Natural Insect Repellent: Make your own

Summer is on the way! Sunshine, bright blue skies, little puffy clouds, green grass, birds chirping-----all these things make up the wonderfulness of summer. Unfortunately, summer also brings pesky pest-insects to fly around your head, buzz in your ear, and sting your feet. In the United States and Canada, about 92,000 species of insects have been named.

As part of my commitment to sustainability I try to respect the natural order of environmental cooperation. (This means I cannot arbitrarily spray my yard with DEET containing insecticide)  There are natural pest-insect predators, which include birds, bats, spiders, insects, and bugs that eat and keep the pest population in check. If you are interested in attracting beneficial natural predators to control insect pests check out the ferncreekdesign website listed below. Now that our bee populations are endangered (which is a huge topic for another day) we need to be careful with manufactured, chemical insecticides. We should all take steps to be environmentally aware.

This year I have a new sustainable plan (sustainability means survivability). I am adding into my wellness lifestyle homemade organic and natural insect repellents. I am not alone in thinking that the natural path is the healthy path. There is a great deal of information on natural insect repellents and many recipes on the Internet. Many do-it-yourself websites have easy, inexpensive pest repellent alternatives.

Mosquitoes                                                                                                                          

The most basic step to avoid mosquitoes is to know what draws them.  This is a list of things to avoid, or that can be used as bait to lure mosquitoes away from you.

•                Carbon Dioxide--You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising--a burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide. 


•                Lactic Acid---You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods (e.g., salty foods, high-potassium foods). 


•                Floral or Fruity Fragrances---In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets. 


•                Skin Temperature---The exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities. 


•                Moisture---Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes.

•                Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.

There are a few different formulations you can make for your natural insect repellent. These repellents involve diluting essential oils that the insects find distasteful or which confuses them. The oils don't mix with water, so you'll need to add them to other oils or to alcohol. The repellent’s effectiveness is enhanced when a few different insect-repelling natural oils are combined, as different chemicals repel different insects. Mix the essential oil with the carrier oil or alcohol. You may rub or spray the natural insect repellent onto skin or clothing be sure to avoid the sensitive eye area. Be sure to re-apply the natural product after about an hour or after swimming or exercise. Store unused natural insect repellent in a dark bottle, away from heat or sunlight. To change the consistency of the repellent combine the oil with aloe vera gel.

Essential Oils (An oil derived from a natural herbal substance)                                             

To make large amounts of insect repellent, a good rule of thumb is to mix the repellent so it's 5-10% essential oil, so mix 1 part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol. For a smaller batch use 10-25 drops (total) of essential oils and 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol.

Essential oils that work well against biting insects (mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas) are:

·      Cinnamon oil (mosquitoes)

·      Lemon eucalyptus or regular eucalyptus oil (mosquitoes, ticks, and lice)

·      Citronella oil (mosquitoes and biting flies)

·      Castor oil (mosquitoes)

·      Orange oil (fleas)

·      Rose geranium (ticks and lice)

·      Most mints

·      Cedar wood

·      Patchouli

Other recommended essential oils include: Rosemary Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedar Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil and Geranium Oil.

Safe carrier oils, vinegars, and alcohols include:

·      Olive oil

·      Sunflower oil

·      Almond oil

·      Jojoba oil

·      Grape seed oil

·      Any other cooking oil

·      Apple cider vinegar

·      Witch hazel

·      Vodka

·      Gin

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: It's important to use an oil or alcohol that is safe for your skin. The essential oils are potent and could cause skin irritation or another reaction if you use too much. Patch testing is recommended---try a small amount of the repellent on the inside of the arm for twenty minutes to check for sensitivities or allergies. Avoid getting repellents to close to the eyes. Keep repellents out of the eyes. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not apply an insect repellent, natural or otherwise, until after you've gotten it cleared by your physician.

