How to make all-natural, toxin-free, bug repellent

It's that time of year.  The family is a bustlin' and cannot wait to get outdoors and soak up some sunshine & good vibes from Mama Nature. Cars are packed and you're raring to go. You're double checking your list.. tent - check, sunscreen - check (hopefully bodycherish's all-natural found here), comfy shoes - check, a lot of food (and beer perhaps) - check.  Anything else? Nope, so you hit the road full of excitement. Then you get there and realize as the first mosquito sinks it's zzapper into you... you forgot the bug repellent!! Or maybe, you brought it but aren't sure if you even want to saturate your body with such a toxic product.

We've all been there. Do you suffer from a plentitude of itchy bug bites or do you spray your body with the most toxic body products of them all... BUG REPELLENT. Technically speaking, bug repellent is a toxin the repels insects as they immediately detect it is harmful to them. Guess what? It is absolutely harmful to humans too! At least the drugstore variety.. and most definitely if it contains DEET.

So what are your options you may ask? Or, are there even any safe alternatives? ABSOLUTELY! Below I have shared the top 7 essential oils to help you ward off those pesky bugs, effectively and naturally.

1) Citronellla

2) Patchouli

3) Lavender 

4) Tea tree

5) Eucalyptus 

6) Lemongrass

7) Rosemary

You may not like the smell of all 7 of these essential oils and that is okay. Even if you pick just 3 of these, you will still find you have an effective blend of bug repelling oils. Once you decide which oils you wish to use, simply follow these easy steps:

Step 1) Fill 8 oz spray bottle with distilled or boiled water 1/2 full.

Step 2) Almost fill the remaining 1/2 with alcohol free witch hazel (if you have rose water on hand, you may also add that to make this smell even more lovely). Another option is simply using vinegar which is mega-inexpensive, yet still effective (apple cider vinegar works too).

Step 3) Add 40-50 drops (total) of your favourite essential oils from those listed above.

Step 4) Shake, shake and shake some more! As there is no solubilizer being added, you will have to give this bottle a good shake everytime before you use to ensure the essential oils (EOs) get mixed adequately as they separate. Another option is adding a few drops of a solubilzer if you have some on hand (as this will dilute the EOs into the water and witch hazel mix).

*Helpful tip: If you are lounging around the fire pit, you can also use this spray all around your backyard haven. It is safe even when applied to plants so have at it! Spray around anywhere you'll be sitting including your body and clothes. 

Trust me, these natural remedies work! The earth, in all her natural beauty, has just the right ingredients to keep us safe, happy and healthy. We just have to trust the intelligence of Mama Nature and go back to our roots. 

Happy camping Green Beauty Babes!

xo Christine 


Christine Nicole
Christine Nicole

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