Make Your Own Homemade Herbal Insect Repellent
Creating your own insect repellent can be both empowering and effective, offering a natural alternative to commercial products that may contain synthetic chemicals. By harnessing the power of botanical ingredients and essential oils, you can tailor your repellent to suit your needs while minimizing exposure to potentially harmful substances. Crafting your insect repellent allows you to customize the scent, potency, and ingredients, ensuring a solution that is not only safe for you and your family but also gentle on the environment. Whether you're seeking protection against mosquitoes, ticks, or other pesky insects, making your own repellent puts the control back in your hands, offering peace of mind and a sense of connection to the natural world.
This recipe takes a little forethought, as the herbs need to be infused in witch hazel for about about 6 weeks before the other ingredients are added.
Ingredients for Herbal Repellent Insect Witch Hazel
1/2 cup catnip, chopped fine
1/2 cup peppermint, chopped fine
1 sprig of rosemary chopped fine
2 cups witch hazel
Instructions
Put all herbs and witch hazel into a mason jar and allow to steep for 2 - 4 weeks.
Strain through cheesecloth to remove all plant material.
Homemade Insect Repellent
Ingredients:
1 cup herb infused witch hazel
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup vodka
10 drops Rosemary Essential oil
25 drops Lemon Eucalyptus Essential oil
25 drops Atlas Cedarwood essential oil
20 drops Citronella oil
1 tsp vegetable glycerine
Instructions:
In a small spray bottle, combine the witch hazel or vodka and apple cider vinegar.
Add the essential oils to the mixture. You can use a single oil or a combination of oils for added effectiveness and a pleasant scent.
Add the glycerine
Shake the bottle well to thoroughly mix the ingredients..
Store the spray bottle in a cool, dark place when not in use, and shake well before each use.
To use, spray the repellent onto exposed skin, clothing, and any areas prone to mosquito bites, such as ankles and wrists. Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.
Always perform a patch test before applying to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction. Additionally, avoid spraying the repellent directly on the face or near the eyes and mouth. Instead, spray it onto your hands and then apply it to the face, avoiding contact with sensitive areas.