DIY Bug Repellent & Herbal Tinctures
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As spring breathes new life into our gardens and wild spaces, it also brings buzzing insects and the perfect time to start crafting herbal remedies. Instead of reaching for store-bought repellents and medicines filled with chemicals, why not make your own? Today, I’m sharing two simple and effective DIY projects: a natural bug repellent and a basic herbal tincture to support wellness throughout the season.
DIY Natural Bug Repellent
Keep mosquitoes and other pesky insects at bay with this all-natural spray, free of synthetic chemicals but full of effective, plant-powered ingredients.
What you need to make natural bug spray.
Ingredients:
½ cup witch hazel (or vodka for extra staying power)
½ cup distilled water
20 drops citronella essential oil
15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (optional, helps bind the oils)
I whip it so I get even amounts of ingredients in both bottles. The recipe makes 2, 4 oz bottles.
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a small spray bottle.
Shake well before each use.
Spray onto skin and clothing before heading outdoors. Avoid spraying directly on the face; instead, mist onto hands and lightly pat onto exposed areas.
Reapply every couple of hours as needed.
💡 Tip: Store in a cool, dark place when not in use. You can also experiment with other insect-repelling essential oils like tea tree, lemongrass, or clove.
Exploring the world of Tinctures
Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts that preserve the medicinal properties of plants for long-term use. They are an easy and effective way to incorporate the benefits of herbs into daily wellness routines. This summer I plan to dive into the world of tinctures. As I began to research tinctures I quickly realized that you can go down a rabbit hole pretty quickly on this topic. However, I have included the basics that I have found in my internet travels. It gave me a place to start. I decided to share it in case any of you wanted to begin this journey too. I will share more of my journey in future posts as I’m able to collect the plants I want to use.
Ingredients:
Fresh or dried herbs of choice (see guide below)
High-proof alcohol (vodka or brandy, at least 80 proof)
Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Cheesecloth or fine strainer
Dark glass dropper bottles for storage
Instructions:
Fill a clean glass jar about halfway with dried herbs (or two-thirds full if using fresh herbs).
Pour alcohol over the herbs until completely submerged.
Seal the jar tightly and shake well.
Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar every few days.
After the infusion period, strain the tincture through cheesecloth and transfer the liquid into dropper bottles.
Label with the herb name and date. Use as needed.
💡 Dosage: Typically, 1-2 dropperfuls (about 30-60 drops) diluted in water or tea as needed.
Best Herbs for Tinctures & Their Uses
🌿 Echinacea – Boosts the immune system and helps fight colds and infections.
🌿 Chamomile – Calms the nervous system, aids digestion, and promotes restful sleep.
🌿 Lemon Balm – Helps with stress relief, anxiety, and digestive discomfort.
🌿 Valerian Root – A powerful herbal sedative for insomnia and relaxation.
🌿 Peppermint – Supports digestion, relieves nausea, and soothes headaches.
🌿 Elderberry – Rich in antioxidants and great for immune system support.
🌿 Dandelion Root – Detoxifying for the liver and supports digestion.
Please check with your healthcare provider before adding any tinctures into your healthcare regime.
Including these tinctures in your home apothecary allows you to harness the power of nature for everyday health concerns. Whether you're keeping bugs at bay or crafting herbal medicine, these simple DIY remedies will help you embrace spring the natural way!
P.S. Dandelions are beginning to show. If you collect them for various tinctures or infused oils, remember to leave some for the bees! It is one of their early food sources.
Enjoy!
Roxanne
