More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Natural Bug Repellants
Whether one is looking to avoid chemicals on the skin, simply detests the smell of chemical sprays, or has young children for whom DEET is not an option, there are many compelling reasons to seek out alternatives to chemical bug repellants. Fortunately, there are some effective alternatives from the plant kingdom.
Lemon eucalyptus is one of the few natural ingredients recognized by the Center for Disease Control as an effective mosquito repellant. This variety of eucalyptus, eucalyptus citriodora, is one of the hundreds of varieties of eucalyptus. It is rich in the plant constituents, geraniol and citronelle, as many of the plants that repel insects are, and has a strong pine and lemon odor. Because of its distinct odor, it is best blended with other essential oils that may temper its smell, as some find it too strong. This essential oil is not recommended for use in children under three years of age.
Patchouli and lemongrass are two Asian natives that yield potent smells that insects tend to avoid. These two oils blend well with others and can make a very pleasant bug repellant that most find appealing, yet bugs will not. Lavender is another pleasant option for keeping most nuisance insects away. Patchouli and lavender have the additional benefits of being anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, so they also soothe and heal the skin if one is already under attack. Lavender can be applied undiluted, or neat, to the skin for first aid for spider bites, bee stings, and mosquito bites that become infected or swollen. It has anti-venom properties and is a go-to remedy for anyone who spends time outdoors.
Catnip essential oil is another essential oil emerging on the scene of natural mosquito repellants. It has been found to be just as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitos in independent studies. Catnip oil and all of the oils mentioned above will offer protection from mosquitos, gnats, flies, including black fly, and no-see-ums. They seem to offer some protection from ticks, however the studies there are less conclusive. With the growing emergence of Lymes Disease, and the inherent safety of the oils, it would seem prudent to apply them as well as other measures, particularly in young children who cannot use the chemicals recommended to repel ticks.
