Re: Various Insect repellents

[Guest guest]

On Jun 10, 2004, at 9:32 AM, Suzanne wrote:

>

> Here are some suggestions for your choice of essential oils:

>

> Bug Repellent Essential Oils

> Caution: Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before using.

>

> Ticks First Choice: Rose Geranium

> Other: Palmerosa, bay, eucalyptus, European pennyroyal

> lavender, tickweed (American pennyroyal)

>

> Mosquitoes: Pennyroyal, lemon balm (citronella), thyme, lavender

>

> Blackflies: Sassafras, lavender, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, cedar, lemon

> balm (citronella), peppermint

>

> Head Lice: Tea tree, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, rose geranium

>

> Fleas: Orange oil

This was sent to another list I am on yesterday with the link. I don't

have time to go into detail again here now, but just to say it's poor,

poor advice. Not from Suzi who forwarded it with good intent and does

not want you to get bit ;-) but from the author. The only somewhat

correct and safe advice in is is regarding Geranium essential oil (they

say Rose Geranium- either is fine) for ticks. 15 drops per 1 ounce of

carrier. Not the amounts they give. Stay away from Sassafras and

Pennyroyal. Using Orange oil in the summer on exposed skin in these

amounts will wind you up with severe burns potentially. Sassafras? They

must be out of their minds.....

Sassafras oil is banned in Europe based on toxicity. Pennyroyal can be

dangerous too- especially if you are pregnant. It would be potentially

illegal to use this substance in the quantities mentioned here. Care 2

TV missed the boat on this one.

Most essential oils are repellant to some extent. There is much

research regarding the duration of time they are effective (most quite

short term compared with Deet) and which insects they are effective at

repelling, not to mention safe application. There is so much poor

information around that sometimes it's hard to sort it out and for an

untrained individual who wants to make something simple and easy it can

be a disaster.

I make insect repellants for a living and don't really want to share my

formulas but I will share a couple of simple recipes that are effective

besides the suggestion above regarding ticks and Geranium. Either of

these can be used for dogs on a dog collar or bandana they will not

chew. Here are two of my recipes that are easy, safe, and work very

well. For children under 6 use the second one. Eat nutritional yeast

and fresh raw garlic too.

Insect Repellant 1

8 drops Eucalyptus glubulus or radiata

5 drops Lemon Tea Tree

5 drops Cedar atlas

1 ounce light carrier oil or witch hazel

Insect Repellant 2

6 drops Geranium, bourbon or Geranium rose (Pelargonium graveolens or

roseum)

5 drops Lavender

6 drops Tea Tree

1 ounce light carrier oil or witch hazel

I like to make 2 oz at a time and use (once blended) within 3-6 months-

or one summer bug season. The undiluted oils will last years so only

blend what you need.

Use only organic and wildgrown fresh high quality essential oils to be

sure you are getting the real thing and the safe thing. Cut amounts in

half for children. Children under 2 cut in half again and use in

moderation. Under 3 months avoid using anything.

These formulas are very good and safe. Do a patch test first if you

have any sensitivities.

Hth~

Pure Aromatherapy For Moms and Children

http://www.WholeLifeEssentials.com

Certified Life Coach - Living the Life You Love!

http://www.WholeLifeCoach.biz

[Guest guest]

On Jun 10, 2004, at 11:23 AM, Suzanne wrote:

> Hmm. didn't know that ... I've not used a couple of the oils

> listed... But have used citronella for repelling.  along with

> eucalyptus, 

> Used tea tree on bug bites along with lavendar.

> Not tried sassafras... penneroyal I have used on bedding etc for

> dogs.. but I dilute and allow it to dry first...  and yes cedar.

>

Citronella is over-rated. This happens as things that have some

effectiveness become " mainstream " .

It can also be irritating to skin- leave it for the candles unless it

is used in a blend in a lower proportion.

Most essential oils are somewhat repellant for some duration of time.

Pennyroyal should not be used if the animal has the possibility of

licking it. Use one of the two formulas I sent on a dog collar or

bandana. Add garlic to the food. Raw diet of bones and meat is good

too. (for dogs and cats).

Yes, for bug *bites* the oils you mentioned are good.

For bites and most first aid:

Mix the pure organic essential oils of Lavender, Chamomile, and Tea

Tree in equal amounts in aloe or witch hazel. Very gentle and a strong

dilution is fine. Add a single drop of Peppermint too if you like if

itch is bad.

I need to work...hth~

Pure Aromatherapy For Moms and Children

http://www.WholeLifeEssentials.com

Certified Life Coach - Living the Life You Love!

http://www.WholeLifeCoach.biz