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Loading...An Herbal Force: DIY Bug Balm
- Gardenista
- June 30, 2012
- 10:00 am
- 17 comments
Originally spotted on Unplugged Sunday: a recipe for a natural bug repelling defense. Remodelista editor Alexa decided to give it a try, with the hope to thwart mosquitos and other summer insects with “a force of rosemary, catnip, lavendar, and lemon.” See below for the recipe; to read the entire post, go to DIY: Bug Repellent Balm on Gardenista.
To make the bug repellent, you will need:
- 1 cup dried calendula flowers
- 1 cup fresh rosemary
- 1 cup dried catnip
- A mix of olive and coconut oil (about 2 cups total)
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- Lavender and lemon essential oils (about 10 drops each)
- Double boiler/ sauce pan and bowl
- Cheesecloth
- Liquid measuring cup and glass jar
- 4-5 lidded jars
Gather your fresh and dried herbs: calendula flowers for skin soothing, rosemary for bug repelling, and catnip as an anti-mosquito solution.
Above: Equipment needed to bring the salve together. To start: Set up your double boiler and bring water to a boil.
Above: Add the rosemary, calendula, and catnip to the top bowl and cover with enough olive and coconut oil to completely submerge the herbs. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes to slowly heat up the oil.
Above: The final result: lemon-yellow salve to ward off insects on your next outdoor hike.
We’d like to know: Do you have any natural ways to ward off bugs during the warmer months?
Be sure to visit Gardenista for other natural DIY recipes.
Read more: Family, Natural Pest Control, Natural Remedies, Nature, Remodelista, bug repellent, catnip, DIY, Gardenista, insect repellent, natural bug balm, Remodelista
Gardenista
Gardenista is a one-stop sourcebook for cultivated living, a guide to outdoor design and gardening. Helmed by former New York Times columnist Michelle Slatalla, Gardenista features inspiration, garden visits, and advice for all things outdoor living, from patios and peonies, to tables and terraces. Gardens matter, and Gardenista celebrates tomatoes on the fire escape as much as rolling acres of green.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
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people are talking
Fantastic
Great Idea !!. I hope this catches on everywhere. We hold responsibility for these domesticated anim…
merci et de plus j'aime le vidéo
Thank you. Love the smell of lilacs and thankfully we have lots of lilac bushes, both French and Kor…
Important
17 comments
+ add your ownawsome.
I melt the beeswax into olive oil and pour it into the jars adding essential oils of citronella and eucalyptus while it is warm but before it sets.
thanks... has anyone tried this?
It's a little too complicated for me. I've heard that rubbing catnip alone on the skin can repel mosquitoes.
interesting
Thanks for sharing this. I think I'm too lazy to attempt it though.
Thanks for posting.
definitely worth trying a naturally made bug repellent, am very leary of the commercial ones.
thanks
Thank you, appreciate this. I have been thinking about making a natural repellent, so I will try this.
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