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Is Your Flesh Tastier Than Mine? |
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Written by Amber D'Amato
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Thursday, 03 July 2008 |
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Are you looking for chemical-free ways to remain itch-free at an outside BBQ Party in the summer time that won't harm you or the earth? With the fourth of July quickly approaching and more and more people searching for new ways to be Green, here are some tips to help you defend yourself in your own backyard:
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When I'm hosting an outside party I like to prepare by strategically
placing rosemary and lemongrass plants near the guest's tables. The
legs are usually the most bitten. Ask your local florist to order it
for you if they're not in stock. Sometimes you'll get lucky and come
across the plants for cheaper at Home Depot.
I love to make Japanese style hand wipes. I buy a cheap box of
unscented baby wipes and add tea tree oil and peppermint oil or
lemongrass oil and eucalyptus oil to the baby wipes and let them
marinate for a couple of days (add water if they dry up a little) and
shake closed box to make sure the mixture is spread thin. When I am
ready to serve the wipes, I heat them up (out of box) for 10 seconds in
the microwave. Then place them on a pretty dish with a note next to
them, "Use me on your limbs to keep away bugs."
I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful bite-free summer. Do keep in mind
that natural remedies do perish quickly. Cleaning up dishes and drinks
as soon as possible also helps in not attracting bugs. Bugs love
perfume and cologne, be wary about putting it on.
Natural tips to keep in mind
NATURAL BUG SPRAY
Every single summer, for years, I looked like I had chicken pox due to
insect bites. I learned through trial and error that natural scents are
the healthiest way to ward off bloodsuckers. I created a mixture of
eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil and almond oil in a spray
bottle or adding it to an unscented lotion. Sometimes skin is sensitive
to undiluted oils, you can dilute the mixture with rubbing alcohol or
distilled water. Shake before each use. It's a powerful but fun scent
to wear if you're anticipating insect bites. It lasts about an hour,
remembering to reapply is another story. Essential oils can be found at
Whole Foods, Bath & Body Works, GNC or your local health food
stores.
Warning: Peppermint oil is harmful to pregnant women and tea tree oil is harmful to cats.
Not feeling up to creating your own insect repellent? Try Burt's Bees
Herbal Insect Repellent that contains citronella, lemongrass and
rosemary.
FLEAS
If you want to get rid of fleas in your house, try putting a bowl of
soapy water underneath a nightlight. Fleas will flock to the light and
the soapy water will not allow the fleas to jump away. It works best
with any dish soap detergent.
If you have animals with fleas, I suggest you that you massage their
skin with olive oil. It's won't harm your pet and it kills fleas faster
than anything on the market. That goes for kids with lice as well.
Olive Oil can be found in any grocery store.
ROACHES
Brew catnip tea and wipe down your kitchen counters with it. It's also
fun to watch your cats go nutty over the scent. Not recommended though.
Catnip tea can be bought at online Vitamin Stores.
MOSQUITOES
Avon's' Skin So Soft works but you end up smelling like your Grandma.
Might be worth it though. Or my mixture of oils should work (see
natural bug spray tip). Citronella oil when burned is a famous way to
get rid of bugs which can be found at Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe's.
Several oil lamps might be needed. Rosemary is also
SPIDERS
Plant spearmint and/or peppermint around the house. I like to keep mint
near my bed because I'm a bit afraid of the urban myth that everyone
swallows about 7 spiders a year.
GARDENING?
Safer Brand makes "Insect Killing Soap" that gets rid of unwanted
insects and not harmful to plants and beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Safer Brand website: http://www.saferbrand.com/index.asp
ALREADY BITTEN?
Put Tea Tree Oil on a cotton ball or mud on the ground you were bitten
on, and apply to skin. Toothpaste works too. Toothpaste also takes the
pain out of burns, it works immediately!
~Amber D'Amato
Amber D'Amato became interested in natural remedies in January 2004
when she found out she had a incurable painful chemical disease called,
Endometriosis. Living an organic green way of life has significantly
helped with pain and remaining healthy. You can read her blogs here:
http://www.blogger.com/profile/01118084939927039965.
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