What is summer associated with? Probably with sun, beach, vacation, travel… Nice season.
Or maybe with mosquitoes, flies, wasps, ticks… The picture doesn't look as beautiful anymore. Does it? Insects are such small creatures that can cause such big problems.
Besides the humming that does not let us sleep and drives us crazy, allergies, inflammation and unbearable itching, insect bites can create even bigger problems. Insects, especially mosquitoes and ticks, can be a source of extremely dangerous diseases such as malaria, viral encephalitis, tularemia, anthrax, Lyme disease, etc.
You must be well prepared before going on a vacation. You need to be informed and use the best repellents to avoid any unpleasant situation caused by insects.
If you opt for commercial solutions, stores and pharmacies offer a wide range of creams, sprays, fumigants, various devices, etc. Many people use them, sometimes even out of desperation. Indeed, these solutions are effective in fighting insects. But have you ever wondered how good they are for your health?
Like many of my patients, I am severely allergic to these products, so I have to look for natural solutions to protect myself from insects. This fact does not bother me, especially you already know me as an adherent of natural products and a healthy lifestyle.
So, if you are also allergic to chemical repellents or are concerned about your own health and environmental wellbeing, I suggest you consider some natural methods of protection against insects.
Repellents protect against mosquitoes in different ways. Some irritate the olfactory organs of insects, so they no longer want to attack. Others, applied to the skin, make us inedible for bloodsuckers.
Over the years, humanity has noticed that many insects are very sensitive to certain odors. There are many plants in nature that have a specific smell and taste and can be easily used as repellents. In this letter, I would like to talk about the other side of essential oils, or more precisely, how they can protect us from insect bites.
Essential oils against insects are: tea tree, lavender, clove, geranium, citronella, wormwood, vanilla, cinnamon, lyceum, mint, cedar, basil, eucalyptus.
How can essential oils be used against summer insects?
When choosing one or another oil known for its properties to scare off annoying "vampires", you can use it as follows:
- Scented candle. Pour 3-5 drops of essential oil over a candle and light it in the room where you intend to spend the time. This will not only drive away the mosquitoes, but will create a romantic atmosphere.
- Aromatic spray. In a spray bottle mix 100 ml of water, 25 ml of vodka and 10 drops of insect repellent essential oil. With this mixture you can sprinkle in the room or on clothes. Such a recipe has repeatedly proven its effectiveness.
- Wet napkins. In a bowl of water drip a few drops of essential oil. Soak a napkin or towel in this mixture and put it in the room where you sleep, preferably next to the bed. Hungry mosquitoes will not dare to approach you.
- Cosmetics. Add a few drops of essential oil to the cream or body lotion you use daily and it will become a good antiseptic.
- Water solution. If you plan to spend time outdoors, prepare the following composition in advance: add 50-60 drops of ether or a mixture of two oils in a jar or bottle of water. Place the open vessel where you intend to rest. Gradually evaporated oils will help you forget about insect attacks for a long time.
- Mixture of oils. To one dose of essential oil add 10 or 20 doses of vegetable oil (olive or sunflower). Shake the composition well and keep it in a container in a dark place so that it can be used repeatedly. This mixture can be applied to the skin, even the sensitive one.
What do you think of these methods? Maybe you have already tried some of them? I consider them a very good alternative to chemical repellents. Before trying them, it is important to remember that any essential oil, even if it has a whole list of beneficial properties, is a very concentrated product. Undiluted use may cause burns and allergies.
Enjoy the summer!