Safer With Mosquito Repellent Plants

Mosquito repellent usually contains an active ingredient called diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). This active ingredient is a chemical element that has the potential to adversely affect health. For those of you who want an alternative, there is no harm in choosing mosquito repellent plants that are more friendly to health. Plants such as citronella, lavender, eucalyptus lemon, and mint leaves are believed to be mosquito repellent plants. These plants do not kill mosquitoes, but their effects can reduce mosquito interactions with humans. In other words, can prevent you from mosquito bites.

Mosquito Repellent Plants Are More Natural

Lotion or spray mosquito repellent is usually added DEET substances, with levels can reach 100 percent. On one hand, this chemical offers protection against mosquitoes for up to 12 hours. But on the other hand, using chemicals risks giving a bad impact on health. DEET can irritate the skin, even in some cases can cause severe skin reactions. There are several reports that this ingredient also has the potential to cause insomnia, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders, in people exposed to high doses of DEET. Research shows that mosquito lotion or spray containing DEET is safe for young children over the age of two months to adulthood, if the DEET level is only 10-30 percent.

Use Mosquito Repellent Plants

From these various reasons, you might be interested in choosing a more natural way to repel mosquitoes, namely with materials derived from plants. The following plants are believed to help repel mosquitoes:

• Lemongrass

Citronella which is often referred to as citronella has long been known as a mosquito repellent plant. Fresh fragrance for humans is not liked by mosquitoes. You can plant lemongrass in the yard or in a pot inside the house to prevent mosquitoes from coming.

• Chicken poop flower

The Latin name of this flower is Tagetes erecta. As the name implies, this flower has an unpleasant odor, but therein lies its advantage. This flower can prevent mosquitoes from being too close to your home environment. It is recommended to plant chicken droppings in the yard, like planting other ornamental flowers. This flower seems to be a barrier fence that keeps mosquitoes away because it can't stand the smell.

• Cinnamon

A study revealed that cinnamon oil can eradicate Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. Cinnamon oil is made from cinnamon leaves and contains a chemical compound called cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde content of less than 50 ppm, can eradicate half of the larvae of mosquitoes that cause dengue fever. That is, this material helps eradicate mosquitoes before growing up.

• Thyme

Oil from thyme extract also provides protection from mosquito bites, especially malaria mosquitoes. This has been proven in a study. If you want to make your own mosquito repellent spray, try mixing 60 milliliters of water with 5 drops of thyme oil. Spray on the parts of the body or places you want to avoid mosquitoes.

• Mint

The fresh, fragrant mint leaves are also a powerful mosquito repellent plant. Research revealed that mint leaf extract in the form of oil, is effective in eradicating larvae and preventing adult A. aegypti mosquitoes from landing on the body. The effects of mint oil can even last up to two hours.

• Lavender

Lavender flowers that have been crushed will produce oil. That oil is useful for repelling mosquitoes. Apply the oil to your limbs so you avoid mosquito bites.

• Eucalyptus Lemon

Commonly used is in the form of oil, derived from the eucalyptus lemon plant. Eucalyptus lemon oil can help prevent mosquito bites and can work for up to two hours. This mosquito repellent can be purchased in the form of oil as a finished product, and you can immediately use it. The finished product usually contains DEET, but only in low levels, which is only 6.65 percent, so it is safe to use. However, this oil is not suitable for use in children under 3 years old. Make no mistake when you want to buy. Choose eucalyptus lemon oil which is made as a mosquito repellent and not in the form of essential oils.

• Soy

Soybeans can be processed into soybean oil. One of the properties of soybean oil is to avoid mosquito bites. In fact, soybean oil is believed to be more effective at repelling mosquitoes than the more famous lemongrass oil. For optimal effect, you can mix soybean oil with lemongrass oil. Research reveals that a mixture of the two formulas is effective for killing more than one type of mosquito.

These mosquito repellent plants are natural, but you also need to be careful using them, especially if in the form of oil, because there is a possibility you are allergic to these ingredients. As an anticipation step, try to apply a little first on the skin of the hand and let stand for a moment. If there is no rash or irritation, you are not allergic to the oil.