Summer is officially HERE – and so are the mosquitos!
This is indeed their season as mosquitos are the most active during summer months.
The question is – what can be done to keep enjoying outdoors (and indoors) without getting bitten or annoyed by the buzzing noise they make?
The solution suggested will preferably be eco-friendly and natural (since in Dropsmart we wouldn’t have it any other way)!
Which brings us back to our favourite allies – essential oils!
Essential oils offer a wide range of options when it comes to efficient & safe mosquito repellents – as long as we know which essential oils are suitable for what purpose and when to use it.
Although there is numerous research confirming that Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) is an effective mosquito repellent, the most common mistake made is presuming that it is also the best or the only solution to keep mosquitos away.
This presumption is usually made because of its fresh, long-lasting scent (similar to Lemon) & inexpensive price.
Despite the fact that Lemongrass is usually quite affordable & easily available, it does come with specific safety warnings and usage recommendations such as:
- Dermal usage limitation – maximal dermal usage level should never surpass 0.7% which may be insufficient to repel mosquitos all the way through (especially starving ones)
- Extensive safety warnings such as:
- Usage during pregnancy isn’t recommended.
- Usage for kids under 2 years of age isn’t recommended.
- Usage on hypersensitive, diseased, or damaged skin should be avoided.
- Allergic reaction is possible.
- Usage is only recommended in low doses.
- Usage can provoke/cause additional skin sensitivity.
- Safety hazards include drug interaction and teratogenicity.
*Many mums decide to use natural products for the sake of their children’s health. If you pay attention to the warnings mentioned above it’s pretty obvious that Lemongrass is not a safe option for youngsters.
- Sedative properties – due to its fresh scent it’s easy to confuse Lemongrass essential oil for a stimulant whereas it’s actually a sedative. It certainly gives an initial uplift at the beginning just to relax (and sedate) you after a while.
Moreover, in Dropsmart we researched, discovered and displayed multiple chemical constituents which are scientifically proven to be extremely sedative such as:
- caryophyllene oxide,
- citronellol,
- geranial,
- linalool,
- myrcene,
- neral, and
- terpinolene.
All this leads to a conclusion that even though Lemongrass is broadly accepted & gladly used as a mosquito repellent due to its fresh-scent and affordable price – it may not always be the best choice.
Mostly because of the strict limitations which are fairly restricting us on how, when & what we can use Lemongrass for.
So, if you’re pregnant, nursing or having a toddler – different oil is recommended.
If your preferences go towards dermal (topical) usage – different oil is recommended.
If you wish to be uplifted (by your repellent) as opposed to calmed down – different oil is recommended.
How to choose an adequate (or even better replacement) we’ll share in our next post.
We hope that this post has contributed to your knowledge and expanded your awareness about the appropriate and safe use of essential oils.
A little more awareness takes us a long way – and in Dropsmart we’re all about taking extra miles and exploring the magnitude of the essential oils an inch deeper every time!
We are also super-curious to hear your thoughts!
Which essential oils do you use as a mosquito repellent and why?
Plus, how do you use it?
Share your answer with us in the comments below!
Summary:
Lemongrass essential oil is broadly used as a mosquito repellent due to its fresh smell and accessible price. However, although research proves it, its safety recommendations limit you on how and when to use it.
For example, the maximum dermal use level recommended is only 0.7%, which may not be enough to repel mosquitoes.
If you feel like taking that extra mile, click here https://dropsmart.io/pricing and subscribe to Dropsmart Premium – (in case you haven’t tried it yet).
If you’re by any chance looking for an essential oil education – obtaining access to the recordings of the 5 extraordinary courses we put together might be the right choice for you! It also includes 3 months of Dropsmart Premium subscription.
Check out our Advanced Aromatherapy Bundle Training here: https://buy.dropsmart.io/bundle.
