Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

herbalpharmacist:

Since the Zika virus has started becoming an
issue in the america’s I get daily questions in the pharmacy about where the
mosquito repellent is and where to get some.

Most people are looking for DEET
(N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) which in high concentrations does repel up to
90-96% of mosquitoes at the time of application and 70-84% after 4 hours.
However children should not use DEET and while it is claimed to be safe
generally there are still concerns over neurological issues.

Lemon Eucalyptus oil after 4 hour repels up to
82% of mosquitoes. Higher then some DEET formulations. Safe for hoomans of all
ages and natural. Its something I would prefer and recommend for people (if my
store carried it).

There are some commercial formulations
available which include:

• Cutter lemon eucalyptus insect repellent  
• Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent 

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Homemade Lemon
Eucalyptus Oil Bug Spray

• 4oz spray bottle
• 2oz distilled water or boiled tap water
• ½ teaspoon vodka for preservation
• 50 drops Lemon Eucalyptus oil (available at whole foods or
  at https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/eucalyptus-lemon-essential-oil/profile)
• 15 drops rosemary essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil of the Lavandula angustifolia
  variety
• 10 drops peppermint oil 
• qs with witch hazel 

Mix everything into
the bottle and gently shake together. Apply every 2-3 hours for the best
effect. 

Using most of the same ingredients and adding cocoa butter and beeswax
you could also make a bug repellent lotion 🙂 

Skeptical about the
efficacy of this oil? Read the results of the study here: http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/01/30/464740275/whats-the-best-way-to-keep-mosquitoes-from-biting