By What is an Essential Oil?
Essential oils are oil made from the extracts of flowers. They carry the fragrance of flowers along with the additive benefits specific to each flower. Essential oils are used for multiple purposes. They are commonly used in luxury hotels, on special occasions, and in some households to lift the atmosphere.
Essential oils are also used for therapy. We know how expensive therapies can be, especially when you live in a big country like the UK. Although many therapists offer online therapy in the UK at cheaper rates, the cost can still be out of reach for some. Flower therapy is an affordable therapy that involves essential oils that promote positive energies inside an individual.
Other uses of essential oils are for massage, reducing pain, and also as a mosquito repellent. In this article, we will discuss mosquito-repellent essential oils.
What to look for in natural mosquito repellent
If you are a mosquito magnet, you might be tired of having itchy and bumpy skin all the time; going out at night might be hell for you. Added to this, the fear of catching malaria or dengue through mosquito bite haunt you.
Thanks to advanced research, scientists came up with mosquito repellents that could stop the mosquito from biting or coming closer to you. The initial finding of the scientists was the DEET chemical mosquito repellents that had a strong unpleasant odor and might often cause a rash.
Later came the natural mosquito repellent that was much more user-friendly and had a pleasant odor to keep you fresh. They may not be used over DEET in places with extremely high but can be used in daily routine.
Seven Best Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent
Every essential oil carries its benefits and unique fragrance. It is difficult for a person with zero knowledge of essential oils to choose the one just right for their protection against mosquitos.
Here is a list of essential oils for preventing mosquito bites so that you may be able to make the right choice for yourself;
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
A study from 2014 suggested that 32 percent of the lemon eucalyptus essential oil can kill up to 95 percent of mosquitoes in three hours. You can examine this yourself by observing a eucalyptus tree. You may be shocked to find no mosquitoes biting you near the eucalyptus tree.
Lavender Oil
Lavender is known for its pleasant fragrance. Lavender flower essence can produce an essential oil that can be used as a mosquito repellent. An animal study in 2002 found the mosquito-repellent qualities of lavender essential oil in a mouse.
Lavender is also known to have analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic properties to soothe the skin. Lavender essential oils can be especially preferred by women with sensitive skin or those who are conscious about their skin as they help soften the skin and improve texture.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon is also referred to as the golden spice. Cinnamon has long been known to have health benefits for humans while providing a new flavor to every dish they become a part of. Cinnamon oil can kill mosquito eggs. However, since it is a spice, care should be taken while using the oil, and people with sensitive skin should prefer other options.
Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is the best at protecting against mosquito bites or acting as a mosquito repellent. One animal study from 2002 showed that 5 percent thyme oil applied onto the skin of a mouse killed 91 percent of the mosquitoes.
The worst problem in outdoor events or campfire is the attack from the army of mosquitoes. Parts of the body left uncovered by the mosquito repellents become their feeding ground. Thyme can solve this problem for you. Burning thyme leaves in a campfire can offer 85 percent protection against mosquitoes for 90 minutes.
Greek Catmint Oil
It belongs to the mint family related to catnip. The white and pink flowers grow up to 18 inches. However, the oil from the bruised leaves is much more valuable. The catmint oil can protect against mosquitoes for two to three hours. It is ten times more effective than DEET.
Soyabean Oil
Soyabean oil is essential for protection against mosquitoes. Adding little lemongrass oil to soya bean oil can kill different mosquitoes.
Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil is the most commonly used essential oil today. It has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil is effective against mosquitoes, bush flies, and biting midges.
