When warmer weather arrives, so do the bugs. Insects like mosquitoes, flies, ticks, leafhoppers, hornworms, and more flock to your garden to infest your flowers and plants. If you’re sitting around the patio enjoying time with family, you don’t want to worry about bugs biting you every other second. The good news is that you can forget about trying to clap insects to their death mid-flight because there are plants that help repel bugs. 

If you don’t want to inhale the fumes of mosquito candles and torches all summer, you can plant a series of plants around your patio, pool, house, and fence to keep out unwanted pests. In addition to causing itchy bites, mosquitos and other pests can damage your gardens, crops and home. Using plants to repel insects is an eco-friendly solution to your problem. Plus, these plants add both beauty and fragrance to your home and garden. Here is a guide to many common plants that repel insects. 

Geraniums

Geraniums are quite common in patio planters, but you can also pot them or plant them in your garden to naturally repel mosquitos. These flowers not only beautify your garden, but they also release a strong fragrance that mosquitos, flies, and beetles despise. That helps you enjoy your patio or garden without worrying about bites or infestation of the fruits and vegetables in your garden. Plant some geraniums around your garden to keep those pests out. 

Mint

Fresh mint is a great plant to have in your garden because you can harvest some of it to use in culinary applications. It’s very easy to grow and has been proven to repel flies, ants, and mosquitos. It emits a wonderful fragrance and helps deter bugs from infesting other nearby plants. Planting mint near your windows or doorways can help keep irritating insects out of your house. 

Citronella

Don’t want to buy citronella candles or citronella-infused oil for tiki torches? Plant the real citronella plant in your garden or pots near your doors to keep the mosquitos out. The plant itself acts as a natural insecticide, repelling a variety of flying insects, including mosquitos. The plant can grow fairly large, so you may have to keep it under control with your garden scissors from time to time. 

Lemongrass

Similar to citronella, lemongrass gives off a powerful aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Lemongrass is tall, grassy, and ornamental, growing up to four feet tall and three feet wide in one season. Not only does the plant do a great job at repelling mosquitos, but it also adds beautiful greenery to your garden or patio. 

Lavender

Before we get into the insects that lavender repels, it is important to note that lavender blossoms can attract bees. If you are allergic to bees, planting lavender near your patio or doorways may not be the best idea. How does lavender repel bugs? It contains linalool, which is a compound that contributes to the plant’s natural aroma. Other plants also contain linalool, but lavender seems to have the highest content and is the most effective at repelling bugs. You can harvest your lavender and hang some bundles around your patio and indoors.

Marigolds

Marigolds add vibrant colors to your garden or patio planters. Ranging from red and orange to yellow, marigolds make the perfect additions to your vegetable garden bed. They help keep tomato hornworms away, so consider planting them next to your tomato plants. Marigolds are very popular summer plants that also deter plant lice, mosquitos, and even rabbits!

Chrysanthemums

The primary reason that insects avoid chrysanthemums is because the flower contains pyrethrin, a neurotoxin that kills insects. Don’t worry about your furry friends because it is safe for animals. According to research, the list of insects that these flowers repel is quite extensive, including  ants, roaches, silverfish, lice, fleas, spider mites, ticks, bedbugs, and harlequin bugs. Plus, the flowers are just stunning to look at!

SHARE:

The post The Best Insect-Repelling Plants For Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Back in the day of traditional farming, nobody ever thought to use pesticides on their crops. Although pests existed, farmers managed to grow what they needed, using natural solutions to stave off irritating pests. Nowadays, it’s perfectly normal to use chemical pesticides during agricultural practices. Just spray poison on the crops, which people inevitablly consume, and the pests go away. 

The Problem With Pesticides

Well, there isn’t just one single problem; rather, there are many. Pesticide sprays don’t single out the harmful insects from the beneficial ones. For example, they kill bees and butterflies and allow smaller predator populations to recover. They slowly develop a dependence on the chemical sprays, as opposed to the other natural systems. Additionally, plants may also become dependent on chemicals to grow properly. That is all to say that it’s time to get back to repelling insects the natural way, with companion plants. Repelling insects in this fashion actually increases biodiversity and enhances the ecosystems. The following plants may help to keep harmful pests away from what you are trying to grow. 