Homemade Insect Repellent Recipe  

 Vinegar of the Four Thieves

--Combine in a large glass jar 8½ cups of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic   
                                                                                                               
--Add to this ½ ounce each of the following herbs: rosemary, rue, sage, wormwood, and peppermint         
                                                                                                                      
-- Add 2 ounces of dried lavender flowers; ½ ounce of camphor; and ½ ounce each of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and Calamus aromaticus. (Calamus aromaticus also known as sweet sedge or sweet flag—the root is used)    
                                                                     
--Seal and allow to steep in a sunny windowsill for about 2 weeks and shake well daily

--After the 2 weeks, strain the mixture
                                                                                     
--Add several cloves of crushed garlic to the vinegar, seal, and allow to soak for 3 days 
                                                                                                                                     
--Strain, seal, and store the vinegar in a cool place

Mosquito Repellent for People

The fractionated coconut oil base is light. This formula can be put in a spray bottle and stays on better than water-based formulas.                       

• 60 drops catnip essential oil (this is a 5% dilution)

·      20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil

·      10 drops lavender essential oil

·      2 oz. fractionated coconut oil

Be sure to keep the total percentage of essential oils under 15% for safety.

Insect Repellent Butter-bars  (from wellnessmama.com)

•                1 cup coconut oil

•                1/2 cup  shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter (or a mix of all three equal to 1 part)

•                1/2 cup beeswax + 2 tablespoons

•                1/4 cup fresh or dried rosemary leaves

•                1 teaspoon dried whole cloves

•                2 tablespoons dried or fresh thyme

•                1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder

•                1/4 cup dried catnip leaf

•                1 (or more) tablespoons of mint leaf (optional but adds great scent)

•                Optional: 1 teaspoon olive oil to preserve.

Essential Oils (optional but good): Bug off blend (contains all of the above), lavender and lemon (10+ drops of each). Herbs can be infused into the coconut oil rather than using expensive essential oils.

Using a double boiler or glass bowl on top of a small saucepan, heat about 1 inch of water (in bottom pan) until starting to boil. Place the dried rosemary, cloves, thyme, cinnamon, catnip and mint in the top part of the double boiler and add the coconut oil (can also use almond, olive or other oil but you will need to add more beeswax later on to get the bars to firm. Cover the bowl or top part of the double boiler and keep the water at medium/high temperature for at least 30 minutes or until oil has adopted a darker color and smells strongly of rosemary. Alternately, you can fill a crock pot about half full with water, put the coconut oil and herbs in a glass mason jar with a tight lid, cover and keep on lowest setting for several days to make an even stronger infused oil. Then, strain the dried herbs out of the oil using a small mesh strainer or cheesecloth and pour the oil back into the double boiler. The oil will probably be reduced by almost half and you should have about 1/2 cup of the infused oil. If you have more, save it for next time! Add the butter(s) and beeswax to the double boiler and stir until all have melted. Remove from heat, add the Vitamin E oil and any other essential oils and pour into molds. Leave in the molds until completely set (overnight is best) or you can speed up the process by placing in the fridge.

Organic Insect Repellent

5ml Neem Oil

2ml washing up liquid, or soap (organic)

1L Water

1x Spray bottle (clean)

1: Add 5ml of Neem Oil to the 1L of Water (or 5% Neem if you want to make a different quantity).

2: Add 2ml emulsifying agent, like washing up liquid or soap.

3: Pour into a clean spray bottle, shake and apply directly to exposed skin.

Useful Information

A smoke smudge created by dropping handfuls of lightly dampened dried pine needles on smoldering coals will drive mosquitoes away. A strongly tea brewed of equal parts chamomile and elder leaves can be used as a wipe to repel mosquitoes for about 20 minutes. Lemongrass pulpy goo, which is extracted from the stem, is an effective mosquito repellent. The Annals of Internal Medicine (June 1998) report citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, pine, cedar, verbena, geranium, peppermint, cinnamon, thyme, basil, garlic, and allspice essential oils repel mosquitoes for up to two hours. Essential oils need to be diluted with host oil, such as almond, jojoba, or olive at a 1 to 16 ratio (1 part essential oil to 16 parts host oil). Spot test essential oils on your wrist and wait one hour to check for sensitivity. If you’re pregnant, consult your doctor first.

