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NOTE: A few weeks back, my recipe for bug repellent was featured on the CoconutOil.com website. Since there are still some high days of summer left and the bugs are in full swing, I wanted to share my recipe for non-toxic bug repellenton here too!
by Jessica Espinoza
CoconutOil.com
Looking for an all-natural, non-toxic insect repellent that doesn’t contain the chemicals (like DEET) that most of thecommercialbrands do?There are many natural, non-toxic ingredients that can be used to make a bugrepellentthat won’t harm you and your family. Mosthomemadebug balms and bug sprays utilize thestrengthofessentialoils. The most common essential oils used as bug repellents are:
- Catnip
- Cedarwood
- Cinnamon
- Citronella
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Patchouli
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Tea Tree
Note: Some citrus oils, like lemon, also have strong bug repellent properties, but are also considered “phototoxic”, meaning that the skin could damage or burn easily if those oils are applied to the skin and then exposed to any source of ultraviolet (UV) light. In the case of phototoxicity, it depends on the type of oil and how the essential oil has been processed as to whether the oil could cause a phototoxic reaction.Because of this, it is advised to use caution when adding citrus oils to your bugbalmsand sprays, even though they are strongrepellents. If you do add citrus oils to your bug repellents, you should always keep your skin completely covered to avoid UV exposure.
Natural bugrepellentsare not going to be 100% bugproof, nor are they going to last all day. Rather than spraying yourself once with a commercial DEET-basedrepellent, you may need to reapply the repellent,depending on how much time you spend outside and how many pests you have in your vicinity. The benefit is that you will avoid exposing your skin and respiratory system to harsh, toxic chemicals that could harm your body. You also gain the benefit of smelling fresh and herby, rather than smelling like bug spray all day. When possible, use standard biting insect precautions, like wearing long sleeves, pants, socks, and shoes, as well as avoiding the times when insects like mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn).
Recipe Ingredients –Delicious Obsessions Trusted Product Recommendations
I am always asked about my favorite ingredients and what I use in my own kitchen. I have linked to the products from my affiliate partners that I personally use and recommend. And now, here are the special coupon offers that select affiliate partners are currently offering:
- Thrive Market: If you sign up through this link, you will get 15% OFF your first order.
- Amazon, of course, has everything you need for this recipe. Their prices are often very good, though I love to shop around and sometimes find that Thrive Market has better deals. If you like saving money, it’s good to shop around! 🙂
- I get all of my herbs and spices, butters, waxes, and clays from Mountain Rose Herbs. I have tried so many other brands and have never found the quality, flavor, and aroma to be as good as the herbs I get from Mountain Rose.
For more information about the essential oils I use for myself and my family, clickhere.
Bug Balm Recipe
This recipe makes approximately 4oz (1/2 cup) of bug balm. It can easily be doubled or tripled, depending on how much you need for your family. This makes a very soft balm, almost like a salve, which makes application easier. If you prefer a firmer balm, you can increase the beeswax until you reach the desired texture. Small 2oz jars are the perfect size for a purse, backpack, or diaper bag, but you can use whatever container you have on hand.I have linked to the products from my affiliate partners that I personally recommend.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/8 cup shea butter(I get my butters fromMountain Rose Herbsor on Amazon here)
- 4 tsp. beeswax granules (aka. beads)(I get my waxesfromMountain Rose Herbsor on Amazon here)
- 12 drops citronella essential oil
- 8 drops rosemaryessential oil
- 8drops cedarwoodessential oil
- 8drops lemongrassessential oil
- 8drops eucalyptus or tea treeessential oil
For more information about the essential oils I use for myself and my family, clickhere.
Tools:
- Double boiler (like this one)
- Metal whisk (like this one)
- Metal spoon
- Jar(s) for finished salve (I love these little Mason jars)
Instructions:
- Bring the water in your double boiler to a boil and then lower heat to medium-low. Add the coconut oil and shea butter and let the two ingredients melt while whisking together. Add the beeswax and whisk the granules into the coconut oil mixture, until completely melted.
- At this point, you can test the mixture for texture. Take the back of a metal spoon and dip it in the liquid. Let the spoon cool until the mixture sets up. Test a small bit on your skin to see if you are happy with the texture. If you want it a little firmer, you can add a little more beeswax (add 1/2 tsp. at a time). If you want it softer, you can add a little more shea butter (add 1/2 tsp. at a time).
- Once the mixture is the right texture for your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Let the liquid cool for 3-5 minutes and then whisk in the essential oils. Whisk well to ensure everything is combined. Pour the liquid into your jars. Let cool, uncovered at room temperature, before capping.
- You can keep the salve at room temperature for easy application. If the salve is exposed to extreme heat, it can melt or become very soft, so use caution when opening, if the jar has been left in a hot car or the sun.
Sources:
- “Essential Oil Safety – Phototoxicity”. West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy.
- “Sun Sensitivity (Phototoxicity) and Essential Oils”. Esoteric Oils.
- “FAQs About Essential Oil Phototoxicty”. Tiffany Rowan.
Learn more about skin care from my videos!
Since I am a fanatic about keeping my skin and body care non-toxic, I get a lot of questions about what my routine is and what products I use. I created this video to discuss all of that and more. The video below that features a lot of the hair care products that I use, including henna and my favorite clean shampoo.
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