Looking for natural mosquito repellents

Dear Dr. Fritz,

Good day! I have been using mosquito coils. But, those caused me a lot of headaches and nasal congestion. The mosquito sprays also smell bad. I am looking for natural mosquito repellents, which will not give me these headaches and nasal congestion. God bless.

MJ Palao

Dear MJ Palao,

I get those headaches and nasal congestion, too when I use mosquito coils and sprays. 

They totally ruin my day. And the same as you do, I also don’t like the smell of those mosquito sprays, especially those based on DEET.

The greater problem with commercial mosquito repellents more than their headache-causing odor is the damage it does to the brain cells causing behavioral changes. They can even harm the interactions with medicines. This fact is based on the study done at Duke University study. Moreover, frequent and prolonged exposure to this chemical can lead to brain cell death in animals.

But, the problem doesn’t end there. There was additional research that showed that the 15% of DEET that is absorbed through the skin can have the following toxic effects - reproductive disturbances, genetic material mutations, and central nervous system disorders.

I’m glad you asked about these natural and healthy mosquito repellents. At last, a lot out there wouldn’t need to suffer anymore from the serious health problems that the commercial ones would give. I am pleased to share with you these natural alternatives that have proven to be as effective as DEET- and even more effective in some cases.

So, here is the list:

1. Catnip

A study done at Iowa State University found that the essential oil found in the herb catnip is about ten times more effective than DEET in warding off mosquitoes. Whoa!! As much as we still have a lot to talk about your queries and we are running out of space this time, then, let me continue this in my next issue. Until then!

Dr. Fritz

If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.

(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15-year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Door 11, Ebro-Pelayo Building 1, Juan Luna St., Barangay 29-C, Davao City, or you e-mail them to dokatlaw@gmail.com.)