How To Make A Natural Bug Repellent

It’s that time of year for the bugs to bother us as we enjoy being outside. Mosquitoes, ticks, gnats and flies can make enjoying the outdoors not so enjoyable. There is relief from the itching and biting bugs with the plant, yarrow! This is a great bug repellent. A small spray bottle of yarrow tincture sprayed on your skin and clothes will keep those annoying bugs at bay.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an amazing plant and is a staple in your herbal medicine chest. Yarrow not only heals wounds, it counters and prevents infection. It has been shown to be effective in killing all manner of bacteria, including strep and staph. This is much better than an antibiotic cream. I have sprayed yarrow tincture in my throat to halt a sore throat. When sprayed on your face or back, yarrow tincture kills the bacteria that cause acne.

The US Army found yarrow tincture to be a highly effective insect repellent. In their tests, it outperformed DEET in repelling ticks and mosquitoes, but did not remain effective for as long. Apply the spray every 20–30 minutes.

How To Make A Yarrow Tincture

Supplies

• Clean glass jar
• Scissors
• Tape
• Pen
• 100% vodka

Directions

• Collect the plants on a nice sunny dry day after the morning dew has dried. Cut just the top third of the plants using the flowers, flower…