The O-town Scene

Bite me ... psych! How to make natural insect repellents and smell good at the same time It is hard to imagine life in a rural environment like the Western Catskills without insect repellents. Sadly many of the most effective insect repellents contain chemicals that may pose harmful side effects. In fact, the majority of insect repellent products contain the chemical DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide). Studies show that persistent exposure to insect repellents containing DEET could lead to various undesirable symptoms including fatigue, respiratory prob- lems, loss of memory and headaches. Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of the scents produced by essential oils, offers an alternative. These oils are extracted from the flower, leaf, stalk or fruit of a plant, shrub or tree. Many aromas that are pleasant to us humans are unpleasant to most insects or will at least confuse them. Oil and water do not mix, so it is best to combine aromatherapy oils with other oils or alcohol. Test the mixture first on a small area of skin. Though these oils are generally safe, some individuals may be sensitive to certain types of oils. (Soybean oil is the best liquid oil — insects find it unpleasant and it keeps the aromatic oils from evaporating too quickly.) _ Lewis Harrison Lewis Harrison is the director of the Academy of Natural Healing in Stamford and New York City. For more infor- mation, visit www.chihealer.com or e-mail Harrison at LewisHeals@gmail.com. Natural Insect Repellent Recipe Here is a simple approach if you are preparing large amounts of natural aro- matherapy insect repellent for the whole family. Mix one part essential oil (10 to 25 drops of all oils) combined with 10-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol (2 table- spoons). Rub or spray the natural insect repellent onto skin or clothing. Reapply hourly. Store in a dark bottle, away from heat or sunlight, and in a tight container since the oils and the alcohol are prone to evaporation. Notes: If you are pregnant or nursing, speak to a knowledgeable health profes- sional before using these aromatherapy oils. Do not take these oils internally. They can cause skin or eye irritation. Do not use on children younger than 3. OILS AND THE INSECTS THEY REPEL: • Castor oil — this is a liquid oil not an aromatic oil (mosquitoes) • Cinnamon oil (mosquitoes) • Citronella oil (biting flies and mosquitoes) • Lemon eucalyptus or regular eucalyptus oil (mosquitoes, ticks and lice) • Orange oil (fleas) • Rose geranium (ticks and lice) Summer Tip June 16, 2011 O-Town Scene 5

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