I totally empathize with the desire to keep those annoying bugs of summer away but not at the expense of your health! This blog will give you natural AND highly effective options.
WORRIED ABOUT THE CHEMICALS IN YOUR INSECT REPELLENT?
THANKFULLY, THERE ARE SOME SUPER SAFE AND EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVES
Those nasty biting insects can drive even the sanest person “crazy”. BUT…. It’s definitely not a good idea to spray a bunch of toxic chemicals on your skin to solve this problem!! Thankfully there are natural bug sprays that naturally repel and are totally safe.
Most commercial insect repellents are made of varying concentrations of DEET. DEET is a pesticide intended to KILL insects which means that in a large enough quantity it can make us very sick. DEET sprays can melt plastic bags and fishing lines! Prolonged exposure to DEET can impair cell function in the brain which can affect memory, concentration, learning, muscle control, strength and coordination. It can also cause eye and skin irritation, headaches, weakness, fatigue, muscle/joint pain, nausea, tremors and shortness of breath. Symptoms can appear months of even years after use. This is consistent with reports of symptoms after military use of DEET in the Persian Gulf War. CHILDREN are more susceptible than adults to subtle brain changes caused by chemicals in their environment because their skin more readily absorbs them. Their still-developing nervous systems are potentially more affected. NEVER. EVER use any DEET-containing product on INFANTS! And it will be no surprise to you that there are other toxic pesticides and unidentified “inert ingredients” in commercial bug sprays. One of the other chemicals commonly used is permethrin which the EPA has labeled a carcinogen. This chemical is also implicated in chromosome abnormalities in human cells as well as hindering immune function. My question is; how is this legal?
Thankfully, there are healthy choices that work as well or according to some research, even better than the commercial toxic sprays and lotions. These products are chemical-free, smell really nice and are effective and kind to the environment and human health. They can even be safely used on your PETS! These products are specially formulated for effectiveness against mosquitoes, fleas, chiggers, ticks and other biting insects – giving you back your freedom to enjoy the great outdoors. Common ingredients in these products are vanilla, citronella, lemongrass oil and peppermint oil. Some great choices are:
Dr. Mercola’s Bug Spray; www.mercola.com
Burt’s Bee’s Insect Repellent; $8
California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent
Check out your local health food store or health food aisles in your grocery store for more options.
Or you can make your own from this recipe: http://everydaypaleo.com/2012/04/30/natural-bug-spray-recipe/