Essential Oils of the Month - Ward off those wasps!

Revival of the wasp – Essential Oil Solutions

Are you currently being plagued by what seems to be a sudden increase in the numbers of wasps? Or, like many, are you one of the unlucky people who is bitten more than others by those blood thirsty mosquitoes. If so, protect yourself from irritating bites and stings with my natural, heavy duty essential oil solutions.

Interesting facts:

A mosquito can "smell" its human blood dinner from a distance of up to 50 kilometres (30 miles) away.

Although we think there are more wasps swarming around this year, experts suggest that rather than an increase in numbers we are actually seeing a return to normal levels. Before this year we had two very wet springs, which is bad for wasps and caused numbers to fall. Now with a dryer spring this year they have returned to their normal levels but we are not as used to seeing them around.

During June and July you are unlikely to get wasp stings, as wasps are too busy chasing insects and bringing up the larval wasps. However as autumn arrives these activities stop and the wasps start to feed on fermenting, over ripe fruit. These “drunken wasps” are now at their most dangerous and can become very aggressive, with a wasp sting more likely to happen.

Natural Insect Repellent Solutions

Citronella Essential Oil (Cymbopogon Nardus)

Citronella is the most natural, effective insect repellent. It is 100% natural, suitable for children, adults and pets (always spot test first) and can be brushed directly onto the clothes or hair. When diluted (2 drops to a tablespoonful of oil or cream) it can also be applied to the skin. Although this essential oil has been typecast as an insect repellent (especially for malaria carrying mosquitoes), it also has great benefit in clearing the mind, refreshing rooms and for softening skin, while combating oily skin and sweaty feet.

Scent:
Citronella oil has a warm citrus scent reminiscent of a very ripe lemon.

Therapeutic properties:
Insecticide, antibacterial, deodorant, and a tonic for the skin.

Historical use:
Citronella Oil has long been used as an insecticide for people as well as pets, its antiseptic properties have also made it popular as a way of cleansing a sickroom or preventing the spread of infection. It is believed to focus the mind and in the tropics it was used to bring down fever.

Blends well with:
Bergamot, Geranium, Petitgrain, Green Mandarin and Spearmint.

Myrrh Essential Oil (Commiphora Myrrha)

The precious oil of Myrrh has been treasured by almost every civilisation for over four thousand years. It is best known for its beneficial effects on the skin, particularly if the skin is infected or subject to allergic inflammation such as after an insect bite or sting. It is also used in aromatherapy to calm anxiety which makes it a great addition to the travel first aid kit for nervous travellers and for the first few nights when settling into your holiday isn't proving as easy as you might like.

Scent:
Myrrh Oil has a warm exotic scent with hint of wood smoke.

Therapeutic properties:
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-viral, soothing to the skin and ‘anecdotally’ sedative.

Historical use:
Myrrh was very popular in the ancient world and was used as a medicine by the Chinese and Egyptians, and as part of the Egyptian sun-worshipping ritual, while Greek soldiers took a phial of Myrrh oil with them into battle, to stop bleeding wounds. Myrhh has also been used historically to heal infected insect bites, soothe itching, calm anxiety and promote sleep.

Blends well with:
Lavender, Palmarosa, Cedarwood, Benzoin and Lemon Eucalyptus.

Ordering these essential oils:
http://www.potions.co.uk/ or call 01394 386161

SPECIAL OFFERS:
50% FREE - buy 10ml Myrrh for the price of 5ml
PLUS save 25% on 10ml Citronella