recipes

Bug Off!

Ahhh, summertime! If you live anywhere near the river or the woods in Philadelphia, then you are very familiar with our active mosquito population. Admittedly this year is not as bad as most, but when the biters come buzzing, I reach for this blend.

Start by mixing your essential oils in a small bottle to create a concentrate that you can add to a base (carrier) of your choice.

Essential Oil Ingredients:

15 drops Atlas Cedar
15 drops Palma Rosa
15 drops Citronella
15 drops Rose Geranium
15 drops Lemongrass
10 drops Rosemary
5 drops Thyme

Mix all essential oils in a small bottle and shake well. This is your concentrate. You'll want to dilute this mix before applying to the skin. When diluting, use 10 drops per ounce of carrier for children, 20 drops per ounce of carrier for adults.

Carrier Choices (select one):

• Olive Oil (or other skin friendly oil): this is a great choice but it can feel sticky in the humidity
• Aloe Gel
• Cream
• Water: if you go this route, shake before applying every time. The essential oils will separate from the water and need to be shaken back in. High evaporation level. You can help disperse the oil by shaking it first in alcohol and then adding water.
• Alcohol (Rubbing or Vodka): evaporates quickly taking the essential oils with it!