For the folks that would rather go chemical free, here are a few suggestions for bug repellant...
BUT research it yourself because we are using plants for their repellant properties.
First option.
This was told by an old Native American.
Eat one seed stalk from plantain every day for 1- week in spring and the odor will come out your pours and the bugs hate it, but people can’t smell it.
Second option.
Make a decoction from the Yarrow plant.
This would be a prep from last summer until now.
1. In late August pick a jar full of Yarrow stems, flowers and leaves..
2. Put the Yarrow in a dark bottled filled with 90pr alcohol or close to it. let sit in a cool, dark place for at least 3- months or until the plant has been broken down.
This will leach the properties from the plant.
3. Slowly warm olive oil in a pan and slowly pour the extract into the oil. Bring up the heat. The alcohol will pool up and evaporate into the air leaving the properties of the Yarrow plant in the olive oil.
I have been told that the Military has tested Yarrow and has suggested it repels better then Deet. I guess we will be the judge of that.
I use these two methods now and found they work, I don’t break out, or feel any different and the bugs stay away. BUT check and research because anything can happen when dealing with nature and allergic reactions and everyone is different..
BUT!!!! absolutely, positively identify the plant with a field guide until you know it. Especially the Yarrow because it looks a lot like poison hemlock and they grow in fields and roadsides right next to each other. Smell, touch and taste in very small portions and give your body time to react.
Some of the pro’s are
People with dark skin get a nice tan.
It can be used to cook
lubricate tools
Preserve leather and a host of all duties where a preservative/lubricate may be used.
A small spray bottle in you kit can’t hurt.
Some of the con’s
Inconvenient to carry
Allergies
Fair skinned people can burn in summer because of the oil.
BUT research it yourself because we are using plants for their repellant properties.
First option.
This was told by an old Native American.
Eat one seed stalk from plantain every day for 1- week in spring and the odor will come out your pours and the bugs hate it, but people can’t smell it.
Second option.
Make a decoction from the Yarrow plant.
This would be a prep from last summer until now.
1. In late August pick a jar full of Yarrow stems, flowers and leaves..
2. Put the Yarrow in a dark bottled filled with 90pr alcohol or close to it. let sit in a cool, dark place for at least 3- months or until the plant has been broken down.
This will leach the properties from the plant.
3. Slowly warm olive oil in a pan and slowly pour the extract into the oil. Bring up the heat. The alcohol will pool up and evaporate into the air leaving the properties of the Yarrow plant in the olive oil.
I have been told that the Military has tested Yarrow and has suggested it repels better then Deet. I guess we will be the judge of that.
I use these two methods now and found they work, I don’t break out, or feel any different and the bugs stay away. BUT check and research because anything can happen when dealing with nature and allergic reactions and everyone is different..
BUT!!!! absolutely, positively identify the plant with a field guide until you know it. Especially the Yarrow because it looks a lot like poison hemlock and they grow in fields and roadsides right next to each other. Smell, touch and taste in very small portions and give your body time to react.
Some of the pro’s are
People with dark skin get a nice tan.
It can be used to cook
lubricate tools
Preserve leather and a host of all duties where a preservative/lubricate may be used.
A small spray bottle in you kit can’t hurt.
Some of the con’s
Inconvenient to carry
Allergies
Fair skinned people can burn in summer because of the oil.
