Cedargrass

Insect/Mosquito repellent, essential oils

That’s right, it’s skeeter season! This one’s a quick one, very simple to do, and loads of fun. I have two methods, both of which are relatively quick. Some of the plants/oils listed can cause allergies, so be careful which ones you use. Eucalyptus is the major concern, but others should be good. If sharing your mosquito repellent(s), please be sure to write the ingredients down and tell people that eucalyptus is in it.

A bit of advice: As always, when making any homemade products that will be applied to the body and skin, make sure you do your research or ask your parents or doctor concerning your allergies and such.

Sun-baked method, it takes a while to make, but plant material is often on hand for most instead of oils. If you have a few of these oils, add them too, why not?

Low-scent or unscented carrier oil, coconut, almond, sunflower, witch hazel, olive oil, etc.
The plant materials (leaves, stalks, flowers) of: Rosemary, lemongrass, geranium, citronella, tea tree, clove, lavender, thyme, musk, eucalyptus, cedarwood, pennyroyal, cinnamon, catnip, any earthy/musky smell.
Glass jar for permeation process, and a replacement bottle for any other convenient transporting.
Vitamin E for skin health, Vitamin C as preservative, Zinc oxide for healing and sun exposure.

Stuff all of your fresh plant material into a plastic bag, and you’ll need a good lot of it— you can also use dried spices. Seal the bag, make sure it’s air tight. With a rubber mallet, lightly beat and pound the plant materials to bruise them very well. Say a short prayer while doing this,

These herbs and plants for me to keep,

I appreciate with love so deep,

For you to become my helpful friend,

From bugs and mosquitoes, should you defend.

So mote it be.

Take the materials from the bag and fill your jar up half way. Crush your vitamin tablets up and add it in, the rest of the volume being filled with your carrier oil. Shake this really well and set it in direct sun for 48 hours on a window sill, turning it once a day so both sides can be hit. You may shake it at night. After which, store it in a cold, dark area for a few days to a week and use when ready. This mixture will be good for up to a year. Use cheesecloth or fine strainer to separate the oil from the plant matter.

Essential oil method, quick to do only because it’s just pouring and dropping oils, but not everyone has plant materials on hand. You can do the first method and add oils.

Low-scent or unscented carrier oil, coconut, almond, sunflower, witch hazel, olive oil, etc.
Skin-appropriate essential oils: Rosemary, lemongrass, geranium, citronella, tea tree, clove, lavender, thyme, musk, eucalyptus, cedarwood, pennyroyal, cinnamon, catnip, any earthy/musky smell.
Container, a jar or plastic bottle.
Vitamin E for skin health, Vitamin C as preservative, Zinc oxide for healing and sun exposure.

Pour the carrier oil into your container and add 1-3 drops each of any of the oils you choose to use. A synergy is great, use however many you like or however many drops as you like, but know that the ratio of secondary to primary oils should be applied, primary oils are in bold, these should stand out more. Then add your crushed up vitamin tablets, shake, and use upon making. This mixture will be good for up to a year. You may also say a prayer with this method.

These herbs and plants for me to keep,

I appreciate with love so deep,

For you to become my helpful friend,

From bugs and mosquitoes, should you defend.

So mote it be.

Update: Added another post on the ultimate bug bite and anti-itch remedy.