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How to Make Your Own Bug Spray With Essential Oils

How can you find relief and still feel relieved that you're not exposing your family to chemicals?

In nearly ever region, mosquitoes and other biting bugs are a nuisance. Until recently, the solution has been obvious: Buy bug spray, and spray it on thick. But these days, consumers are becoming more conscious of the chemicals added to the products used in everyday life. It's easy to brush off the chemical contents of dishwasher detergent, but when it comes to the aerosols and lotions you slather on your skin and your children's skin, ingredients begin to matter a lot more.

Consider using all-natural insect repellent this summer. It smells better, and it's safer for you and your family. Best of all, you'll know exactly what you're using-because you make it yourself!

Follow our basic recipe, or make your own tweaks if you're experienced with essential oil safety. You'll need the following ingredients to get started:

o 8 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil - Juniperus virginiana
o 3 drops Juniper Berry Essential Oil 
o 8 drops Patchouli Essential Oil 
o 5 drops Spikenard Essential Oil 
o 4 oz. Organic Frankincense Hydrosol 
o 4 oz. PET Plastic Spray Bottle

When purchasing the essential oils and hydrosol for this bug spray blend, do some research. Ensure that you're buying pure, therapeutic-grade materials. These will likely be a little pricier than what you'll find on the shelves at your local grocery. Pure essential oils don't contain additives or synthetic fragrances. Synthetics can trigger headaches, and skin reactions. On top of that, they rarely "work." Don't hesitate to contact the company you're purchasing from. They should be able to supply evidence of the quality of their oils. Look into taking aromatherapy classes to learn more.

PET plastic is the best material to work with-it stands up to the rigors of summer adventuring, it's recyclable, and it doesn't leach harmful chemicals into its contents. Have fun with the bottle. If you have kids, give them some office labels and markers and let them design their own "brand" of bug spray.

Once you have your materials together, it's time to start blending essential oils. Add the hydrosol to your aluminum bottle first. Then carefully add the appropriate number of drops of each essential oil. This recipe is crafted to ensure a safe dilution of essential oils-you want to be sure not to use more than indicated in the ingredients. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so the bottles are generally contained with orifice reducers to ensure that the oils are not spilled. Tip your essential oil bottle gently until the drops fall out slowly enough to be counted.

When you're finished adding the drops, seal the spray container and shake gently. Spray freely on your skin and clothes before heading outdoors, and after swimming. Because essential oils-even in a blend-should not come in contact with your eyes, avoid spraying directly onto the face. Instead, spray the blend onto your hands before transferring to the face with gentle wiping motions.

Make a few bottles to start out with and stash them in easy-to-grab places like a basket in your entryway and in your bathroom. Remember not to leave your spray bottle out in the sun or in your car for long periods of time. Heat may weaken the properties and quality of your blend.

Next step? Enjoy the outdoors!

About the Author

Andrea Butje teaches a highly regarded aromatherapy certification program at Aromahead Institute of Essential Oil Studies.

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