We call this Bugs + because we carefully selected products for Bugs + from Mother Nature that are not only extremely UNattractive to bugs, but they also promote skin and hair health (amongst other things).   The plants  best known to repel bugs for themselves are the best plants to use the essential oils from, naturally!  Don’t use too much though – even though this is a natural and gentle spray we don’t want to overwhelm the delicate noses of those we are using it for.   Even when you can barely smell it, it is there doing its job.  Spraying one or two times a week will be enough for most.  If there is a lot of swimming involved, maybe using a little more frequently would be best.

Here’s a peek:

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

• natural bug repellant known to keep mosquitoes and other insects away

• has potent antibacterial and anti-fungal abilities against at least 24 different types of bacteria and fungi.

• according to one study, geranium essential oil’s citronellol content makes it potentially effective for reducing allergic reactions  

• anti-inflammatory: reduces itching caused by allergic reactions

• natural deodorant

Lavender Essential Oil

• apart from mosquitoes and ticks, lavender also often deters  fleas and other pests

• It soothes angry skin and can help with bug bites

• has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, and has been shown to fend off candida (the culprit behind yeast infections) 

• promotes healthy skin and hair

• reduces stress

• a natural antioxidant that works to prevent and reverse disease. 

Catnip Essential Oil

•  an insect repellent:  for example, researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odour, is about TEN TIMES MORE EFFECTIVE at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents

Neem Essential Oil

• cold-pressed neem oil has been used for hundreds of years to control plant insects and diseases

• antioxidant and disease-fighting properties

• great for improving dry fur and nourishing the skin: its antifungal properties make it great for naturally fighting off dandruff, which can be caused by a yeast-like fungus

Avocado Oil

• calms itchy skin

• hydrates and moisturizes skin

Photo by Heather Ford on Unsplash