All Natural Mosquito Repellent Recipe

​Summer means more time outdoors–and more possibility for insects to bite you. Most of the time, all you will notice is a little red bump with itching and maybe a slight inflammation. These insect bite symptoms can be managed easily with anti-itch creams, ​over-the-counter antihistamines, and homemade salves. Be aware that on rare occasions, bites can cause 

allergic responses that lead to severe swelling and shortness of breath; if that happens to you or a loved one, you need to be seen by a doctor. 

Mosquitoes are infamous for spreading disease mosquitoes can pass on various viruses  including dengue, ​West Nile, Zika, yellow fever, and malaria. However, do not worry too much about it. Most of them are just a nuisance and most of the time all you will you'll experience from their bites are a red pimple and itchy skin.

​Nonetheless, it is worth noting that some people can have severe allergic responses to mosquito bites, with hives, blisters, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If this occurs, see a doctor. Also see a doctor if you have a headache, fever, body aches, or any other symptoms of infection after a bite.

​Therefore, it is essential for you to wear insect repellant when you are outdoors. However, the standard ingredient in many conventional bug sprays is DEET, a neurotoxic chemical that although it works excellent against annoying insects, is also working against you and your family's health. The great news is that there are great natural alternatives to this chemical. For example, yarrow, catnip, and eucalyptus (especially eucalyptus Citriodora type, also known as lemon eucalyptus) have been proven to be more effective than DEET at repelling insects without causing harmful side effects.

Moreover, oil of lemon eucalyptus has been used as a mosquito repellent in Europe, Latin America, Australia, and Asia, since the 1980s. Mosquito repellents with oil of eucalyptus are much less harsh on the skin compared to mosquito repellents containing DEET and its pleasant smell and feel on the skin makes it an excellent option for mosquito protection to those with sensitive skin.

​So this summer, instead of loading yourself with chemicals, hit the health food store and give this natural solution a try. The brand I like is Quantum Buzz away but there many different ones out there that work well. And if you don't want to drive to the health food stores, you can find these products on amazon.com check the ingredients before buying them. And if you are feeling a little bit adventurous or for those who love to make natural products at home, here is a recipe you can try: 

Natural mosquito repellent

8oz distilled water
8oz witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
25 drops of yarrow essential oil
25 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
15 drops of citronella essential oil
10 drops of catnip essential oil (optional)

3 to 4 tablespoons of dried herb mix equal parts of peppermint, yarrow, spearmint, citronella, catnip, and lavender (mix all or whichever are available to you)

Directions

Boil water and add dried herbs and also add a couple of dry cloves. Mix well, turn of the heat. Cover with a tight lid and let it steep for 20 minutes. ​Strain the herbs, let the tea cool down. Mix tea with alcohol store in a spray bottle in a cool place, use as needed. You can also use 2oz of coconut oil or any carrier oil instead of the alcohol and add the essential oils (leave the water part out).

One more thing before I leave you, I want you also to be aware of ticks this summer, ticks are capable of passing Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, West Nile, and tularemia. The risk for each disease depends on geography; West Nile, for example, is more common in the Northeast.

Most of these diseases have common symptoms. All tick illnesses have classic flu-like symptoms, and some have a rash. If you find a tick attached to your skin, you need to see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms within three weeks during tick season. Most tick bites can be treated with antibiotics, but they have to be accurately diagnosed. Also, ticks hang out on shrubs, bushes, tall grass, and trees waiting for hosts to brush against the vegetation so the tick can hitch a ride. Wearing a hat prevents them from hitching a ride on your hair where it is harder to notice them.

I hope you found this helpful and that you have a safe summer. As always, I'm here to help, if you have any health-related questions, please email me at Toni@drToniCamacho.com

​Regards,
Toni