Recipe for Homemade Bug Spray

[Shirley]

Anyone want to share what kind of concoction they make up for a natural ingredient bug spray that works.....

[Candace M Hoke]

I often do well with the therapeutic/medical grade essential oil of Idaho Tansy to keep away flies. This mixture becomes what is known as a floral water. I just put about 30 drops in a 32 ounce spray bottle of distilled or spring water. You can also use Citronella (Lemongrass), Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood or a blend known as Purification.

There are numerous suggestions in the Reference Guide to Essential Oils by Higley. For example, in 1 cup of water - add 5 drops of lavender, 5 drops lemongrass, 3 drops peppermint and 1 drop thyme.

Always remember not oils are created equal. These suggestions are based on the use of therapeutic/medical grade EO. If the seller claims to have such grade oils, just ask if you can ingest the oils. Pure organic oils can be taken internally as there are no preservatives. Most of the oils found in health food stores are not among the approximate 2% of therapeutic/medical grade essential oils.

[Shirley]

Thanks for the suggestions.
If you get the essentials oils at a health food store are you just suppose to use more drops of that or do you think store brands will not work?

[Candace M Hoke]

Not all oils are created equal. Cheaper does not equate into effectiveness.

Ask the store personnel if the oils are 100% organic and Therapeutic/Medical grade. You may be able to use essential oils that are for fragrance use only - as long as you are not trying to assist the body's healing process. If it does not work when trying to produce a natural fly spray - even when increasing the amount of drops, there are several choices from where to purchase.

To be sure of the quality when attempting to aid in the correction of a specific condition, I would suggest the following: Creer labs 801-418-8870 (no web presence0, Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy (www.pacificinstituteofaromatherapy.com) or Young Living Essential Oils (http://www.youngliving.org/ch5655).

I have my personal opinion of which supplies the best product. However, often I have to work with several companies as most companies do not carry all of the essential oils available. It depends on the condition I am attempting to correct.

Hope this answers your question. Best wishes in your endeavors!

[Sally shupert-cavalier]

Hi Candace. I haven`t been on the site for awhile (obviously!) but I just read your old post on the oils. I am a Young Living Oil distributer also and have been making up my blend this past year as well. I have been a Massage therapist for the last 17 years and use the oils in my practice , as well as for myself and family. I have been taking Inner Defense for the past 2 months and also Ninja Red. If you ever want to talk YL let me know! It was good to hear someone else in the horse world is using them. Take care, Sally S. Cavalier

[Candace M Hoke]

Email when you can or will see you at convention. Off this week to AQHA Bayer Select World with the zoo.

Did a paper using the oils on a severe wound that is being published in the AHVMA journal this fall. Owner was going to put the horse down as it stuck its head in a gate and impaled itself numerous times on the latch. Wonderful results! Totally haired up in 90 days

[Karen]

a good down and dirty recipe is 3 parts 'original listerine' and 1 part baby oil. Mix in a spray bottle and works to keep horse flies and misquitos away. Can use on horses, dogs and yourself......

[Candace M Hoke]

You might want to consider the source of baby oil. Once you discover what it is really made of - It really is not very nice to put on a human baby. The original Listerine formula was much better than it is in today's market. No longer very natural/