Alliums

This belongs to the onion family and the flowers are beautiful purple balls that bloom from tall green spikes, which are reminiscent of scallions. Alliums have been known to repel numerous pests, including slugs, carrot flies, cabbage worms, and aphids. These pests dislike the powerful aroma of alliums. 

Borage

Borage is an edible plant, with the flowers and leaves being safe for consumption. If you eat the leaves, make sure to choose the young varieties, otherwise they get fuzzy. The flavor is similar to that of a cucumber. They help attract bees and use deep taproots to pull up nutrients from deeper soil, depositing them on the surface. It also works to repel tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. 

Marigolds

Mosquitos, aphids, plant lice, and even rabbits avoid marigolds because they have a potent aroma. Fruit and vegetable farmers have used these little flowering plants to repel pests for many years. They are very easy to grow, especially in flower beds or planters. Make sure that they receive ample sunlight to thrive. 

Petunias

If you want to protect members of the brassica family (cruciferous vegetables), you’ll do well to plant petunias in the vicinity. The vibrant colors are signature to these wonderful flowers. Leafhoppers, tomato hornworms, aphids, and squash bugs do not like these flowers. 

Mosquito Plant

Yes, this is in fact a legitimate plant that offers a lacy green foliage and purple flowers. It’s also called citronella-scented geranium, and it is effective at repelling mosquitos. Mosquitos despise the citrusy aroma that comes from the plant’s natural oils. If you have lots of them flying around your yard, plant a couple to help repel mosquitos. 

Sunflowers

These are great garden companions because they help repel pests. Additionally, they are quite beautiful and distract aphids and white flies away from nearby plants. Those pests don’t actually have a negative effect on sunflowers, but they will harm other crops. Plant a few and see how the surrounding crops thrive. 

Chrysanthemums

Beetles, ticks, roaches, fleas, lice, mites, and ants will flee your garden when chrysanthemums are present. Several studies found that the extracts from the flowers can actually kill some of the aforementioned insects. In fact, chrysanthemum extract is a common ingredient in many residential insecticide products. This explains why pests steer clear of them.

Basil

There’s an enchanting quality to basil’s fresh aroma. Moths, mosquitos, and flies do not agree with this sentiment. In fact, they will steer clear of basil because of the potent scent. If you’re in a pinch and need to repel bugs away from your body, crush some basil leaves in your hand and rub them on your skin. You won’t have mosquito problems after that. 

SHARE:

The post 8 Companion Plants That Protect Crops From Pests appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Nobody wants ants in their home, but everyone deals with them at some point. The summer heat is essentially a giant invitation for ants to come inside the home. That doesn’t mean your home is filthy; rather, it just proves that ants have a willpower to survive. Typically, people use chemical ant treatments to get rid of these pests, but spraying them increases the presence of harmful pesticides and chemicals in the home. Fortunately, there is another way to get rid of ants. 

Before you reach for the natural alternative to chemical sprays and traps, you have to make the home unappealing to ants. Check kitchen cabinets and pantry shelves for crumbs or open food sources and seal them up if they aren’t infested. Keep the sink and food preparation areas clean and free of food scraps or waste. Check the baseboards, windows, and doors and seal them up with the appropriate caulk. Lastly, wash the insides of garbage bins or recycling containers and keep pet bowls free of food. 

Essential Oils Repel Ants

Believe it or not, essential oils help repel ants because they have powerful aromas. The strong fragrances are pungent and ants don’t like them because they interfere with pheromones that ants use for coordination. Essential oils basically mask pheromone trails, and that deters ants from entering the home. You cannot just use any essential oil, though. There are specific essential oils that are more effective than others. Some of the most effective ones are detailed below. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is high in menthol, which is beneficial for sore throats, headaches, and clogged nasal passageways. It is also an effective ant eliminator because they dislike the minty aroma. Some studies found that it also repels lice, mosquitos, fleas, moths, and spiders. 

Citronella Essential Oil

Mosquitos, spiders, and ants all hate citronella. The aroma confuses their navigation, making it impossible for ants to coordinate. Laboratory tests found that citronella essential oil effectively killed 50% of the ants within 30 minutes after they encountered it. Furthermore, it killed 100% of the ants after 24 hours. 

