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With the growing concern for West Nile Virus and Lyme disease, more people are spraying and lathering on insect repellent. Most commercial repellents contain harmful chemicals that must be used with extreme caution.

Someone shared a story that occurred when she was on vacation at the beach. A parent used an insect repellent with DEET on her 2 year old child. The child went unconscious within minutes of application and was rushed to the hospital where she was later revived. This child was lucky, for others have died from exposure to it.

Remember, whatever you put on your skin ends up in your bloodstream. The famous estrogen, birth control and nicotine patch have proven that beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Using commercial repellents with toxic chemicals may not cause sudden death to an adult, but just like any toxin, they build up in our tissues and organs, especially in our liver over time. Our livers are already bombarded with toxins and now that you know, this is one that can easily be avoided.

There are natural insect repellents that repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting bugs which may pose a threat to your body’s epidermal exterior. They contain various essential oils that are safe and effective. This is a healthy alternative, because essential oils contain many valuable nutrients.

The essential oils most popular for their ability to repel insects include

• citronella

• tea tree

• cedarwood

• eucalyptus

• lemongrass

• orange

• rosemary

• clove

• oregano, and

• peppermint

I sometimes make my own combinations, but lately I’ve been getting them ready made and they work magnificently.

If you have any of the essential oils mentioned above at home and need a quick repellent, add 20 drops of essential oil (single or in combination with one or more other insect repellant essential oils) to one teaspoon of olive, jojoba, almond, or coconut oil, then rub the insect avoidant cocktail onto your skin. You can also add any insect repellant essential oil to an unscented lotion.

If you have already been bitten, check out these natural remedies for bug bite itch to instantly take the itch, pain, and swelling down.

Based on your natural pheromones, you may attract insects like a magnet. They just can wait to attack your luscious epidermis. If you are not unlucky to be one of these bug love magnets, chances are there will always be at least one person at your outdoor events that is slapping him/her-self silly while getting eaten alive, when no one else is.

Other reasons for being overly attractive to multi-legged flesh-eating critters might include wearing too much cologne or they may be lacking in B vitamins, especially Thiamine (B1). It is never advised to take just one of the B vitamins for it could cause imbalances in the body. A good quality B complex is advised. When the body has a sufficient amount of B vitamins, an odor is emitted through the pours that bugs don’t like. Thank goodness no one else can smell it.

You could also eat more foods that are high in thiamine. Help yourself to large portions of

• whole grain brown rice

• brewers yeast

• black strap molasses

• wheat germ and

• fish

Eating garlic also provides for a natural repellent, but you might end up repelling more than just insects.

Sugar

Insects are wildly attracted to sugar. If you are in the habit of enjoying sweets regularly, note sugar not only depletes your B vitamins, but also emits a sweet odor through your pours, attracting biting bugs, like a magnet.

Alcohol

If you like hitting the sauce, be aware that alcohol consumption depletes B vitamins and causes your blood vessels to dilate, thus attracting mosquitoes and horseflies.

And don’t forget about your pets. There are natural repellents for them too and a delicious brewers yeast and garlic formula available for sprinkling on their food will do the trick.

I hope this helps. Be safe and bug-bite free as you start enjoying the outdoors to its fullest.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease. Always consult with your doctor when seeking medical advice.

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