Bugs Got You Down? Try Aromatherapy

The warm days of summer are upon us again, and along with them come mosquitoes, gnats and other biting bugs we'd be happy to keep off us. Synthetic insect repellent formulas have been in use for a long time -- they are effective, but many involved in natural health are still wary of putting synthetic solvents on their skin. The skin is known to absorb chemicals rather readily, and these chemicals are certain to show up in our bloodstream as well. The essential oils used as insect repellents however, are a completely safe, natural, and effective alternative; one that even the most discerning parent would be happy to use on their children. Insect repellent blends, both for topical and environmental defense, are some of the easiest aromatherapy formulations to create.

In addition to creating lotion or spray topical formulas, diffusion of essential oils into your living space is an optimal means of keeping biting insects away from you altogether. Readily available aromatherapy diffusers will make a fine mist of essential oils that easily fill your space with wonderful uplifting aromas that mosquitoes don't happen to like. So at the same time that you're keeping away the insects, you and your family will also be enjoying the natural anti-depressants actions of aromatherapy.

First for the topical formulations: These are simply essential oils added to a lotion, oil, or body spray base. You can add essential oils to any commercially available lotion, even sunscreen -- which creates an excellent dual purpose recipe for summer. Aromatherapy carrier oils can be used instead of lotions as many people appreciate their skin-hydrating properties; simply choose the carrier oils that suit your skin type. Finally, a spray can be made using a water and which hazel combination, misting your skin and clothes (without worry of stains), or even in the air around you. Witch hazel is a natural plant extract used as a preservative, and is easily found even in the aisles of your local grocery store. For a spray base, simply mix witch hazel and water at a one-to-three ratio.

There are many essential oil formulations considered effective for repelling insects. The most common used around the world is citronella -- however in light of recent studies, there are likely more effective oils available. A simple blend of thyme, lemongrass lavender and peppermint is described by Valerie Ann Worwood in "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy": 4 drops thyme linalool, 8 drops lemongrass, 4 drops lavender and 4 drops peppermint. This blend can be added to a lotion or carrier oil base, or the witch hazel formula, at the dilution of four drops per ounce.

For an extra strength topical recipe, mix 3 milliliters of citronella, 1 milliliter of peppermint, three quarters of a milliliter of cedar wood, one half a milliliter each of lemongrass and geranium essential oils in the base of your choosing. Adjust this recipe for children by reducing the concentrations of essential oils by half for preteens, and again by half for toddlers, omitting the peppermint. For infants, use only citronella and/or lemongrass at a 1% concentration. As with any potent medicine, it is important to watch for any reaction -- while of rare, it is possible for anyone to have a reaction to pure natural essential oils.

If you're interested in experimenting, the most potent mosquito repellent essential oil known is that of catnip. Catnip essential oil was the subject of a study in the 1990s that showed it at least 10 times as powerful as DEET, the active ingredient in many insect repellent products. DEET is found in over-the-counter formulations in concentrations from anywhere between five and 20%; this means you should get the same effectiveness at concentrations between .5 and 2% of catnip essential oil in your base. Because not much is produced, catnip essential oil is still somewhat expensive, but the amounts needed are so low that it will likely offset the cost.

Essential oils are also a fantastic way to soothe insect bites once they've already occurred. The anti-inflammatory of both lavender and blue can see essential oils are commonly used for such purposes. Lavender can be used neat, applying one drop directly on the bite. Blue can see essential oils should be diluted to less than 3% for best effect, as many aroma therapists believe it's anti-inflammatory and itch relieving properties will work best at these low dilutions.

Though synthetic preparations have been used for many years, a great many of natural health enthusiasts simply refuse to use them on their skin. Essential oil formulations are now in use by even the most rugged outdoorsmen. Making your own recipe gives you the option of creating a product that best suits your skin and the skin of your children. You will also be using essential oils that have additional profound health effects, and you will naturally learn new and very applications as time goes by.