Bugs and mosquitoes were brutal last summer. With the amount of rain we’ve had this spring, summer 2019 might be even worse! It’s tempting to run out and buy some bug spray. But commercial bug repellents contain DEET, a chemical that can cause memory loss, headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pain and shortness of breath.
We need to remember that our skin is our largest organ. Whatever we put on our skin is absorbed into the blood stream. There is an easy and inexpensive way to avoid putting toxic bug spray on your skin. You can make your own!
Here’s the Recipe
Step 1: Choose Your Essential Oils
- Citronella Oil
- Cinnamon Oil
- Lemon Oil
- Geranium Oil
Step 2: Choose Your Base
For oil-based bug repellent: Simply mix 40 to 50 drops of essential oils into 8 0z. of your favorite carrier oil. Store in a small glass jar or tub. This mixture is quite effetive and can be dabbed lightly on wrists, inside of arms, behind the knees or around the ankles to keep those bugs at a distance
For water-based bug repellent spray: Essential oils don’t mix well with water, so you’ll need to use witch hazel, rubbing alcohol or vodka as an emulsifier. Use about 2-4 ounces of witch hazel or alcohol in an 8 oz. spray bottle. Then fill the rest with pure water and 40 to 50 drops of essential oils.
Step 3: Combine in a dark glass container. Either a roller ball vial for an oil based repellent or a spray bottle for water based. Shake, spray and enjoy the outdoors!