Clove Essential Oil

You have to be careful when using clove essential oil because too much can harm human senses. This is why you must properly dilute it before using it in the home. Similar to peppermint essential oil, clove essential oil interferes with pheromone trails that ants use to coordinate their movements. Several studies found that it is also effective at killing ants when sprayed on them.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is very similar to citronella, which is effective against mosquitos and ants. According to anecdotal reports, it also works to repel ants. It’s also included in various insect-repelling candles, which confirms its efficacy against ants. Apply this to an area that ants have infested and they’ll be out of there or dead within a day. 

Tea Tree Oil

Last, but certainly not least, is tea tree oil. Not only can tea tree oil eliminate the scent of ant trails and put a halt to infestations, but the oil can also kill ants when they encounter it. The combination of tea tree oil with peppermint essential oil suppresses scents and kills ants within 24 hours. 

DIY Ant-Killing Spray

Ingredients:

• 6 drops each citronella, clove, eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint essential oils
• Distilled water
• 8-ounce spray bottle

Instructions:

• Remove the nozzle from the spray bottle and add six drops of each essential oil to it. 
• Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, screw on the top, and shake to combine.
• Make sure that you shake the bottle before each use. You can spray this near windows, doors, or any place that you see ants. 
• Spray as often as necessary. 

SHARE:

The post Homemade Ant-Killing Spray With Essential Oils appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Some of you may already be clued into the amazing food grade powder that is diatomaceous earth (DE). For everyone else, we’re about to blow your mind because DE is one of the best dietary supplements in existence. What’s even crazier is that DE is essentially crushed up rock, so it’s like eating sand. That sounds unpleasant, but it’s actually a very common practice and there are numerous proven health claims to support this practice. 

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are small aquatic organisms. Some of the remains date back anywhere form 100,000 to one million years ago. These small organisms collect the sediment from streams, rivers, oceans, and lakes, and the fossilized remains exist around the world. The deposits collect silica, which contains numerous trace minerals that may benefit heart health, improve immune function, enhance the pancreas’ release of insulin, and nourish the hair, skin, and nails. DE happens to be one of the most concentrated sources of silica. 

DE typically comes in the form of a white powder and it has many uses. Some people put it on pets to get rid of fleas, while farmers use it on plants as a natural pesticide. DE also has its place in beauty products, food manufacturing, and water filtering. Food grade DE is available in many health stores, but online retailers sell it as well. There is compelling research and proven studies on the benefits of consuming DE, and we’ve detailed some of them below. 

Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth For The Body

Improves Joint Health

The silica in DE works to enhance regular joint function and bone metabolism. A 2007 study found that dietary silicon actually worked to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) and improved the connective tissue in joints. Since osteoporosis is considered one of the largest “silent epidemics” of the 21st century, improving bone health is paramount these days. The silica in DE helps improve bone density, but it also works to synthesize collagen, which aids with joint formation and healthy connective tissue development. 

Works To Fight Parasites

One of the benefits of consuming DE is that it helps to regulate bowel moments. In fact, the silica in DE works to detox the digestive tract and increase collagen production, which can support the digestive tract’s lining. It actually helps the body absorb more nutrients while simultaneously flushing out unnecessary waste. A 2011 study that was published in the Oxford Journal of Poultry Science found that DE is an effective treatment to control internal worms (parasites) in hens. Giving hens DE helped improve egg production and quality, and cleaned out parasites in the process. 

Helps Protect The Hair

Did you know that silica is the primary ingredient in many high-quality hair supplements? Many people with thinning hair often use these hair supplements to improve hair growth or prevent hair loss. Several studies examined people who ingested DE every day for several weeks. The results indicated that DE helped to improve fullness and enhanced scalp health. 

Purifies Water

Many filtration products use DE because of the chemical composition. From water purification to fish tank filters, DE helps to prevent tap water toxicity. The fine powder helps to filter tiny particles that regular paper filters cannot catch. One study found that DE works to kill viruses in drinking water, thereby making the water potable. This is great news when you consider that drinking contaminated water causes viral and bacterial infections. Additionally, another study examined a filter containing DE to see how effective it was at filtering tap water. The results indicated that the DE absorbed 80% of the viruses and heavy metals present in tap water. 

