It’s that time of year and biting insects are in full bloom. While there are many over the counter insect repellents, they do contain DEET, or diethyl-m-toluamide, which presents health risks, especially for children. Alternatively, nature provides safe and effective aromatics which you can easily blend at home. Here’s a look at these essential oils and how to use them. The following recipes and directions will help you make your own “bug sprays”.
Russian Astronauts once considered essential oils as a protectant for the skin from strong light rays when in outer space. Gratefully, this is easy to do at home or at the beach. It’s really easy to make yourself an after-sun, strongly anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and hydrating recipe that can limit the premature aging that the Sun’s ultraviolet light is known to do. These formulas can be used in conjunction with your sunscreen if you like.
Calendula oil is a combination of a base oil, which is usually olive oil, but can be soybean or other good quality oil, and the dried petals of Calendula officinalis. This is also known as pot marigolds, or edible marigolds. These flowers are bright yellow or orange, and the blossoms are used to make a herbal concoction that is great for dry skin. Place the petals in a jar and cover with oil, closing tightly and set in a sunny window until it turns a nice shade of orange or yellow. This may take a few days, so shake the jar once or twice a day to keep it mixed. Once it is ready, use a cheesecloth to carefully separate the petals from the oil.