Natural Bug Repellent
With all the time we spend out in nature, we have become experts at improving our simple comforts. One of the things I find most UNCOMFORTABLE about the outdoors is the bugs. We try our best to avoid chemical bug repellents like Deet and reduce our exposure to toxins. We feel it’s important to use chemical-free ingredients for a few reasons. Toxins build up in our systems and may cause problems later down the road. Chemical bug repellents also may cause skin irritation, burning, and harsh odors.
As an alternative, we have our screen tent, window covers, and natural bug repellent. It is hand blended from Cedarwood and Patchouli doTerra Theraputic Essential Oils.
Cedarwood and Patchouli : The Best Essential Oils for Repelling Bugs
Known for its rich hue and warm, woody scent, Cedarwood essential oil provides a myriad of benefits. It is native to cold climates, thriving in high altitudes and growing up to 100 feet. Cedarwood has a woodsy, grounding aroma that naturally repels insects and evokes feelings of wellness and vitality.
Cedarwood has many uses. As a sedative, Cedarwood is frequently used in massage therapy to relax and soothe the mind and body. Additionally, when applied topically, Cedarwood has clarifying properties. It is analgesic, antifungal, astringent making it perfect for skin issues. Great on acne, cuts, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, and helping to heal and relieve itchy bug bites. Tested and proven effective in repelling, gnats, biting horse flies, mosquitoes, and bees.
Most people know hippies to use Patchouli to mask body odor, but it has many uses too. Patchouli essential oil is extracted from a bushy herb from the mint family. It has stems reaching two or three feet in height and bearing small, pink-white flowers. Easily recognized for its rich, musky-sweet fragrance, Patchouli is regularly used in the perfume industry as well as in scented products such as laundry detergents and air fresheners. It is also beneficial to the skin in many ways. It is often topically used to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and minor skin imperfections and to promote a smooth, glowing complexion.
The fragrance of Patchouli also provides a grounding, balancing effect on emotions. I think it smells a little like nail polish by itself, but using it in small amounts softens the strong odor. I like to blend it with Cedarwood in fractionated coconut oil to make a very effective, chemical-free bug repellent. It also works to relieve and heal itching bug bites.
How to Make Your Own Natural Bug Repellent out of Essential Oils
Add 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil and 2 drops of Patchouli essential oil to 15 mL of fractionated coconut oil. A little goes a long way, so add two to four drops to exposed areas and rub. Smells good too!
