Many people are looking for reliable and inexpensive ways to protect themselves from ticks when walking in the woods or in nature. As it turns out, there is an economical and effective means with minimal cost. We’re talking about lavender essential oil, which experts say can surpass the effectiveness of even store-bought aerosols.
Why lavender oil?
Experts say that ticks hate the smell of lavender, which makes this natural remedy an excellent repellent. For protection, just apply a few drops of the oil to your clothes before going outside. This method is not only effective, but also harmless to health, unlike chemical repellents that can cause allergic reactions.
In addition, lavender oil has a pleasant scent that promotes relaxation and improves mood. Before using essential oils, however, make sure you are not allergic by applying a small amount of the product to your skin.
Other benefits of lavender oil
In addition to protection against ticks, experts point out that lavender oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an excellent choice for first aid for insect bites, minor cuts or burns. A few drops of oil applied to the damaged area of skin can speed up healing and prevent infection. A bottle of lavender oil thus becomes a multifunctional and indispensable part of the home first aid kit.
How to use lavender oil against ticks
- Applying on clothes: Before going outdoors, apply a few drops of lavender oil on your clothes, especially on the ends of sleeves, collar and trousers.
- Allergy testing: Before first use, test for allergies by applying a small amount of oil to the skin and wait 24 hours.
- Combination with other precautions: For maximum protection, wear closed clothing and check your body regularly after being outdoors.
How to make lavender oil
Lavender oil is popular for its soothing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Making it at home is simple and requires only a few ingredients and patience. Below is a step-by-step guide to making homemade lavender oil.
What you will need:
- Fresh or dried lavender flowers (approximately 1 cup dried or 2 cups fresh flowers)
- Carrier oil (olive, almond, coconut or jojoba oil, approximately 2 cups)
- Glass jar with tight-fitting lid (preferably dark to protect the oil from light)
- Gauze or fine sieve
- Dark glass bottle for storing the oil
Procedure:
Preparing the lavender flowers:
If using fresh flowers, allow them to dry for several hours to overnight to remove excess moisture. If you are using dried flowers, you can use them right away.
Filling glass containers:
Fill the glass jar two-thirds full with lavender flowers. Do not press the flowers too hard to reduce their effectiveness.
Adding a carrier oil:
Pour the carrier oil over the lavender flowers so that they are completely submerged. Make sure the oil covers all the flowers.
Maceration process:
Close the jar with a tight fitting lid and place it in a warm place where there is no direct sunlight. Let the flowers macerate in the oil for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or every other day to release the active ingredients from the flowers into the oil.
Filtration:
After the maceration period, filter the oil through gauze or a fine sieve into a clean jar. Be sure to remove any residue from the flowers so that the oil does not cloud.
Storage:
Pour the finished lavender oil into a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. The dark bottle protects the oil from light and extends its shelf life. Store the oil in a cool, dark place.
Tips:
- To speed up the process of making lavender oil, you can heat the flowers and oil in a water bath at a low temperature (no more than 50°C) for a few hours. Then filter the oil.
- Use a good quality carrier oil for best results.
- Lavender oil can be used not only as a tick repellent, but also for massage, in the bath or as an ingredient in beauty products.
Homemade lavender oil is a great natural product that you can use in many ways.
Conclusion
Lavender essential oil is a great natural remedy for ticks that provides not only effective protection, but other health benefits as well. Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil is also useful for first aid for minor injuries. When you use lavender oil, you avoid the chemicals found in commercial repellents while enjoying a pleasant scent that promotes relaxation. Add lavender oil to your home medicine cabinet and enjoy safe time in nature.
