Don’t let malaria haunt you! Use these 6 essential oils as natural mosquito repellents

From sleepless nights, rashes to deadly diseases like malaria and dengue – mosquito bites can give you all this and more. There are many options that are available in the market and one of them is repellents. Of course, for some, they work really well but there are many who end up with skin problems after using mosquito repellents.

But what makes these repellents so strong for your skin? Well, it is that one chemical that is used in them, and that’s DEET. DEET stands for N-diethyl-meta-toluamide which is a bug repellent. Usage of this in small quantities is not that problematic , but as per experts and studies, if this is used in large quantities, it can lead to skin problems such as skin irritation, blisters, etc.

The most horrifying factor is that this chemical is also neurotoxic, which means it can also have implications on the nervous system in the longer run. It can lead to headaches and even memory loss, and all this is ratified by a study published in the Journal of toxicology.

Thinking of opting for other options? Unfortunately, they also don’t have a very positive impact on your health. Then, what’s next? Well, we would suggest taking a holistic way. How’s that? You all must have heard of essential oils and their health and wellness-friendly properties. Out of all the goodness, they have another property that makes them perfect for you and for your skin and that is – essential oils act as a natural mosquito repellent.

Dr Monica Kapoor, celebrity cosmologist and director of FLAWLESS Cosmetic clinic & ILACAD Institute, tells us what all essential oils you can use to shun mosquitoes away.

Dr Kapoor recommends these 6 essential oils to reduce mosquito bites

1. Lavender oil – Lavender oil is obtained by distillation from the flower spikes of lavender. It has positive effects as per aromatherapy. Its healing properties help to prevent and soothe insect bites and stings. The distinct lavender scent can be used as a mothball to keep mosquitoes and insects away. These healing properties of lavender are suitable in both preventing mosquitoes, and soothing insect bites and stings.
2. Peppermint oil – Peppermint has benefits to repelling mosquitoes as the oil has a strong repellent action against adult mosquitoes when applied to human skin. When diffused, peppermint oil can help to keep mosquitoes away and prevent mosquito bites. The refreshing fragrance of peppermint and its cooling sensation can also provide relief and ease itching from mosquito bites.
3. Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree. Its strong and distinctive scent contains terpenes that repel mosquitoes away from the skin. It can also soothe itchy bites from mosquitoes and bugs.

   

4. Clary sage oil – “This oil has strong repellent properties, especially against the tiger mosquito. It helps to discourage mosquitoes from entering the home and prevent undesirable mosquito bites, by putting the oil into a diffuser. It has a particular fragrance, and mosquitoes are repelled to its smells,” suggests Dr Kapoor.
5. Citronella oil – Citronella oil is obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of lemongrass. It is used as a natural insect repellent. Citronella oil is effective against mosquitoes and other flying insects. It can cause allergic reactions to those who have sensitive skin if used directly on bare skin.
6. Rosemary oil – “Rosemary oil is obtained by steam distillation of the flowering tops of the plant. It is widely used as a culinary herb. However, rosemary oil has been shown to be an effective repellent. The herb should only be taken in small doses. Patients with high blood pressure should also avoid taking rosemary as a supplement,” recommends Dr Kapoor.

   

There you go ladies, now the ball is in your court. So what would you like to pick – mosquito repellent or essential oil?