Mosquito repellents usually contain an active ingredient called diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). This active ingredient is a chemical element that has the potential to have a negative impact on health. For those of you who want an alternative, there is no harm in choosing a mosquito repellent plant that is more friendly to health.
Plants such as citronella, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, and mint are believed to be mosquito repellent plants. These plants do not kill mosquitoes, but their effect can reduce mosquito-human interactions. In other words, it can prevent you from mosquito bites.
More Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants
Mosquito repellent or lotion in the form of spray DEET is usually added, with levels up to 100 percent. On the one hand, this chemical offers protection against mosquitoes for up to 12 hours. But on the other hand, using chemicals has the risk of having a bad impact on health. DEET can irritate the skin, and in some cases can even cause a severe skin reaction. There are some reports that this ingredient also has the potential to cause insomnia, impaired cognitive function, and mood disturbances, in people exposed to high doses of DEET.
Research shows that mosquito lotions or sprays containing DEET are 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 may be interested in choosing a more natural way to repel mosquitoes, namely with ingredients derived from plants.
The following plants are believed to help repel mosquitoes:
- LemongrassLemongrass is often referred to as citronella has long been known as a mosquito repellent plant. The fresh scent for humans is not liked by mosquitoes. You can plant citronella in the yard or in a pot in the house to prevent mosquitoes from coming.
- Chicken dung flowerThe Latin name of this flower is Tagetes erecta. As the name implies, this flower has an unpleasant odor, but therein lies the advantage. This flower can prevent mosquitoes from being too close to your home environment.
It is recommended to plant chicken dung flowers in the yard, like planting other ornamental flowers. This flower seems to be a barrier that keeps mosquitoes away because they can't stand the smell.
- CinnamonA study revealed that cinnamon oil can kill mosquito larvae Aedes aegypti. Cinnamon oil is made from cinnamon leaves and contains a chemical compound called cinnamaldehyde. Content cinnamaldehyde less than 50 ppm, can eradicate half of the mosquito larvae that cause dengue fever. That is, this material helps eradicate mosquitoes before they grow up.
- ThymeOil from extract thyme It 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 oil thyme. Spray on body parts or places you want to keep mosquitoes away.
- MintThe fragrant and refreshing mint leaves are also one of the most effective mosquito repellent plants. Research reveals that mint leaf extract in the form of oil is effective in eradicating larvae and preventing mosquitoes A. aegypti adults perched on the body. The effects of mint oil can even last up to two hours.
- LavenderThe crushed lavender will produce oil. This oil is used to repel mosquitoes. Apply the oil on the limbs so you avoid mosquito bites.
- Lemon eucalyptus
Commonly used is in the form of oil, derived from the lemon eucalyptus plant. Lemon eucalyptus 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 use it right away. 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 of age.
Make no mistake when you want to buy. Opt for lemon eucalyptus oil which is made as a mosquito repellent and not as an essential oil.
- Soya beanSoybean can be processed into soybean oil. One of the benefits of soybean oil is as a mosquito repellent that is safe for babies and children. In fact, soybean oil is thought to be more effective at repelling mosquitoes than the more popular citronella oil. For optimal effect, you can mix soybean oil with lemongrass oil. Research reveals that a mixture of these two formulas is effective at eradicating more than one type of mosquito.
These mosquito repellent plants are natural, but you also have to be careful using them, especially if in the form of oil, because there is a possibility you are allergic to these ingredients. As a precaution, try to apply a little first on the skin of the hands and let stand for a while. If there is no rash or irritation, then you are not allergic to the oil.