Homemade First Aide

To soothe the swelling, itching and pain associated with tick, chigger and fly bites:

•                Apply a compress made of: 
- A washcloth dipped in plain or salted (one teaspoon salt in two cups) cool water
- Ice wrapped in a washcloth
- Pulped comfrey, plantain, parsley or mullein leaves
- Raw grated potato
- Thick oatmeal
- A wet tea bag

•                Dab bites with: 
- Calamine lotion
- A moist Alka-Seltzer tablet
- Witch hazel
- Heavily salted butter
- Apple cider vinegar
- Raw garlic
- Fresh aloe vera pulp
- Tea tree, neem or emu oil
- Bach Rescue Remedy, drops or cream
- Bug bite oil made by combining 1 teaspoon each of tea tree and lavender oils in one ounce rubbing alcohol or witch hazel
- Thick paste made of baking soda, cornstarch, or arrowroot moistened with water, lemon juice or vinegar. Or a paste made of one teaspoon meat tenderizer mixed with teaspoon water
- Peppermint toothpaste from the health food store

•                Soak in a tub of hot water containing one of these soothers: 
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- one cup apple cider vinegar
- one cup cornstarch
- one pound of baking soda

Essential Oil research

There has been research into the effectiveness of certain herbs. Fennel was researched at Seoul National University in Korea where it was found to be effective as a mosquito repellent. Thyme contains carvacrol and alpha-terpinene; two compounds derived from the essential oil displayed significantly greater repellency than the commercial DEET repellent. Don't try to make thyme oil repellent at home as it is too irritating and strong smelling to be used at effective concentrations above 25%. Clove oil research found that the undiluted topical is active against mosquitoes. Clove oil should not be applied undiluted to skin as a homemade repellent; it should be added to carrier oil. Celery extract research revealed that the extract did not irritate the skin or cause a burning sensation and was found to be active against a variety of mosquito species at a rate comparable to a 25% DEET formula. Neem oil, which is extracted from the tropical neem tree has insecticidal compounds called azadirachtins however the neem smell is generally unappealing.

http://ferncreekdesign.org/beneficialinsects.pdf

www.easy-aromatherapy-recipes.com.

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aznaturalremedyindex/a/mosquito.htm

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/images/media/pdfs/HI1250-chart.pdf

www.instructables.com.

http://wellnessmama.com/5170/bug-off-lotion-bars/

http://www.diylife.com/search/?q=insect+repellant&sort=relevance

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/288949_vinegar-of-the-four-thieves-an-herbal-insect-repellent#ixzz2R2iJv0lf

Anti-fungal Herbs and Essential Oils

(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday it found "greenish black foreign matter" and other contaminants in an injectable steroid produced by the New England Compounding Center, the pharmacy at the heart of a deadly U.S. meningitis outbreak.

WASHINGTON - The black mold creeping into the spines of hundreds of people who got tainted shots for back pain marks uncharted medical territory. Never before has this particular fungus been found to cause meningitis. It's incredibly hard to diagnose, and to kill — requiring at least three months of a treatment that can cause hallucinations. There's no good way to predict survival, or when it's safe to stop treating, or exactly how to monitor those who fear the fungus may be festering silently in their bodies. "I don't think there is a precedent for this kind of thing," said Dr. Arjun Srinivasan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

I am very interested in the individuals receiving the contaminated steroid injections. I definitely personalize this very sad situation because I had tried steroid injections for back pain about a year ago—it could have been me. More than ever I am glad that I made the proactive choice to study alternative wellness approaches and herbal therapeutics. What would I do for myself, or someone I love?

I am a conservative herbalist. When I read the statement, “this particular fungus been found to cause meningitis. It's incredibly hard to diagnose, and to kill — requiring at least three months of a treatment that can cause hallucinations” I wonder what can these individuals do that is not so systemically damaging to the body. Of course if one is on the edge of a stroke, you should not leave the hospital. Hospitals work best for critical care and life threatening situations. I have no opinion on the standard of medical treatment for the individuals suffering the effects of the fungus contaminated steroid injections. 

However if the fungal infection were a chronic issue, I would have a talk with my physician about incorporating adjunctive therapies. In fact if I were in the hospital, I would find a way to incorporate essential oil massage, aromatherapy, and herbal teas into my program.

