I love summer! I love the warm weather, the longer days, the warm weather….
One of the things I don’t like is the bugs that come with summer. I’ve come across some good tips for natural bug repellents that I want to share. I also have a terrific recipe for tick repellent – ticks are supposedly VERY bad this year.
If you are new to essential oils, visit my friend Tracey at the Health Food Center in the West Shore Farmer’s Market to purchase them. I can also order them for you, if that’s easier – just email me!
Give some of these a try so you don’t get bugged this summer!
Mosquito Repellent
Use any empty spray bottle. Fill halfway with water (distilled or tap is okay), and then add witch hazel to fill the bottle to ¾ full. Add 60 drops of any or all of these essential oils: rosemary, clove and eucalyptus. Give it a little shake and spray onto skin and/or clothing. You can use it as often as necessary.
Mosquito Repellent Skin Cream
You can make a nice skin rub, too, starting with 1 T coconut oil. Add 3-5 drops of several of the following oils: lavender, lemon grass, cedarwood, eucalyptus, thyme clove, lemon or orange. You can also add 2-3 drops to 1-2 oz. water and spray on skin.
My friend Althea’s Skeeter Spray
Make your own spray bottle of mosquito repellant by adding the following essential oils to 8 to 10 ounces of water (adjust oils based upon scent if you want):
8 drops Vetiver
6 drops Lavender
4 drops Lemon
2 drop Ginger
3 drops Wormwood oil
Combine these oils together in the water and spray area or arms/legs.
Do not spray into face. Reapply as often as you like.
Tick Repellent
Put 4 oz. water into a spray bottle. Add 20 drops lemongrass and 20 drops eucalyptus oils. Spray on shoes, socks, cuffs, skin. Safe for pets, too! You can double or triple this recipe if needed.
If you do get bitten or even stung, mix 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar into one cup water. Pat with a cotton ball as needed. I think you could just use ACV, too, if it isn’t too strong for your skin.
If you find ticks, after removing it, put 1 drop of lavender oil on the spot with a cotton ball every 5 minutes for 30 minutes. I haven’t personally used this, but it comes from a good source.
Don’t get bugged this summer! Enjoy your vitality!
