Summer is here and with it the irresistible urge to bask in outdoor glory. We want to feel the warm earth on our feet and sunshine on our shoulders. We go on camping trips, forest hikes, long bike rides, and enjoy berry picking, barbecues, picnics, and live music.
Until the buzzing begins…
Keep those pesky blood suckers away and enjoy your time outside with these two natural herbal repellent formulas. The first recipe is a spray with a flower water base and the second recipe uses oil for a longer lasting solution.
Both contain a secret herbal ingredient that makes them potent: catnip!
The essential oil found in catnip has been scientifically proven to be just as effective as commercial chemical repellents, without the nasty side effects from toxins like DEET. You can make these with catnip essential oil, hydrosol, and/or tincture. If you’ve got fresh catnip growing in the garden, you can use a high alcohol tincture mixed with the hydrosol. Pure grain alcohol (95%) will totally dehydrate the catnip, extracting the oils in about a week – although diluting pure catnip essential oil in a carrier is the most powerful option.
I’ve also included my Itchy Spray formula, since its astringency can be used to help soothe itching and irritation.
Summer Repellent Spray
Ingredients
- 8 oz organic catnip hydrosol or 50/50 catnip hydrosol and tincture mixture
- 20 drops organic cedarwood essential oil
- 15 drops organic lavender essential oil
- 15 drops organic geranium essential oil
- 10 drops organic catnip essential oil
- 10 drops organic lemon essential oil
Directions
Slowly drip each essential oil into the hydrosol, counting with care as you go. Mix all ingredients in the bottle by shaking vigorously. Shake well before each use and reapply as often as needed.
Summer Repellent Oil
Ingredients
- 8 oz organic jojoba oil or almond oil or sunflower oil
- 10 drops organic catnip essential oil
- 10 drops organic rosemary essential oil
- 10 drops organic lavender essential oil
- 5 drops organic geranium essential oil
Directions
Slowly drip each essential oil into the oil, counting with care as you go. Mix all ingredients in the bottle by rolling the bottle between the palms of your hands. Shake as well as possible before each use and reapply as often as needed.
Itchy Spray
This spray will help ease itchiness and irritation. The astringent power of green tea paired with the soothing abilities of plantain makes this the perfect formula for summer. The cooling nature of peppermint adds a comforting sensation.
Ingredients
- 4 oz organic peppermint hydrosol
- 2 oz organic green tea, brewed 2oz
- 1 oz organic plantain tincture
- 3 drops organic peppermint essential oil
Directions
Pour all of the ingredients into a glass spray bottle. Shake well before each use and store in the cooler for an extra refreshing chill.
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