The three traditional uses of essential oils in aromatherapy are inhalation, topical application, and ingestion.  I presume a standard physician would be most concerned about the ingestion of the essential oil, or herb. I would opt for using an essential oil through inhalation or topically.

 Herbal products usually contain pieces of the actual plant in a dried form…[while] Essential oils contain the concentrated essence of the plant …When an essential oil is produced, distillation is used to extract the compounds and constituents of the plant… [the] process concentrates the benefits so only a tiny bit of essential oils are needed http://modernessentialoils.com/the-difference-between-essential-oils-and-herbs

Essential oils are lipotropic (fat soluble) and tend to pass through the skin easily. Because of the fairly small molecular structure, essential oils can pass into the bloodstream and surrounding tissues easily allowing their possible effects can be targeted. Many acupressure points that correspond to different parts of the body have been identified on the feet, hands and ears. Using reflexology and massaging the feet, hand, or ears with essential oils can positively affect the corresponding internal organs. You can obtain reflexology charts online. http://www.diy-stress-relief.com/foot-reflexology-massage.html

Essential Oils can be absorbed and have positive effects on these body systems glandular, skin, respiratory, and circulation. Essential oil fragrances are absorbed through blood circulation and nerve pathways from the sinuses into the central glands of the brain, which control emotional, neurological, and immunological functions. Essential oils have direct, powerful pharmacological systemic effect via the blood supply to the brain while there is an indirect effect via the olfactory nerve pathways to the brain. Essential oils inhaled during treatment directly affect the sinuses, throat, and lungs. Essential oils have beneficial effects on circulatory problems. When properly used essential oils are quite safe and highly beneficial. However, individuals can hurt themselves by using these highly concentrated oils improperly.

Topical Application tends to be more common than inhalation and is the preferred method of use for many essential oils. Since essential oils can cause skin irritation they require significant dilution. It is a good idea to try a small skin test of the essential oil to check for skin sensitivity. Lavender Oil and Chamomile Oil are two essential oils that can be applied 'neat' or without dilution to the skin. Cinnamon Oil and Oregano Oil may be applied once highly diluted to the bottoms of the feet. The best idea would be to consult an aroma therapist or herbalist to recommend an essential oil for your needs and to receive instruction on the best application technique.

A diffuser or oil lamp (sometimes called a 'burner') passes a continuous stream of air over your oil source, often simply straight from the bottle, and creates a fine evaporated mist without heating. A candle lamp incorporates a small bowel to which a small amount of water and a few drops of essential oils are added and are gently heated by the candle. Do not over do it---the essential oils are highly concentrated. If you notice a dislike for the smell or mild headache coming on the concentration of certain oils in the air has gotten too high. The effects are very personal - if you don't like the smell of a particular essential oil or combination of oils, there's probably a reason 1. Your intake could be too high or 2. The oil(s) may not be compatible with your body chemistry at that time. 



I do not recommend ingestion of essential oils. However, if you purchase the oil at food grade potency from a grocery store it is great addition to a healthy diet. Also if the idea of using a potent essential oil is intimidating, one can drink the herbal tea. Be sure to allow the tea to steep—follow the directions on the box.

Seven techniques for using Essential Oils

1) Inhalations: On hot compress, Diffusers, In hot water for inhalation. Standard dose is 1-3 drops of essential oil. Best for respiratory and sinus, headaches. Caution: prolonged inhalation of concentrated essential oils can cause headaches, vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and lethargy.

2) Baths: A generally safe does is 5 - 10 drops of milder oils mixed with 1/2 to 1 cup sesame oil or milk then poured into bath. Put oil on water immediately before entering bath, disperse. Caution: overuse of essential oils in the bath can cause irritation. Use only mild, non-irritating oils for bath, such as lavender and clary sage.

3) Compresses: 
10 drops oil in 4 oz hot water, soak cloth, wrap. Good for bruises, wounds, muscular aches and pains, dysmenorrhea, skin problems.

4) Facial steam: 
1 - 5 drops on hot water in a pot, cover head with a towel, steam face. Excellent for opening sinuses, headaches, skin treatment.

5) Massage: 
Be sure to dilute the essential oil typically 2% - 10%. For adults, a 2.5% dilution is recommended for most purposes. For children under 12, 1% is generally safe.

