranium oil, citronella oil,lemongrass, eucalyptus and peppermint oil  – Just remember – BE CAREFUL in applying these oils to your skin as they are extracted directly from the plant and very strong.  Also, you may have to apply more frequently than when you use a commercial brand, so make a little mix to bring with you.

My other favorite way to repel those buggers is to take my daily garlic pills.  One in the a.m, one in the p.m. They don’t make me or my breath stank, but the garlic oozing out of my pores is a sure repellent.  When I was younger, my little sister couldn’t swallow pills, so my step-mom thought it would work to break a garlic pill open and put it in her orange juice.  Clearly, garlic & orange juice are not a match made in heaven, so you can imagine the results.  She gagged, and we all laughed so hard the orange juice came out of all our noses -

Word to the wise, swallow the pill whole, don’t break it in your orange juice, unless you like that burning sensation.

Need some more ideas for the great outdoors this summer and further resources for natural bug repellent?

Tagged as: essential oils, health, lavender, mosquito, natural remedy, outdoors, repellent