Detoxifies The Body

We saved the best benefit for last! As we’ve covered in this article, DE helps to regulate bowel movements and eliminate/kill parasites, which contribute to numerous health conditions. The great thing about DE is that it is inexpensive! It helps to reduce gas and bloating and boosts liver function. Researchers also found that DE works to clean the blood by absorbing harmful toxins that exist in the blood. The silica in DE behaves similarly to antioxidants, fighting free radicals in the body that contribute to oxidative stress. It does so by neutralizing the charge of free radicals and helping the body eliminate them via urine, stool, and sweat. Finally, one study indicated that DE encouraged the elimination of heavy metals from the body. 

SHARE:

The post 5 Benefits And Proven Uses Of Diatomaceous Earth appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you have a successful garden that is replete with attractive flowers, fruits, or vegetables, the last thing you want is for them to get plagued by pests. When harmful insects make a home in your garden, you can kiss all those hours spent in the dirt goodbye. That is, unless you catch them in the early stages.

No home gardener wants to rip out all of their plants that took months to grow. At the same time, spraying chemical pesticides on plants is not the ideal method of pest control. You don’t have to contaminate your plants and soil with chemicals because there are natural ingredients that keep pests away.

Cayenne Pepper

This spice is good for more than kicking your food up a notch. In addition to the pain-relieving properties, cayenne pepper can keep bugs and animals out of your garden and house. Cayenne pepper has a potent scent that bugs, cats, rodents, and dogs do not like. According to Geoff Zhender, an entomologist at Auburn University, cayenne pepper is great at keeping bugs away from cabbage plants.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is a natural insecticide, and it works to repel fleas, spiders, flies, beetles, ants, and mosquitos. Did you know that the stick bug actually emits a substance that fills the air with the scent of peppermint? It does this to fight off other insect predators because they don’t like the scent. In order for it to be effective, make sure that you purchase 100% pure peppermint essential oil that is free of additives.

Garlic

If you have an aphid problem, garlic is your go-to repellent. Aphids are small insects that adhere to the leaves of plants, creating small holes. Now you know that it wasn’t a caterpillar that ate holes in your leaves! As you know, garlic has a potent smell, which is off-putting to aphids and other insects. You can use it without harming your plants until your pest problem is no longer a problem.

Onion

Home gardeners don’t typically have the luxury or space to plant flowers, fruits, vegetables, or herbs in different locations. People typically plant various plants in the same garden box. To prevent pests from destroying all of the plants, people use companion planting. This is the practice of grouping different plants, some of which work to control pests. Onions are very effective at repelling insects, which is why they are commonly used in companion planting. They are most effective when planted near beets, cabbage, parsnips, chamomile, lettuce, and carrots.

DIY Pest Control Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 cups mint leaves (or 20 drops peppermint essential oil)
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
• water

Instructions:

• Finely chop the onion, garlic, and peppermint leaves (unless you are using peppermint oil) and add it all to a blender or food processor with cayenne pepper. Blend until completely pulverized.
• Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing all the juice out.
• Add the blended mixture to a one-gallon container, along with the castile soap. Fill the rest of the container with water.
• Screw the top on the container and give it a good shake. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on any plants that are being attacked by bugs.
• Spray on your plants one to two times a week, or after it rains.

SHARE:

The post Homemade Chemical Free Pest Control Spray For Your Garden appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The use of essential oils has recently gained popularity, despite the fact that these oils have been used in healing practices for centuries. Hyssop oil has been used for thousands of years as a powerful antiseptic agent. In fact, hyssop oil is referenced in the Bible. The Romans even used hyssop as a disinfectant during the plague! That’s got to count for something, right?

What Is Hyssop Oil?

Hyssop oil is made from the flowers and leaves of the Hyssopus officinalis plant. Although it technically belongs to the mint family, hyssop looks very similar to lavender. Hyssop has a floral and minty scent that is regularly used by aromatherapy specialists.  More recently, it has been deemed one of the strongest and most potent antiviral essential oils in existence, primarily because it contains nearly every single chemical compound that is found in all essential oils.

In present day, many people use hyssop to remedy a variety of health conditions, including issues with the liver or gallbladder, intestinal problems, and various respiratory conditions. In fact, it is one of the best natural remedies for asthma. Hyssop oil contains beneficial flavonoids that provide antioxidant activity. The Advanced Pharmeceutical Bulletin indicated that there are 20 different compounds (including myrtenylacetate, camphor, spathulenol, and others) in hyssop that comprise 99.9% of the oil’s makeup. See how these compounds provide antioxidant activity and how they benefit the human body.