6) Direct Palm Inhalation: Caution this method of use should only be done with oils that can be safely applied to the skin (ask an aroma therapist for an oil recommendation). Apply 1-2 drops of oil to the palms, rub together gently and inhale deeply. This is an excellent method of use for a quick and easy exposure to the anti-microbial and other therapeutic uses of essential oils. Over the counter Tea Tree oil would be appropriate.

7) Diffusers: Candle diffusers, 
 Electric heat diffusers. Cool air nebulizing diffusers. Each has advantages and disadvantages

Safety Recommendations--• Do not use essential oils internally.
• Do not apply directly to skin; always dilute with carrier oil.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Do not use citrus oils before exposure to UV light.
• Use only pure essential oils; avoid synthetic fragrances.
• Do not use essential oils on infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with serious health problems, without advanced medical study.
• Avoid prolonged exposure without ventilation.
• Store essential oils and carrier oils properly to avoid degradation and rancidity.

In case of accidental essential oil ingestion immediately call your local Poison Control Center. Do not induce vomiting. Do not give water if breathing or swallowing is difficult.

Herbs and Essential Oils with Anti-fungal Properties

Oil of Oregano is considered one of the strongest inhibitors of internal yeast infection (Candida). 

Unlike manufactured antibiotics; there is no known tendency for microbes to develop resistance to the effectiveness of oregano. The oil can kill or halt the growth of virtually any fungus and a great majority of bacteria.

Garlic--immune-system booster--causes your body to create more natural killer cells--advisable in the case of fungal infection—use it raw--anyone who can’t take the taste of raw garlic – Puree it in a blender with a little water or oil and apply it to the bottom of the feet. This is an age-old method, which allows the beneficial agents of the garlic to absorb into the body via the tender skin

Pau d'Arco Tea--reported antifungal properties, and in "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," Dr. Geovanni Espinosa suggests that you drink two cups a day for the maximum benefit.

Tea Tree Oil--Tea tree oil is very commonly used for skin conditions--acts as a fungicide against Malassezia furfur, the fungus that causes pityriasis versicolor, folliculitis, intertrigo, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff

Black Walnut (hull)-- Black Walnut Hull is one of the most common ingredients in antifungal antiparasitic, antibacterial and herbal formulations, a natural antiseptic.

Barberry – one of the three most common western medicinal roots containing berberine, which has potent antifungal properties--demonstrates significant antifungal activity while leaving beneficial microflora in the gut intact.

Calendula –commonly known as marigold-- antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-

Chamomile – Chamomile has antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s widely known for its natural sedative qualities. Two of its most common uses are to treat wounds and as a sleep aid.

Cinnamon (Bark) – Cinnamon shows antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It

Cloves - Cloves contain some of the same phenols as Oil of Oregano, namely carvacrol and thymol, among others, which are highly antifungal in nature, as well as antimicrobial,

Geranium - Geranium exhibits antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, and antibacterial properties.

Goldenseal – Goldenseal is another of the three most common western medicinal roots containing berberine, which has potent antifungal properties.--Berberine demonstrates significant anti-fungal activity while leaving beneficial microflora in the gut intact.

Lavender – Lavender has antifungal and antibacterial qualities, which make it all the more reason to have some around the house.

Turmeric - Turmeric is demonstrated to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-cancer properties--a blood purifier, and seems to have blood sugar lowering effects--shown to inhibit the growth of intestinal parasites H. Pylori and Giardia Lambria.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/fda-finds-contaminants-drug-linked-meningitis-outbreak-181927321.html

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/healthbeat-doctors-grapple-treating-meningitis-caused-first-time-161138626.html

http://www.anandaapothecary.com/using-essential-oils.html

http://www.naturesgift.com/methods.htm

http://www.naha.org/articles/How%20To%20Use%20Essential%20Oils%20Effectively.htm

http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/wellness/about-essential-oils/using-essential-oils.html

http://www.natural-medicinal-herbs.com/herbs/black-walnut.htm

http://www.candida-cure-recipes.com/antifungal-herbs.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/95661-natural-antifungal-herbs/#ixzz2AVyIlDCI