Beastie Be Gone – Midge, Mosquito, Tick & Insect Repellent Salve

Product Information

KEEPING INSECTS AWAY NATURALLY

Keeping insects away using insect repellents may seem like the most common solution in many households. But what are the repercussions of overusing insect repellents? Chemicals such as DEET (N.N-Diethyl-M-Toluamide) found in insect repellents have been linked to seizures, headaches and skin allergies. Children below the age of 12 are more susceptible to these negative effects.

Using essential oils as a natural insect repellent is a much safer way to repel insect bites without the harmful side effects. Some of these essential oils are known for the ability to mask the odour of carbon dioxide present in our bodies, which makes us undetectable to pesky insects such as mosquitos.

CITRONELLOL

A second lesser known compound that can also repel mosquitoes is Citronellol – commonly found in Citronella, Geranium, Sandalwood, Lemongrass, Rose, Neroli, Chamomile and Spike Lavender. Citronellol is a monoterpenoid that gives its host the ability to repel insects, and possess antimicrobial, antifungal and antispasmodic properties. When combined with citriodiol, it is able to repel mosquitoes effectively for 1.5 hours.

That being said, these compounds do not kill the insects, but rather what they do is the mask the odour of carbon dioxide that our bodies give out, thus making us almost invisible to them. The next time you find yourself in a garden of flowers, just remember – that this is all made possible thanks to insects.

CITRIODIOL

Citriodiol is one compound that can be found in Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil which offers almost the same level of protection as what DEET offers, at a lower concentration. In comparison, DEET provides 2 to 8 hours of protection for 20-30% concentration, whereas Citriodiol offers up to 6 hours of protection when only using 10-20% concentration.  Citriodiol is produced by converting citronellal present in the leaf of the Lemon Eucalyptus plant.

Citronella Essential Oil – has an appealing aroma, but it is used for more than its citrus-scent alone. This essential oil has antifungal, antibacterial, anti-anxiety, and insect repelling properties.  Citronella has become a widely used form of insect repellent since its success in field studies at reducing mosquito bites by approximately 50%. They are often used in candles or sprayed on patios, decks, or at campsites to ward off insects during summer months.

Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil – became popular after it was cited as an effective mosquito and insect repellent and a safe, natural alternative to Deet!  It’s also a powerful tool for defeating the common cold and flu. Chemical compounds in this oil work as expectorants to alleviate chest congestion.  Antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds in lemon eucalyptus oil also help to eliminate bacteria and toxins that lead to disease. It opens up airways and relieves congestion.  It contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe pain in sore muscles and tension headaches.

Lavender Essential Oil – Lavender oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal, disinfect and soothe inflamed skin especially when resulting from a venomous, itchy bug bite, promote speedy healing of irritated and scarred skin, and to relieve muscle tension when used in a massage.

Myrhh Essential Oil – Myrrh Essential Oil is a powerful antioxidant that maintains skin health by facilitating the fading of unwanted blemishes.  It soothes skin discomforts such as itchiness and symptoms of eczema among other skin ailments.

Sweet Almond Oil – is rich in Vitamin E & D, soothes irritated skin, relieves dry and chapped skin as well as improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles and scars, and helps delay the ageing process.

Vitamin E Oil – is extremely versatile and aids the healing process.  Vitamin E is absorbed by the epidermis layer of the skin, it can be used to treat scars, acne, and wrinkles because it speeds up cell regeneration. This creates an anti-aging effect, which not only makes the skin look younger, it helps retain its natural moisture content.

Organic Shea Butter – The moisturisers in Shea Butter are the same moisturisers produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin.  100 % pure, unrefined, raw shea butter aids in numerous skin conditions such as blemishes and wrinkles, stretch mark prevention during pregnancy, muscle fatigue, dermatitis, and radiation treatments for certain medical problems.  Indeed, because raw shea butter is extremely moisturizing and very hydrating, when applied to the skin, it provides immediate softness and smoothness.

Coconut Oil – is added as it is naturally tough on bacteria and fungi, keeping your skin clean.  It is luxuriously soft and is absorbed rapidly into the layers of the skin.  It has an ultra-rich, buttery consistency and contains 5-10% phytosterol, which stimulates and accelerates cell renewal.