Fights Parasites

Parasites, including tapeworms, fleas, flukes, and hookworms, are organisms that feed off the nutrients of other organisms. Parasites live and feed on the host, disrupting nutrient absorption and increasing the risk of developing diseases or overall weakness. If you have an intestinal parasite, it is possible for it to disrupt gut health and immune function. Hyssop is beneficial for people with parasites because it is a vermifuge, meaning it is an agent that destroys or expels parasites. If you are engaging in a parasite cleanse, considering adding hyssop oil to your regimen.

Boosts Circulation

Proper circulation assists with overall heart, muscle, and arterial function. Hyssop oil works to improve circulation because it contains anti-rheumatic properties. The ability to increase circulation is great news for people with rheumatism, gout, arthritis, and overall swelling, all of which suffer from lack of blood circulation. Both hyssop oil and hyssop tea can help improve blood flow, which can alleviate pressure in clogged arteries.

Beneficial For Respiratory Conditions

Hyssop oil has antispasmodic properties, which work to relieve spasms in the respiratory system. It is also known as an expectorant, meaning it helps to loosen phlegm that can become lodged in the respiratory tracts or airways. Coughing is the body’s natural way to expel phlegm, harmful microbes, or other irritants. Now that you know about hyssop, though, you may be able to minimize coughing. The antispasmodic and expectorant properties mean that hyssop can be very beneficial for respiratory infections, including the common cold and even bronchitis.

Improves Digestion

Acting as a stimulant, hyssop oil works to increase the production of bile, acid, and digestive enzyme secretion, all of which are necessary to break down food as it enters the stomach. While everyone naturally produces these gastric juices, it is often beneficial to facilitate the process to help decompose complex carbohydrates, proteins, and nutrients. Use hyssop oil to improve digestion, or to help relieve indigestion, gas, or bloating.

Supports Immune Response

As we previously mentioned, hyssop oil works to improve circulation and digestion. Let’s not forget that it can also kill parasites and harmful bacteria. This trifecta of abilities contributes to healthier and proper immune function. One study, which was conducted at the Department of Medicine, North Shore University Hospital in New York, found that hyssop extracts contain unidentified tannins, caffeic acid, and possible unidentified molecular weight compounds that may possess strong anti-HIV activity. Since HIV is incredibly harmful to the immune system, these findings may lead to further studies on hyssop oil as a potential treatment for HIV or AIDS patients.

How To Use Hyssop

The most readily available form of hyssop is the essential oil. If using this oil or hyssop extract, you can use it in the following ways. As always, only purchase high quality essential oils for best results.

• Add 3-5 drops of hyssop oil to bath water to help lower body temperature and stimulate sweating.
• Add 2-3 drops of hyssop oil to a diffuser and inhale the vapor to help clear the respiratory system.
• If you want to use it as a fragrance, add hyssop oil to homemade soaps, body washers, or lotions. The amount you use will depend on how much you are making.
• Combine 2-3 drops of hyssop oil with equal parts carrier oil (like jojoba oil) and apply it to the skin to reduce irritations, burns, or bruising. 
• For internal use, add 1-2 drops of hyssop oil to water and mix it with a smoothie.

SHARE:

The post Hyssop Oil Benefits Respiratory Conditions, Gut Health, & More appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Summer is all about having fun in the sun, but time spent outdoors means that you are exposed to all sorts of creepy crawlies and buzzing insects. Bugs shouldn’t discourage you from being outside, but you should be on the lookout for certain pests because they can carry disease or make you ill after they bite you.

Ticks, mosquitos, and other stinging insects can cause paranoia about your time spent outdoors. You may even start itching for no reason! There’s no need to freak out about anything because there are ways that you can keep yourself protected. First off, familiarize yourself with the specific insects that occupy your area. Many irritants or allergens can simulate a bug bite, so make sure you can identify the bites of kissing bugs, ticks, wasps, or mosquitos.

Ticks

Belonging to the arachnid family, ticks are found in various places across the United States. They have been known to carry the Powassan virus and Lyme disease, which can be transmitted from a single bite. Different ticks can carry different germs or viruses, depending on region in which you live. Protect yourself by wearing long pants and long sleeves, even though if it’s hot outside. When you return from your outdoor activity, especially if you were hiking, inspect your body, even your scalp, for ticks and remove them immediately. Make sure that you remove the entire tick because you don’t want to leave the head attached.

