Reprinted from our CWQJSummer 2018 edition with permission from the author.
Insect Repellents
Commercial products such as insect repellent and sunblock can have harmful effects on our bodies. Most commercial insect repellents contain the chemical DEET, (known to chemists as N, N-Diethyl-meta-toulumide.) From 1961 to 2002, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reported eight deaths related to DEET exposure. Three of the fatalities resulted from deliberate ingestion, but five occurred following DEET exposure to the skin in both adults and children. Some children exposed to insect repellents or lotions containing DEET have experienced the same type of neurological effects observed in adults - including headaches, tremors, lethargy, seizures, involuntary movements, and convulsions. Experts also say that frequent and long-term use of this chemical, especially in combination with other chemicals or medications, can cause brain deficits in vulnerable populations, especially children. While we are not scientists and have not reviewed all of the data we think that the least exposure to toxic chemicals the better for all.
So here are a few good resources on alternatives to chemical insect repellents.
From Mountain Rose Herbs - No-Skeeter Spray Recipe
https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/noskeeter-spritz
From HealthLine - Ten Natural Ingredients That Repel Mosquitos https://www.healthline.com/health/kinds-of-natural-mosquito-repellant
A Quick Bug Spray Recipe:
Ingredients:
½ cup witch hazel
½ cup apple cider vinegar
40 drops of essential oils (eucalyptus, lemongrass, citronella, tea tree, or rosemary)
1 - 8-ounce glass spray bottle
Directions:
Mix witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils in an 8-ounce glass spray bottle. Spray over all portions of the body but avoid repellent in the eyes and mouth.
Sunscreen and Sunblock
The problem with commercial sunscreens and sunblock is that while we need protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays which can cause skin cancer we also need the Vitamin D which the sun provides to guard against deadly melanomas.
With regard to both being out in the woods and in the sun this summer, it is important to wear appropriate protective clothing and gear. Also, if you are planning to use insect repellent and or sunscreen/block, which most of us do, we suggest looking at alternatives to the regular chemical-laden commercial products.
Here are some suggestions regarding healthy sun exposure.
1. Avoid being outside during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are the hottest.
2. Seek shade under a tree, umbrella, etc.
3. If you’re going to be outside during peak sun it is necessary to wear a large-brimmed hat.
4. Wear light, loose clothing to cover exposed skin.
If you would like to make your own sunscreen here are two excellent resources:
A Natural Homemade Sunscreen Recipe That Works! From DIY Natural
https://www.diynatural.com/homemade-sunscreen/ and
from Wellness Mama this Natural Homemade Sunscreen Recipe
https://wellnessmama.com/2558/homemade-sunscreen
Here is a list of commercial alternatives that may be less harmful:
7 Best Natural Sunscreens for Sensitive Skins
https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/g20074495/best-natural-sunscreens/
Enjoy what’s left of the hot weather, and remember we need sunscreen when we’re out in nature any time of the year and bug spray helps too, especially when we are out foraging for wild plants and other medicine-making ingredients.
Nahui Ollin Paredes
Nahui Ollin Paredes is a world traveler, dreamer, writer, and wise woman. She loves to brew up herbal decoctions, make remedies, salves, oils, and tinctures. As a person who thinks multi-tasking is what women do naturally, she believes it’s always good to include knitting or crocheting as an additional activity while binge-watching something on the screen. You can often find her cooking for family or friends as she’s always found comfort in the alchemy of the kitchen. ♡