Free me from those Jamaican mosquitoes

A tourist asks Jamaica Herbalist how to be free from Jamaican mosquitoes!

QUESTION: Dear Jamaican Herbalist
I currently am in Jamaica and mosquitoes are killing me. I am pregnant so I do not want to use any pesticides or sprays. They might be toxic. Can you recommend anything for me to use as repellent for them.

Marianna Dodd

RESPONSE: Dear Marianna,
Actually as you are on the island, your repellents are right there. I am going to list a few natural things you can use. The best repellents are oils made from natural plants and fruits, to which you can add alcohol or to a carrier oil, before placing it on your skin. Some Jamaicans produce these oils, or you can purchase them at a herbalist store or from our team of herbalists.

MAKING THE NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT:
The ratio to use is…
1 part essential oils : 10-20 parts alcohol or carrier oil or
10-20 drops essential oil : 2 tablespoons of alcohol or carrier oil
NB: As there are multiple species of mosquitoes, the best repellent contains various oils.

APPLICATION OF THE NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT:
The mixture is best applied by spraying so you can fill a spray bottle and use, or simply rub on your skin with your finger tips and palm.
For continued best result, it is recommended to reapply every two hours. If you swim or take a shower, please reapply on hour after doing so.

* Some persons opt to burning the oils too, and you can get specially designed containers with special candles for this purpose.

ESSENTIAL OILS that work well against mosquitoes are:
Castor oil
Cinnamon oil
Citronella oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil

OTHER OILS used:
Cedar Oil
Clove Oil
Geranium Oil
Lemongrass Oil
Peppermint Oil
Rosemary Oil

SOME CLAIM SUCCESS WITH Oils from:
Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic

NOTE: Pyrethrum, an insecticide is another plant-derived substanceused. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

Recommended CARRIER oils and alcohols include:
cooking oil
olive oil
sunflower oil
witch hazel
vodka

WARNING:
Even natural repellent are to be discussed with a medical doctor or experienced herbalist, if you are pregnant, as you may be allergic or sensitive to plant oils. Be sure to apply the mixture away from your eyes, and preferably to your clothing or bed linen. After your first use, please store remaining unused portion in a cool, dark place or a dark bottle.
Please remember that the oils if used in excess can be harmful to your health.

ENEMIES OF NATURAL REPELLENT:
Sunscreens
Rain, Perspiration, or Swimming can dilute the repellent
Avoid absorption by the Skin, by reapplying as recommended above
Evaporation due to the Wind or High Temperatures

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