If you’re longing to spend the day outside but you don’t want to be a feast for mosquitos, your next step may be to reach for the bug repellent. While standard commercial products can be quite effective, some people don't feel comfortable applying DEET (this stands for N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, if we’re being formal.)
If you feel better using something botanical, you’ll be pleased to know that nature offers a number of plants that contain bug-repelling constituents. These are just a few of many:
*Before I go any further, please note that many of these plants and their constituents can be harmful to pregnant women and some pets. Always do your due diligence and consult a professional when utilizing any herbal component (especially essential oils).
Citronella
I’m playing the role of Captain Obvious here, but citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is one of the more popular choices for repelling insects, due to the citrus-like scent of its essential oil.
Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus or lemongrass also contains citronella oil, making it similarly useful.
Catnip
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) produces chemicals called nepetalactones, which are repugnant to mosquitoes, mites, flies and other pests.
Pennyroyal
I hesitated to add this herb (Mentha pulegium, AKA fleabane or pennyroyal), even though it is renowned for its insect repelling properties. Please be aware that the constituents in this plant are toxic to cats and some other animals, and have been known to cause miscarriages in humans. Never use a product containing pennyroyal if you are going to be in the proximity of a pregnant person, and never take it internally, (it contains the liver-toxic compound pulegone). Pennyroyal can be so potent that historically farmers used to plant it around the grounds to keep away mice, insects and other visitors.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) contains menthol, which can be disagreeable to some insects. This of course applies to all of the mint family plants that contain menthol, but peppermint has been among the most documented for this effect.
This is far from a complete list. The mint family (Lamiaceae) in particular is populated with a number of plants high in volatile oils, which can have excellent pest repelling properties. Basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme and lavender can act as a substitute for some of the other Lamiaceae plants named above.
Have I forgotten a plant that simply must be listed here? Shoot me a line at info@lilyoftheforest.com and let me know!
Disclaimer: Do not take any herbal remedies without consulting a qualified healthcare practitioner, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or if you have serious underlying health concerns.
The information on my blog may not be re-posted, copied or published without my permission and appropriate credit given. Please contact me via email if you wish to re-publish any of the information on my blog.
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