My New “Bedroom” and Natural Insect Repellent

Inspired by my friend Lana on Vancouver Island who has been sleeping outdoors since the middle of May I decided to move my bedroom outdoors as well; however because of the current mosquito pest I opted for the tent rather than no protection.

Mosquitoes are plentiful this year and can be a real pest. Since I will NOT use commercial products full of toxins that our body absorbs through the skin I have been making my own since many years.

DEET alternative: I read that according to a study by the US army YARROW TINCTURE has been shown to be more effective in repelling ticks, mosquitoes and sand flies than DEET! So why not carry a spray bottle with Yarrow tincture with you when camping or roaming around the countryside? Yarrow tincture is not recommended for anyone with a severe allergy to plants from the Asteraceae family or during pregnancy.

There are many recipes; below is one that I created. It is not as strong as the chemical alternatives but it works, it simply requires more frequent applications. Please note an over-reaction to mosquito bites may be due to the fact that you may be eating foods that your body is sensitive to. These sensitivities may be subtle and therefore you may not be aware of them at all. I have seen in clients that as soon as they removed the aggravating food(s), their reaction to mosquito bites went from almost out of control to unnoticeable. As always: food for thought.

Insect Repellent Recipe

Many recipes use an oil base, I prefer a combination of water, vinegar and/or witch hazel and maybe a little bit of glycerine.

• 60ml water (you may add some Yarrow tincture)
• 60ml (apple cider) vinegar or a combination of vinegar and witch hazel

Note: the vinegar helps to minimize the reaction and itch in case of a bite

Essential oils (total of 5-10 drops); Geranium, Citronella, Lavender (there are many more essential oils effective as an insect repellent, I suggest you do your won research.)

Mix ingredients together in a spray bottle and apply freely; avoid contact with eyes. Be creative and experiment with your own combinations until you find a recipe that works for you and you like.