As much as we love to spend time outside in the sunny summer months, June is also when pesky blood-loving bugs tend to begin coming out en masse. So in this month’s blog, here is some advice on how to avoid them, including some essential oil blends to keep them at bay.

Natural Bug Repellent Oil

This oil recipe can be used directly on the skin as a natural bug repellent instead of those strong chemical ones.

Blend:

1. 90-100 mls of a natural carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil or sweet almond oil
2. 10 mls of a mix of the following essential oils (they can be added in equal measures but see for the clove essential oil):

• Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens or Pelargonium x asperum)
• Lavender (Lavandula x burnatii or Lavandula latifolia)
• Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus – note that this is part of the Lemongrass family, but the best anti-mosquito is this particular species – always check the Latin!)
• Clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) – 1 ml of this EO will be sufficient
• Basil (Ocimum basilica) – this EO can be hard to find or expensive but if you can find it at a reasonable price it is a nice add to the mix

Use on skin as needed. Always test the blend on a small patch of skin prior to use in case you react to any of the oils. Also note that essential oils can be photosensitive so be aware of any sun exposure when you use these. An alternative is to make the same blend using ethanol alcohol (you can usually find this in a pharmacy) instead of the carrier oil and spray the mix onto your clothes instead. You can also just blend the essential oils together without the carrier oil and use the blend in an essential oil infuser in your inside or outside space. Always use good quality essential oils – I prefer using pharmaceutical or internal grade. If in doubt, email me!

Below are some other things which can help keep bugs at bay – they are especially helpful if you travel to high mosquito or other blood-sucking bug areas.

• Garlic, garlic, garlic – the ultimate bug repellant! If you love to eat it and don’t mind the garlic essential oil emanations that come with it, then indulge.
• About a week before travel and during your time abroad, take a trace element supplement of sulfur and selenium.
• Taking a good vitamin B complex also helps.
• Cover yourself with baggy clothes which are not tight fitting – some mosquitos can get through tight clothes which are in direct contact to skin.
• Avoid sugary foods.

Now go enjoy some time outside!