Thanks to Global Warming and the Climate Change, Spring is coming to Hudson Valley earlier this year. Hudson Valley’s wine industry and eco-conscious tourism are booming thanks to this shift in climate. But what is the other side of the equation? The area becomes slightly warmer and proximity to the ocean, rivers, and lakes create perfect humidity and temperature condition for growing wine grapes. At the same time, these conditions are very comfortable for ticks and mosquitos as well.
Mosquitos and ticks aren’t just annoying bloodsuckers, they’re also dangerous because of the diseases they carry. To avoid getting bitten, you need the best natural bug spray or bug repellent made with organic essential oils.
Mosquito and tick bites are always unpleasant and in some cases can cause serious, even life-threatening conditions. The good news is – you can protect yourself from those annoying little bloodsuckers! Essential Oils are Natural chemical compounds that can prevent those insect bites. Simply – humans covered with natural repellents taste and smell awful to them.
But, is it really necessary to use N, N-diethyl-3-methyl-benzamide or N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (also known as DEET- chemical pesticides) to protect against ticks and mosquitoes? What if you (or a child or a pet) swallow a pesticide whose molecule is so big you can almost see it? Chemical bug sprays may or may not harm you or the flora and fauna you encounter, they are highly toxic to many aquatic animals, they can certainly destroy your clothes, and they smell horrible. Many people are allergic to them, as well.
Our mission is simple – everything we do, we make sure it’s natural and organic. We came up with the idea of making a family, environment-friendly repellent, and that’s exactly what we did- it’s natural, it’s safe and smells good.
Instead of side effects, we talk about side benefits.
DA Aromatherapy Collection is a line of Aromatherapy products with USDA certified organic essential oils made right here in the Hudson Valley.
Here are a few featured essential oils in DA Aromatherapy’s Natural Bug Repellents:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
One of the key components of our repellent line has been in the focus of scientific research for decades- it has a strong antimicrobial and antifungal activity1. Lavander shows a strong anxiolytic and anti-depressive effect as well- it will make you feel more relaxed and sleep better 2. Unlike benzodiazepines and similar drugs, lavender did not make people feel drowsy and slowed down- only pleasantly relaxed.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Another natural repellent we like to add to our mixtures. Besides it repels off ticks and mosquitoes, it has antiseptic, immune-regulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. All these effects have been documented through many research studies in the past few decades 3.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil
Back in 2014, an interesting study about lemongrass essential oil effects has been published. The research confirmed earlier findings that lemongrass essential oil has a potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in the treatment of skin conditions. Also, the paper presented some rather impressive results about the effects of lemongrass vapor- according to the team of researchers, in the near future we might use lemongrass vapor as an air decontaminant in hospitals4.
References
[1] Hossain, S., Heo, H., De Silva, B. C. J., Wimalasena, S. H. M. P., Pathirana, H. N. K. S., & Heo, G.-J. (2017). Antibacterial activity of essential oil from lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) against pet turtle-borne pathogenic bacteria. Laboratory Animal Research, 33(3), 195–201. http://doi.org/10.5625/lar.2017.33.3.195
[2] López, V., Nielsen, B., Solas, M., Ramírez, M. J., & Jäger, A. K. (2017). Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Central Nervous System Targets. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 280. http://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00280
[3] Serafino, A., Vallebona, P. S., Andreola, F., Zonfrillo, M., Mercuri, L., Federici, M., … Pierimarchi, P. (2008). Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response. BMC Immunology, 9, 17. http://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2172-9-17
[4] Boukhatem, M. N., Ferhat, M. A., Kameli, A., Saidi, F., & Kebir, H. T. (2014). Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs. The Libyan Journal of Medicine, 9, 10.3402/ljm.v9.25431. http://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v9.25431