Lemon Grass
REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES
For the natural repellent with the most scientific backing, look to lemon eucalyptus oil, the sole natural ingredient to get the EPA’s (Environmental protection agency) endorsement. Numerous studies show that it works just as effectively as low levels of DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) (7 percent to 15 percent concentrations) by masking the body’s natural odors. Look for a 30 percent to 40 percent concentration for maximum effectiveness.
The most ancient natural remedy isn’t on the EPA’s list, but some Asian and African cultures swear by neem as an effective bug repellent, and some studies support that, though a higher concentration is needed to match the effectiveness of DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) or other repellents. Azadirachtin, the active ingredient in neem, masks body scent and changes the taste of your skin.
Other natural essential oils shown to have bug-warding abilities include oil of citronella (found most often in candles, though it is somewhat effective on the skin), rosemary, and lemon verbena. One recent study indicated that a compound in sweet basil (eugenol) might also be as effective as DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) against ticks. To make your own natural repellent, simply add three drops of pure essential oil to a teaspoon of a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba.
If you choose to go the natural route, you can also look for a bug repellent that contains many of the ingredients mentioned above as well as other natural extracts. “Natural products that use herbs, such as neem, and essential oils for outdoor protection do not have just one ‘active ingredient,’rdquo; says Autumn Blum, cosmetic chemist and founder of Organix-South which makes neem products. “They contain many compounds to co-create the symphony of information used by plants to ward off infestations of insects, microbes, and fungi.”
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
One of most effective natural mosquito repellent at the time of
For the natural repellent with the most scientific backing, look to lemon eucalyptus oil, the sole natural ingredient to get the EPA’s (Environmental protection agency) endorsement. Numerous studies show that it works just as effectively as low levels of DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) (7 percent to 15 percent concentrations) by masking the body’s natural odors. Look for a 30 percent to 40 percent concentration for maximum effectiveness.
The most ancient natural remedy isn’t on the EPA’s list, but some Asian and African cultures swear by neem as an effective bug repellent, and some studies support that, though a higher concentration is needed to match the effectiveness of DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) or other repellents. Azadirachtin, the active ingredient in neem, masks body scent and changes the taste of your skin.
Other natural essential oils shown to have bug-warding abilities include oil of citronella (found most often in candles, though it is somewhat effective on the skin), rosemary, and lemon verbena. One recent study indicated that a compound in sweet basil (eugenol) might also be as effective as DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) against ticks. To make your own natural repellent, simply add three drops of pure essential oil to a teaspoon of a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba.
If you choose to go the natural route, you can also look for a bug repellent that contains many of the ingredients mentioned above as well as other natural extracts. “Natural products that use herbs, such as neem, and essential oils for outdoor protection do not have just one ‘active ingredient,’rdquo; says Autumn Blum, cosmetic chemist and founder of Organix-South which makes neem products. “They contain many compounds to co-create the symphony of information used by plants to ward off infestations of insects, microbes, and fungi.”
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
One of most effective natural mosquito repellent at the time of