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Repel pests naturally this summer.
by Kristy Erickson
Swarming mosquitoes, relentless black
or deer flies, and other pesky bugs can take the fun
out of any outdoor adventure. While most people would
like these pests to just go away, many popular insect
repellents contain harsh and potentially dangerous chemicals.
If you arenÕt crazy about the idea of these substances
soaking into your (or your childÕs) skin, a number of
herbs and essential oils are powerful repellents.
The Main Offender
When you think of insect repellents, most common brand
names that come to mind list DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide)
as the active ingredient. Although DEET is an effective
repellent, recent research suggests adverse effects
on the brain, especially in the developing fetus and
young children.
In some cases, DEET is banned altogether.
ÒAt the Amazonian Center for Environmental Education
and Research camp on the Napo River of Peru where I
conduct some of my workshops, for example, they prohibit
any use of DEET,Ó says herbalist James A. Duke, PhD,
Òbecause it speeds the deterioration of the synthetic
fibers that hold up the canopy walkway that meanders
through the tree branches, sometimes 100 feet above
the forest floor.Ó
Keep Bugs at Bay
Several herbs and essential oils will help fend off
insects and, unlike DEET, wonÕt melt plastics. Basil
(Ocimum basilicum) is primarily used as a seasoning
here in the U.S., but in other parts of the world itÕs
commonly rubbed on the skin as an insect repellent.
ÒIf I were bothered by bugs in my garden and some of
my culinary basil was close at hand, I might rub some
on as an impromptu insect repellent,Ó says Dr. Duke.
If you have access to lemongrass (Cymbopogon, various
species), this can also be crushed and rubbed directly
on your skin.
Essential oils provide powerful armor
against insects. Eucalyptus (E. globulus) is an effective
insect repellent and can benefit the skin by acting
as a remedy for bites and stings. The pure essential
oil of cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) can also repel bugs.
Citronella (Cymbopogon, various species) has long been
used to ward off insects and is commonly found in candles
to deter mosquitoes. As with other essential oils, add
several drops to a vegetable oil base, which you can
rub directly on your skin. According to the Malaria
Institute, neem extracts have been found to repel mosquitoes
for up to 12 hours. Citrus essential oils also repel
insects, and crushed lemon thyme (Thymus citriodora)
has 62 percent of DEETÕs repellency.
DonÕt let pesky insects put a damper on
your vacation. Rather than reaching for conventional
bug spray this summer, look for herbs, essential oils,
and insect repellents made with safe and natural ingredients
at the store that gives you Taste for Life.
SELECTED SOURCES
- ÒDEET
based Insect Repellents:
Safety Implications for Children and Pregnant and Lactating
WomenÓ by Gideon Koren, et al., Canadian Medical Association
Journal, 8/03
-
The Essential Oils Book by Colleen K. Dodt ($14.95,
Storey Books, 1996)
-
The Green Pharmacy by James A. Duke, PhD ($6.99,
St. MartinÕs, 1997)
- ÒNeurological Deficits
Induced by Malathion, DEET, and PermethrinÉÓ by A. Abdel-Rahman,
et al., J Toxicol Environ Health, 2/04
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