Bugs Got You Down? Try Aromatherapy

The warm days of summer are upon us again, and along with them come mosquitoes, gnats and other biting bugs we'd be happy to keep off us. Synthetic insect repellent formulas have been in use for a long time -- they are effective, but many involved in natural health are still wary of putting synthetic solvents on their skin. The skin is known to absorb chemicals rather readily, and these chemicals are certain to show up in our bloodstream as well. The essential oils used as insect repellents however, are a completely safe, natural, and effective alternative; one that even the most discerning parent would be happy to use on their children. Insect repellent blends, both for topical and environmental defense, are some of the easiest aromatherapy formulations to create.

In addition to creating lotion or spray topical formulas, diffusion of essential oils into your living space is an optimal means of keeping biting insects away from you altogether. Readily available aromatherapy diffusers will make a fine mist of essential oils that easily fill your space with wonderful uplifting aromas that mosquitoes don't happen to like. So at the same time that you're keeping away the insects, you and your family will also be enjoying the natural anti-depressants actions of aromatherapy.

First for the topical formulations: These are simply essential oils added to a lotion, oil, or body spray base. You can add essential oils to any commercially available lotion, even sunscreen -- which creates an excellent dual purpose recipe for summer. Aromatherapy carrier oils can be used instead of lotions as many people appreciate their skin-hydrating properties; simply choose the carrier oils that suit your skin type. Finally, a spray can be made using a water and which hazel combination, misting your skin and clothes (without worry of stains), or even in the air around you. Witch hazel is a natural plant extract used as a preservative, and is easily found even in the aisles of your local grocery store. For a spray base, simply mix witch hazel and water at a one-to-three ratio.

There are many essential oil formulations considered effective for repelling insects. The most common used around the world is citronella -- however in light of recent studies, there are likely more effective oils available. A simple blend of thyme, lemongrass lavender and peppermint is described by Valerie Ann Worwood in "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy": 4 drops thyme linalool, 8 drops lemongrass, 4 drops lavender and 4 drops peppermint. This blend can be added to a lotion or carrier oil base, or the witch hazel formula, at the dilution of four drops per ounce.

Geranium and cedar wood essential oils are also very popular ingredients in natural insect repellents, and can work excellently in combination with citronella for a very effective formula. To each ounce of base, add 80 drops of citronella, 15 drops of peppermint, 10 drops of Cedar, seven drops of lemongrass, and two drops of geranium. This is an extra strength recipe that can also be used in a diffuser. A nebuling in diffuser will work best to keep insects from your living space, as it provides the highest concentration of the essential oils in the air. If applying this formula topically to children, dilute the essential oil concentration in half for preteens, and to one quarter for children over two. This recipe is not recommended for the youngest ones, as the peppermint can be too strong. For the youngest children, use a one half percent each concentration of geranium and citronella. For all these recipes, ou may vary the ratios of these oils to suit your nose and to the distaste of the little winged creatures.

Perhaps the most underused essential oil for insect repellent action is that of catnip. Catnip essential oil is quite potent, and has a very unique scent. It has been studied in comparison to DEET to have 10 times the efficacy. DEET is found in insect repellent formulas at a concentration of between five and 20%. With 10 times the efficacy, using only 2% catnip the oil in your recipe should give you a natural creation as strong as the most powerful extra strength inorganic formulas. You can add catnip oil to either of the above recipes, or use it alone if the aroma suits you. Catnip oil should be not used with small children, and some folks may find their skin sensitive to it. As with any essential oil, it is best to start with lower concentrations and work up to ensure a safe and healthy result.

Essential oils are also excellent remedies for insect bites once they've occurred. They can reduce both the pain of a sting and the itch of many little bites. Lavender is most commonly used for this, and it can be applied directly to the skin undiluted. Just tap one drop of lavender essential oil from the bottle and apply with your fingertip. Blue tansy essential oil, also known as Moroccan Chamomile, is also regularly used in aromatherapy for its soothing effects to the skin. For best results, dilute blue tansy to 2% in a carrier oil or lotion and massage onto the affected area. If you are concerned about infection, also include tea tree essential oil at a 5% dilution.

Though synthetic preparations have been used for many years, a great many of natural health enthusiasts simply refuse to use them on their skin. Essential oil formulations are now in use by even the most rugged outdoorsmen. Making your own recipe gives you the option of creating a product that best suits your skin and the skin of your children. You will also be using essential oils that have additional profound health effects, and you will naturally learn new and very applications as time goes by.

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More information is on essential oils like Geranium and Lavender is available at The Ananda Apothecary.

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