Summer, holidays, vacations! Long warm evenings spent in gardens, terraces and in nature. The rustling of leaves in the gentle evening breeze, the chirping of crickets and watching fireflies. This idyll can be immediately disturbed by the presence of annoying “bloodsucking” insects. Or the mosquitoes are here again! But don't worry, I have some great tips for you on how to deal with them with the help of aromatic treasures in the form of flower waters and essential oils.
So, can you guess which aromatic treasures repel them the most?… Those of you who thought it was lavender are 100% right. But be careful, lavender is not the only thing that helps us against them. Mint and geranium are also very effective. Thanks to their natural etheric substances, they drive away various types of insects from us and when an accident happens, they can quickly soothe the bitten area. So let's take a look at them.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
The main components of lavender essential oil include linalool and linalyl acetate, which are, by the way, the ingredients that create the typical lavender aroma, but mainly repel insects. They just stink! You may immediately think of dried lavender flowers in canvas bags hung in wardrobes to prevent moths. I have good news for you: mosquitoes, lice and ticks also hate the aroma of lavender. There is nothing easier than having 100% lavender water always with you. It contains a residual percentage of essential oil and its aroma is really beautifully saturated. So you have a natural repellent that you can apply to even the most sensitive skin without fear, always with you.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
One of the main components of peppermint essential oil is menthol, which is again a component that is completely unsightly to flying insect pests such as mosquitoes, various flies, lice, fleas, and even spiders. So pull out mint water sprayers and hrr on them! If you want to multiply the repelling power even more, do not hesitate to mix 50:50 mint water with lavender in an empty and clean spray bottle. Not only will you make a guaranteed insect shield, but you will also have an incredible summer refresher on hand. Both of these hydrolates have cooling effects that your skin will appreciate very much.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Geranium or Pelargonium There are many varieties, such as pink geranium, fragrant geranium, and bourbon geranium. The main components of their essential oil are citronellol and geraniol, which create the familiar “floral-pink” aroma and are especially effective at repelling mosquitoes and ticks. Their beautiful scents will perfectly complement a repellent mixture or roll-on stick.
Geranium Zdravets (Geranium macrorrhizum)
It is an endemic wild Balkan plant, typical of Bulgarian folk medicine. It symbolizes health, longevity and vitality. Its composition is different from the typical geranium. The main components of its essential oil include Germacrone, which has been shown in scientific studies to have antibacterial, antifungal and anti-cancer effects. We will be particularly interested in the ability of this herb to soothe itching and irritation. Again, we will simply use it in its flower water.
Aromatic ice cubes for colds
If an insect accident does happen, do not hesitate to immediately cool the affected area with one of the three mentioned hydrolates (floral waters). Either by spraying the area directly or by applying a compress made from a makeup remover pad soaked in one of them. My personal tip is to prepare frozen aromatic cubes in advance. Mix mint and lavender water 50:50 in a glass of water and pour into ice cube trays. As you know, some insects can create really nasty red bites, so you will definitely welcome the increased cooling power of these aromatic cubes. Just gently rub the area and the relief is immediate!
I wish you a wonderful summer and as little insect nuisance as possible!
Sources:
KG STILES – Essential Oils Complete Guide, 2019.
Susanne Catty - Hydrosols the Next Aromatherapy, 2001.
Lydia Bosson - Hydrosol Therapy, 2019.
Robert Tisserand, Rodney Young – Essential Oil Safety, 2014.
https://www.aromatics.com/blogs/wellness/natural-bug-repellent-with-essential-oils
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X0800300418
