(Foreword: This is the continuation of our response to MJ Palao on her quest for natural mosquito repellants.)
Dear MJ Palao,
Now, moving on to more in the list of natural mosquito repellants…
2. Citronella
This is my favorite! I love the smell. But, do not use the fragrance oil if you choose this. Use only the pure essential oil. Be sure to get a high-quality citronella essential oil for your skin. But, be sure to test if you are not sensitive to citronella.
Simply dab it on your wrist and see for yourself after 24 hours if you develop any rashes or itchiness over the area. And if you are OK with this, then, there will be no stopping you.
3. Garlic
You have to eat tons of them — fresh… witches couldn’t stand your smell – so do the mosquitoes… well, they’re both in the same plane anyway… blood suckers… But, if you can’t stand the smell or the taste of garlic, then, just go over with the other alternatives I have laid out.
4. Plant these plants
Be sure to have them in your pots or in your garden. Some of them are easy to grow, like basil. These can help repel those bugs away. Since they have the essential oils that mosquitoes hate, you need to crush some of their leaves and put them into your skin for you to get the most benefit. But, again, if you are sensitive, stop using them on your skin. Just plant them around your surroundings and you will be fine. So, here’s the list.
1) Basil
2) Catnip
3) Citronella
4) Lavender
5) Lemon Balm
6) Lemon Thyme
7) Marigolds
8) Rosemary
Good luck! Hope this helps.
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 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. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)