Taking the Bite Out of Insect Repellents

By Gabriela Rosa - Natural Fertility Specialist & Naturopath | EFT, Natural Fertility, Men & Women’s Health

Everyone knows that many commercial insect repellents can lead to skin irritation, but they can cause many other problems as well. DEET (Diethyl Toluimide) and synthetic pyrethroids are frequently found in most bug sprays marketed for human use. Research shows that these toxic chemicals can cause eye irritation, headaches, respiratory distress, bronchial irritation, asthma, nervousness, vomiting, nausea, allergic reaction and ear nose and throat pain. There have even been incidences of increased seizure activity, miscarriages, infertility and cancer.

Nobody wants to spend the summer locked away in the house, simply to avoid mosquitoes.

But what’s one to do? Here are some natural alternatives to those scary chemicals:

Essential plant oils, such as Lemongrass, Geranium, Citronella, Citrus, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus effectively deter mosquitoes. Try adding a few drops of one of these essential oils to a small bottle of jojoba oil. Jojoba is a good variety of carrier oil, because it does not become quickly rancid, as do other base oils, also it is quickly and deeply absorbed into the skin. The oil is best kept in a dark glass bottle. As with any topical application, avoid contact with mouth, eyes and other mucous membranes. Citronella candles are quite popular for porches and picnic tables, and they can even be made at home. If you’re not comfortable with the notion of putting oil on your skin, try saturating a bandana in the oil, then tying it around your neck or wrist. When camping, or fighting mosquitoes indoors, try dampening cotton balls in the oil and tucking them in your pillow. Most insects don’t like smoke, so burning incense may also be of some use.

Enjoy evenings out on the deck? Plant Marigolds! They are many varieties of these bright, cheery flowers available in different sizes and colors. They can be kept in containers or placed in flowerbeds. Their scent is an effective insect repellent, and thanks to this, they are also very useful to discourage garden pests. Many people plant marigolds in between their vegetable plants for this very reason; thus eliminating the need for chemical pesticides. Geraniums are also popular on porches and flower beds, and are available in a variety of pretty hues. Citronella plants are also available at many plant nurseries, and are useful indoors or out for deterring biting insects. While lemongrass oil is good for chasing off bugs, the plant itself is an effective medicinal herb that can be brewed into a tea and taken for fever or tension.

Mosquito netting can be worn over clothes, or installed outdoors or over beds. Window screens should be checked to ensure they are tightly fitted. Consider wearing long sleeves and pants (thin, breathable cotton is ideal) when going into mosquito infested areas. Don’t allow standing water to stay! Empty water from buckets, spare tires, cans or other containers after the rain—Remember mosquitoes breed in still water!

Gabriela Rosa is the author of Exterminating Your Fertility: The Dangers Of Conventional Pest Control And Their Safe Alternatives Revealed due out November 2008.

Leading Sydney-based clinical naturopath and natural fertility specialist Gabriela Rosa publishes the two celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ and ‘Natural Fertility Booster’ ezines with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Gabriela has limited private consultations available, to make an appointment please phone Julia or Carolina on 1300 85 84 90.

Keywords: Cancer > Fertility > General Health > Infertility > Insect Repellents > Natural alternatives