Mosquitos

Summer without mosquitos just wouldn’t be a normal summer, much to many peoples’ dismay. There are over 3,000 varieties of mosquitos around the world, and their bites are always itchy. Some people are allergic to mosquitos and small, inflamed bites can turn into large welts that take days to reduce. Mosquitos can carry malaria, Zika, West Nile virus, or Japanese encephalitis, but the disease that mosquitos carry will depend on the region they occupy. A lot of mosquito bites can occasionally result in low-grade fever or fatigue. Take preventative measures by applying this DIY Mosquito Repellent, or light these candles around your home to keep mosquitos away.

Stinging Insects

Mosquitos and ticks bite, while wasps, bees, hornets, and yellow jackets sting, especially during the late summer months. These insects typically steer clear of humans and build their nests away from the heavy foot traffic, but know that they will happily visit you when a picnic is in progress. They are checking out the spread and they really enjoy sweet fruit, so keep your food covered to prevent stinging bugs from buzzing around your picnic. You will only get stung if these bugs feel threatened, but a random sting can occur. If you have severe allergies to any of these bugs, take the right precautions if you are spending time outside.

Kissing Bugs

Kissing bugs are common in Central and South America, but they have been identified in 28 states across the United States. Don’t be fooled by the sweet name; these bugs love to bite sleeping humans around the eyes and mouth, and their excrement can be quite dangerous. They are capable of transmitting the parasite known as Trypanosoma cruzi through their feces. Contracting this parasite has been associated with a heart illness known as Chagas disease.

Fleas

Remember the bubonic plague that swept through Europe, Africa, and Asia in the Middle Ages, killing about 50 million people as a result? Fleas were responsible, and they can still carry it because an estimated 650 cases from around the world are reported each year. Treatment options have dramatically decreased the risk of death to a mere 10%. Fleas, specifically cat fleas, can harbor pathogens that can lead to a Bartonella infection. Cat scratch fever is a real thing, not just an amazing song by Ted Nugent. When bitten by fleas, people commonly become itchy, annoyed, and can develop allergies.

One more thing to remember is to check your pets, provided you have them, for different insects upon returning home. Ticks or fleas can easily latch onto your pets and make their way into your house. Take time to inspect your pets so that your home remains a safe zone.

SHARE:

The post Steer Clear Of These 5 Insects This Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Summer is a beautiful season, but there are a lot of bugs that try to attack you in the hotter, more humid regions. Some bugs and pests definitely have their purpose, but others can be hazardous to our health. Mosquitos can carry harmful diseases and flies can transfer over 100 pathogens, which can cause a person to experience digestive discomfort, fever, or cholera.

As a defense mechanism, a lot of people coat themselves with chemical bug sprays during the summer months. These insect repellents typically have an unpleasant odor, and they can also be the cause of allergic reactions. Bug sprays are also not the most beneficial for the environment. In fact, most insect repellent sprays contain DEET, which was developed by the US Army during WWII to fight off fleas, ticks, chiggers, mosquitos, and some types of deer flies. The use of DEET was deemed harmful to the environment, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actually re-approved its use in the 1990s, even though it can interfere with healthy nervous system function. Additionally, reports have linked DEET to seizures, hypotension, hives, or impaired brain cell function.

No matter how well-sealed, clean, or dry your home is, bugs manage to find their way in the house. Bugs don’t like essential oils, but certain essential oils work better at repelling various insects. Let’s take a look at some essential oils you may want to use:

• Peppermint: Proven to be a natural insecticide, peppermint essential oil is great for repelling mosquitos, ants, fleas, spiders, flies, and beetles.
• Lavender: Lavender essential oil has a calming aroma, but this same aroma can help get rid of fleas, flies, and beetles.
• Lemongrass: Among its many uses, lemongrass essential oil is good for repelling fruit flies, flies, fleas, and mosquitos.
• Eucalyptus: In addition to aiding decongestion, eucalyptus essential oil, can be effective against sand flies, aphids, earwigs, and whiteflies.
• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is definitely worth keeping on hand because it has multiple uses. It can also repel spiders, mosquitos, ants, and more.

You don’t have to worry about using damaging chemical bug sprays because making “bug away” essential oil candles is incredibly easy. If you feel up to it, you can make a few essential oil blends to add to these candles. Try them out and see if they help. Let us know how you like them in the comments below.

