First of all – what is DEET?
Diethyl-meta-toluamide or DEET is the main chemical found in bug repellents. There is conflicting evidence surrounding DEET and its safety profile. DEET can act as an irritant and can cause epidermal reactions (severe reactions are rare) although studies have found that adverse events are rare or low. Risk of toxicity is generally low although we are uncertain just how much our skin drinks up of the substance. One study found that up to 15% is absorbed through skin into bloodstream. If toxicity were to be a concern, toxic effects include but are not limited to: reproductive disturbances, genetic material mutations, central nervous system disorders
Make your own all natural mosquito/bug repellent:
- Use 10 drops of essential oil or a mixture (basil, eucalyptus, clove, geranium, peppermint, rosemary, lemon balm)
- Add 2 tablespoons of your choice of carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond if there are no nut allergies, coconut) and stir to blend – dab a few drops on your skin or clothing.
*Please be advised that although making the switch to chemical-free is wonderful for your body and eases your detoxification burden, products containing DEET have been shown to be the most effective for warding off mosquitos/bugs, so unfortunately alternative methods are difficult to advocate in areas of the world where diseases like malaria are endemic.
Tips:
- Grilling? Toss a bit of rosemary or sage on the coals. The pests detest the smell, but humans find it delightful.
- Up your intake of vitamin B1
- Mosquitoes are attracted to dark-colored clothing; go light.
- Lactic acid produced after eating high-potassium foods (like bananas) will attract mosquitoes.
- Avoid fruity/floral fragrances
- Tansy, rosemary, and basil plants repel mosquitoes. Keep pots of these herbs growing near your outdoor sitting areas
- How to naturally approach speeding up the healing process post-bite:
- · Apply a small amount of vinegar directly to an itchy bite – you can even take a hot bath and add a little organic apple cider vinegar
- · Aloe will ease the itching and swelling, and speed healing of the wound itself
- · Raw honey has anti-microbial properties that may help prevent infection
- · Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the affected area
