(Foreword: This is the continuation of our response to the letter of Juancho of Sasa asking
for some natural mosquito repellents.)
Dear Juancho of Sasa,
Now, moving on...
4. Lavender essential oil
Dilute this with some carrier oil like sweet almond, or coconut oil. But, if you can find some organic soy oil, this is also a good choice to keep the mosquitoes away from you.
5. Neem oil or neem seed oil
A study by the US National Research Council showed that neem oil is more effective than DEET. This was confirmed by the scientists at the Malaria Institute in India and was even cited in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association.
6. Organic soy oil
Repellents made of soybean oil are just as effective as repellents with DEET. This was confirmed by the research cited in The New England Journal of Medicine.
7. Lotus
This is an effective mosquito repellent and will also help kill the larvae of the mosquitoes – as shown by the research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine.
8. Black pepper
Research showed that the alcohol extract of black pepper is effective in repelling mosquitoes. But, when you use this, this is not a stand alone formula. You have to mix this
along with other essential oils like citronella, lavender, soy oil and neem. You can add soy oil if you want extra moisture. But, if you don’t need that, you can pass that oil. Add proportionate drops of each of the essential oils. You may add 5 or 6 drops of each. Put them in a jar and rub them on your skin when you go outdoors. However, before you splurge them on, be sure to do a 24 hour sensitivity skin test to all of the oils mentioned.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She is the co-host
of digital page of Superbalita. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, ℅ Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building 1, Juan Luna St., Davao City, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)