Organic 'bug-off' oil

I came across this recipe on one of the forums I occasionally visit. Thought it might be interesting to all of you. I haven't tried it yet (just found it tonight). THe oils would be "essential oils". Someone comment that she, personally, would double the amount of witch hazel and spray it on (you would have to shake it very well each time.

Mix the following oils in the noted proportions (any total amount will do!):

4 drops thyme oil 8 drops lemongrass oil 4 drops lavender oil 4 drops peppermint oil Mix 5 drops of this oil mixture with 1 tbsp. witch hazel and 4 tbsp. water. Apply to skin.

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2001

Answers

Oh, ack, I forgot to do HTML!

Organic 'bug-off' oil

Mix the following oils in the noted proportions (any total amount will do!):

4 drops thyme oil
8 drops lemongrass oil
4 drops lavender oil
4 drops peppermint oil
Mix 5 drops of this oil mixture with 1 tbsp. witch hazel and 4 tbsp. water.

Apply to skin.


-- Anonymous, May 19, 2001

I don't know Joy. If I were a bug and someone was wearing all that good smelling stuff??? Maybe you could confuse the mosquito but the bees would love that smell? Hmmm maybe Barb would smear some behind her ears?? Ha!.....Kirk

-- Anonymous, May 20, 2001

err Kirk, would that be to attract bees or you?

-- Anonymous, May 20, 2001

Same difference Kim. Kirk is just another one of those busy bees,I guess.Ask Jay!And,of course,ask Jim.

You can use products out of the garden,too.Scented basils,Lemon balm,pennyroyal,lavender,sweet annie,and mints are good,infused in mineral oil,witch hazel,alchohol or vinegar.The latter for animal's fly spray,although the smell of vinegar makes Nick drool,so that would be alright for me!

Actually the vinegar smell dissipates rapidly.I use a lemon balm vinegar as a face rinse.

-- Anonymous, May 20, 2001

How do you make lemon balm vinegar? Soak lemon balm in vinegar? Do you use white or apple cider vinegar for this concoction? Details!

-- Anonymous, May 20, 2001

Joy you can use any vinegar but I prefer apple cider. Place leaves in a glass container,not plastic.Heat vinegar to simmer but not boil. Cover leaves with the vinegar.Cover and set in a warm place for abt two weeks. Strain.That's it.

You can make any of the culinary vinegars the same way.Salad burnet and borage is cucumber-flavored.Italian one that I like uses oregano,basil,parsley and dried garlic(not fresh,it will cause mold problems). Another we use a lot is basil.Purple basil makes a nice color too. I use basil vinegar on potato salad and bean salad. Delicious!

Play around with it.It's easy.If culinary,I heat the vinegar back up and then seal the bottle with wax,then refrigerate after opening,just as a precaution.

Put in a nice water or tea bottle with some ribbon and you have Xmas presents.That was my first exposure to them when my sister gave me some years ago.

Enjoy

-- Anonymous, May 20, 2001