Written By: Naz Haider | Updated : August 4, 2016 6:29 PM IST
Read this in HINDI
As a mom, I am conscious about products that I use for my baby, myself and my house. With chemicals lurking in most common day-to-day products with all sorts of possible side-effects, I have realised the best way to stay safe and healthy is to go natural. So I switched moisturising lotions and face creams with coconut and almond oil and I have planted fragrant flowering plants to keep the house naturally odour-free (no more room fresheners!). If you closely take stock of all the household and grooming products in your house, you will realise that most of them contain toxic chemicals that can cause a lot of side-effects in the long run.
One common household item that we extensively use is mosquito repelling products. What we do not realise is that these products can trigger an asthma attack, cause skin rashes and eye irritation, among other problems. While searching for natural, non-toxic ways of repelling mosquitos, I came across many home remedies and decided to try tea tree oil.
Using Tea Tree oil as a mosquito repellent
While there are studies on insecticidal and repellent effects of tea tree oil [1], I couldn't find any specific one about its effect on mosquitoes. However, strong smells usually repel mosquitoes, so I thought this might work too. I used Kama Ayurveda's tea tree essential oil. Since tea tree oil can harm the skin on direct contact, I diluted the oil with water. In a small spray bottle, I added 5-6 drops of oil to two tablespoons of water. I sprayed it on the clothes that my child and I wear when we go to bed. The next morning we woke up without a single mosquito sting. I know it worked because the previous night, my child had spent a sleepless night, crying because of the mosquito bites. While I do take care to keep my house free of mosquitoes, I do not go to bed without a spritz or two of tea tree oil.
Note: I do not spray the oil on clothes while I am wearing them, and I would suggest this precaution to everyone who plans to use tea tree oil. This minimises the risk of spraying the oil in your eyes or mouth.
Reference
1. Klauck V, Pazinato R, Stefani LM, Santos RC, Vaucher RA, Baldissera MD, Raffin R, Boligon A, Athayde M, Baretta D, Machado G, DA Silva AS. Insecticidal and repellent effects of tea tree and andiroba oils on flies associated with livestock. Med Vet Entomol. 2014 Aug;28 Suppl 1:33-9. doi: 10.1111/mve.12078. PubMed PMID: 25171605.
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