This recipe is using a 2% essential oil calculation, which creates a strong aroma and is a good choice for mosquito-heavy places like that Southern Oregon lake I mentioned. If you’re planning for a trip where the mosquitos won’t be so intense, feel free to use half as much essential oils.
I make this recipe at a 1% calculation when using with school-age children. I do not recommend using essential oils with babies or young children. Please see caution below.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. organic catnip leaf extract, or make your own tincture
- 2 oz. organic witch hazel extract
- 10 drops organic Atlas cedarwood essential oil
- 10 drops organic lemon eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops organic lavender essential oil
- 10 drops organic rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops organic lemongrass essential oil
- 5 drops organic lemon essential oil
Directions
- Pour both catnip extract and witch hazel extract into an 4 oz. bottle.
- Slowly drip the essential oils into the bottle.
- Cap the bottle and shake vigorously to combine.
- Store in the refrigerator with tight-fitting lid. Mixture will be shelf-stable for up to a year when stored properly.
To Use
- Replace the lid with optional mister cap or shake bottle and pour some into a smaller spray bottle that you can take with you for day trips. Return remainder to refrigerator.
- Shake well before each use. Spritz over exposed skin, avoiding eyes and mucus membranes.
- Reapply as often as needed.