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Eucalyptus against mosquitoes.

15  June 2019 
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Lemon eucalyptus oil effective in repelling mosquitoes,  ticks, midges and biting flies.

 

 

Research indicates that natural lemon eucalyptus oil -  the smell has a hint of lemon (called eucalyptus citronella or lemon oil, obtained from the Eucalyptus citriodora plant)  it is equally effective, albeit in terms of health  better at repelling mosquitoes than DEET - an organic chemical.  

Researchers have shown that DEET  not only affects the behavior of insects, but also the nervous system of mammals, including humans. Studies in rats have shown that DEET reduces the activity of one of the enzymes (acetylcholinesterase). This enzyme is very important for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Side effects of using preparations with DEET are often: watery eyes, pain  head, sense  fatigue or tremors  muscles. In extreme cases, it can damage the brain.

      Scientists pay attention  that their findings "question the safety of DEET, especially when combined with other chemicals" and "underline the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to the development of safer public health insect repellants".

Research conducted at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine  show that lemon eucalyptus oil provides (96.89%) more protection against mosquitoes than DEET (84.81%) over a 4-hour period.

This oil  it can deter mosquitoes for at least 6 hours. The amount of PMD (p-menthane-3.8 diol) determines the effectiveness of the oil. The oil, which can repel insects for 6 hours, contains about 80% PMD, which is the main substance responsible for repelling mosquitoes, ticks, flies and biting flies.  

 

Unfortunately, it is for nothing  information about the content of PMD in the oil, so remember that lemon eucalyptus oil  has a high PMD content while lemon eucalyptus essential oil has a negligible amount of PMD. In the fight against insects, choose lemon eucalyptus oil for the aromatic qualities you can buy essential oil. People often confuse these two oils, even journalists, and sometimes aromatherapy people use these names interchangeably, which is not appropriate.  There is a significant difference between "lemon eucalyptus essential oil" and "lemon eucalyptus oil". Both are used as mosquito repellants, but have completely different chemical compositions and effectiveness. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil - does not work.  

 

 

Oils that scare you away  mosquitoes, as well as other insects:

 

  • basil oil,

  • cedar oil (also scares away moths),

  • cinnamon leaf oil (kills mosquito larvae, NOTE: it is better not to use it on the skin,  even properly diluted, it can irritate),

  • lemon and orange (citrus oils have a photosensitizing effect, so they should not be used before going out into the sun for at least 6 hours),

  • tea tree oil,

  • geranium oil (disliked by ticks),

  • clove oil,

  • fennel oil,

  • lavender oil (it also scares away arachnids and even rodents),

  • peppermint oil (it even scares away rodents),

  • patchouli oil (patchouli),

  • rosemary oil,

  • lemongrass oil (also repels flies and flies),

  • thyme oil.

 

REMEMBER : it is recommended to use oils with particular caution by pregnant women and children under 3 years of age. In both cases, before you use any of the oils  make sure you can and consult your doctor. 

You may be interested in:

Mosquito repellent oil

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

  • 100 ml  base oil  ( oil  sunflower,  grape seed, jojoba or sweet almonds);

  • 5-10 ml (about 50-100 drops)  eucalyptus oil,

    or a blend of oils as desired (e.g., 20 drops of lemongrass oil, 20 drops of clove oil, and 30 drops of eucalyptus oil, 20 drops of geranium oil),  

  • best  dark glass glass bottle.

 

PROCEDURE:

 

  1. In a glass bottle, combine the eucalyptus oil (or a mixture of oils) with the base oil.

  2. Shake to mix.

  3. Apply to the skin in areas where there is a risk of bite, avoiding the eye area. Repeat every 1-2 hours.

  4. Store in a dark and cool place, preferably in a dark glass bottle.

Mosquito repellent spray

 

You can  spray  on skin and clothes. Alternatively  put in an open bottle and put in it sticks ( aroma diffuser ) , which will help to disperse the fragrance around the room.

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

  • 100 ml of vodka;

  • 5-10 ml (about 50-100 drops) of eucalyptus oil or a mixture of oils  ethereal  e.g. 30 drops of lemongrass oil, 30 drops of clove oil, and 20 drops of eucalyptus oil,

  • preferably a dark glass bottle with an atomizer,

  • wooden sticks (e.g. for skewers) - if you want to make a fragrance diffuser

 

 

PROCEDURE:

 

  1. Pour vodka into the spray bottle.

  2. Gradually sprinkle the oils.

  3. Shake to mix.

  4. Spray from a distance on exposed body parts, taking care of your eyes.

  5. Spray at least every 2 hours.

 

 

You can  also prepare  alcohol-free spray, water-based. It is more delicate and unfortunately less effective. Replace vodka with water, come on  proceed as in the recipe above. Remember that the oil does not dissolve in water, so shake it well before each use. 

Oils, just like other insect repellants, do not provide us with 100% effectiveness. If despite the actions  repellants, insects  some will "bite" you  this:

  • if it bites you  the insect that leaves the sting, remove it first.  Then rinse the site of the sting (with water  with soap, preparation  disinfectant). Then, it is worth smearing the swollen area with pineapple juice (only fresh fruit, not from cardboard or from  cans). Pineapple includes  bromelain  - an enzyme that breaks down and cuts proteins - which  is a strong anti-inflammatory agent,  soothes pain and swelling. 

  • To reduce itching, you can apply apple cider vinegar or lavender oil to the bite site

(belongs to the group of oils that can be applied directly to the skin) or you can buy a calendula cream - it works  antiseptic, i.e. protects the skin against infection.

Remember to always test whether you are allergic to any ingredient.

This entry is not a medical advice.

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