Practical Magic – Pest Potion

I don’t know what the mosquitoes are like in your part of the world, but in mine, they feast on human blood the moment you step out the door and are so big they could almost carry you away!

I loathe insect repellent because of the way it smells and what it does to my skin, and so summertime picnics and oyster roasts are typically held to a minimum. However, I have found a less invasive solution to the pesky pest problem that’s most definitely worth concocting.

Mix equal parts of apple cider and witch hazel then add a few drops of eucalyptus oil and viola…instant insect repellant!

Smells great, is good on the skin and works like a charm…

Apple cider is now available year round in most supermarkets. The witch hazel and eucalyptus oil can be found at your corner Walgreens. While they now carry a full array of essential oils, they tend to keep them hidden at the back of the store on the end of the isle, as if taboo, so don’t give up the search if it doesn’t happen to be on a central display.

And for those of you who might not know, witch hazel makes an excellent facial astringent, works wonders on sunburns and is great for scrapes and scratches. Eucalyptus oil is an effective analgesic and a common ingredient used to relieve muscle, nerve and joint pain. Take care though not to use too much of the oil, as it can potentially irritate the skin if not used with massage oil.

It’s also great to alleviate exhaustion and mental sluggishness. A few drops of a blend of eucalyptus and massage oils have a cooling and stimulating effect on the mind as well as the body. Two must haves for every medicine chest!

Happy concocting…

~ by Jill on July 7, 2009.