Ingredients:

• Mason jar that holds about 16-20 ounces
• Water
• 1 small lemon
• 1 lime
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• essential oil of your choice
• floating candles or tea lights (metal casing removed)

Instructions:

• Slice the lemon and lime into thin rounds.
• Fill each mason jar with about 14 ounces of water. You can use less water if you have a smaller mason jar.
• Add the lemon and lime slices and the rosemary to the mason jar. Put about 10-12 drops of your desired essential oil and mix it up.
• Place the floating candle in the jar and light it to help keep the bugs away.

SHARE:

The post DIY “Bug Away” Essential Oil Candles For Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There’s nothing like being outside on a summer evening. Maybe you are sitting by a lake with some friends, having a romantic picnic in a park, or watching the sunset in your backyard. Everything is going swimmingly, until you start smacking yourself because mosquitos have found you out. They are on the hunt and you are an easy target. These little pests can carry harmful diseases, so it is wise to protect yourself when you can. That’s why you want to have a great mosquito repellent on hand.

The thing about most mosquito repellents is that they are replete with chemicals, the worst of which is DEET. Sure, it keeps the mosquitos off you, but at what cost? Rather than poisoning your skin, you can go the all-natural route and make your own chemical-free repellent. If you are wondering how this natural repellent works, the mosquito-repelling properties can be attributed to the two primary ingredients below.

Citronella Essential Oil

One of the most common uses of this essential oil is to keep insects away. It is particularly effective against mosquitos, but can also repel lice and fleas. Additionally, the antiseptic properties in citronella essential oil help to eliminate infections, while the anti-inflammatory properties have a sedative effect on inflammation. You can also use it in small doses to make natural deodorants.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a safe and excellent mosquito repellent. According to the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, when 2% neem oil was mixed with coconut oil and applied to the exposed skin of volunteers, it completely protected them from mosquito bites for twelve hours.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons neem oil
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
• 10-15 drops citronella essential oil

Instructions

• Mix all of the ingredients together in a small glass jar that has an eyedropper top.
• Make sure to use it sparingly. A little goes a long way. Rub a few drops on the exposed skin.

Note: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, do not use neem oil because it is an abortifacient.

SHARE:

The post DIY Mosquito Repellent That Actually Works appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Sometimes fleas attack your pets and you have to resort to some pretty potent chemicals that are not good for them. The fleas go away, but at what cost? The chemicals hurt your pet’s skin, even if you don’t think that they do. You don’t have to use these chemicals because you can make your own flea powder with natural ingredients.

The homemade flea powder is composed of several ingredients that work to naturally repel insects. Most of these ingredients are actually recommended by holistic vets as killer flea treatments.

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

This powder is comprised of fossilized remains of aquatic organisms (this includes coral) known as diatoms. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is very sharp, when inspected under a microscope, which helps to puncture insects and ultimately kill them. Food grade DE is harmless to humans and pets, but deathly to insects.

Yarrow Powder

This has famously been used to help heal wounds in herbal medicine because it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe irritated skin. It also has antimicrobial properties, which help to remedy the flea bites or secondary infections that pets can get.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

This natural insect repellent has some pretty potent antiseptic properties, which help to accelerate the healing process after your pet is bitten by insects.

Neem Powder

This classic, Ayurvedic medicinal herb has been used as an insect repellent for centuries. It can help ward off ticks, lice, mites, mosquitos, and fleas. There are compounds in neem that kill larvae, if insects breed on your pet’s skin. It also has moisturizing properties that help to keep your pet’s skin from becoming too dry.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup food grade Diatomaceous Earth
• ½ cup neem powder
• ½ cup yarrow powder
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil (omit this if you are using on cats)

Instructions:

• Mix all of the ingredients in a mason jar and shake to combine. Put a shaker top on the jar when you are ready to apply it to your pet.
• Starting from the head, apply this powder on your pet’s back all the way to the tail. You should also rub it on the belly and legs. Cover as much area as possible.
• It can be beneficial to brush the fur in the opposite direction to allow the powder to penetrate the fur to the skin.
• Use this once a month, but reapply if you give your pet a bath. You may need to apply more frequently if there is a flea infestation.

SHARE:

The post Homemade Flea Powder To Keep Your Pet Healthy appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.