Before you head for the hills or plan your next outdoor BBQ, think twice about using DEET to keep the mosquitoes at bay. DEET has been recently linked to brain damage, and since there are many natural options that are as effective or more effective than DEET there’s no need to take the risk.
DEET, or diethyl-meta-toluamide, as its known in chemistry circles, has recently been linked to brain cell damage. Duke University
After more than 30 years of research on the effects of chemicals on the brains of rats, Mohamed Abou-Donia, Ph.D, discovered, in two separate studies, that the frequent and prolonged applications of DEET cause neurons to die in regions of the brain that control muscle movement, learning, memory and concentration. Moreover, rats treated
with a comparable human dose of DEET (40 mg/kg body weight) performed far worse than control rats when challenged with physical tasks requiring muscle control, strength and coordination. Such effects are consistent with physical symptoms in humans reported in medical literature, especially by Persian Gulf War veterans, claims Abou-Donia.
Even U.S. Evironmental Protection Agency (EPA) toxicologist Michael Watson noted an instance “where exposure to DEET caused six cases of brain damage in girls aged one through six – and three of them died."
So what do you do if you wish to avoid the potentially dangerous effects of DEET while still keeping the mosquitoes at bay? While Mother Nature offers dozens of different options, here are some of my top natural mosquito repellents:
- Citronella—the old standby—use only pure essential oil of citronella—not fragrance oil. Oils purchased in bulk for burning are not adequate for applying topically to your skin. For your skin it is best to get a high quality citronella essential oil from a natural food store.
- Soy oil—The New England Journal of Medicine reported that natural repellents made of soybean oil are just as effective as DEET-containing repellents. Soy oil is inexpensive and easy to find, making it an excellent choice. Plus, it is an excellent body moisturizer. As an aside, research shows that an ingredient in soy can slow the growth of body hair when applied topically.
- Catnip—an
Iowa State University - NEEM seed oil, or “neem oil” is extracted from a plant that grows in
India India - Lavender essential oil smells great and is a commonly used and effective mosquito repellent.
- Garlic—eat lots of fresh garlic—mosquitoes can’t stand the stuff.
Choose a natural mosquito repellent to ward off both mosquitoes and the nasty effects of DEET.
Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM, DAc, CNC is a best-selling and six-time book author and doctor of natural medicine, whose works include: The Life Force Diet, The Ultimate pH Solution, and The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan. Learn more at: www.TheLifeForceDiet.com.
I have been under "attack" this past week! thanks for the great alternatives.
Namaste,
Debra
Glad you found it helpful, Debra.
Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM, DAc, CNC
Best-selling and six-time book author, whose works include:
The Life Force Diet, The Ultimate pH Solution, The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, The Brain Wash, and Healing Injuries the Natural Way.
http://www.TheLifeF
Very informative…
Thanks Seerat.
Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM, DAc, CNC
Best-selling and six-time book author, whose works include: The Life Force Diet, The Ultimate pH Solution, The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, and The Brain Wash. http://www.TheLifeForceDiet.com
We started using a natural mosquito repellent with thirty different essential oils in an odorless coconut oil base. Nothing else we have tried, including DEET based sprays has ever worked as well. Neem worked a little for us, as did citronella, and lemon eucalyptus was probably the best until now.
The one we are using now is made with catnip, so maybe that's the secret. All I know is it has been working well for several hours at a time, and we are finally free from the chemical repellents.
You read my entire story about natural mosquito repellent here
http://www.teatreewonders.com/natural-mosquito-re…
James,
Thanks for sharing your story. Since catnip has been shown to be 10X more effective than DEET at keeping the mosquitoes at bay, it may be the reason. But, tea tree has some mosquito repellent properties too.
Cheers,
Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM, DAc, RNCP, ROHP
Best-selling and six-time book author, whose works include: The Life Force Diet, The Ultimate pH Solution, The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, and The Brain Wash. http://www.TheLifeForceDiet.com
Great Post! Will be sharing with my readers through Intent partnership!
Brett Blumenthal – Sheer Balance
This Moz Away mosquito repellent spray is natural made so I do not worry if I am using it on my children.
http://bestmosquitorepellent.blogspot.com http://1mosquitorepellent.blogspot.com
I do not use deet made mosquito made after I understand what deet is
http://bestmosquitorepellent.blogspot.com http://1mosquitorepellent.blogspot.com
I have summary definition and meaning of DEET, free to read:
DEET is a chemical ingredient to be used in rubber, plastic cement or paint remover. DEET also called (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) in chemical naming, is one of the most effective used to repel harmful insect such as mosquitoes, ticks and gnats. DEET has been registered with US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for use as insect repellent on skin and clothing. DEET started to be used by US army during the war to repel mosquitoes in 1946 and released to public in 1957. DEET is now being recognised by many countries as a best insecticide for mosquito and insect repellent in the world.
"DEET" side effect to human health
DEET is safe to be used if use with care and use as per instruction. DEET is a chemical ingredient, if use for long term or excessively amount; it may cause skin cancer or birth defect. DEET is not recommended to be used on sensitive skin because it can cause skin allergic, irritates, rashes or numb. DEET can also cause eyes irritate. If accidentally swallowed, it can cause vomit, diarrhea, poison or fatal and doctor treatment is needed immediately. Children should not use DEET insecticide without parental consent. Baby and pregnant woman is not recommended to use DEET other than natural made insecticide.
"DEET" side effect to environment
DEET insecticide is a flammable product so does not expose it direct under the sun because it can cause explosion and air pollution. Do not throw DEET insecticide into river or sea because it can cause water pollution and causing death to sea species such as fish and turtle.
Article from: http://bestmosquitorepellent.blogspot.com/2009/08…
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Those all seems like good ideas. I can't say I've tried them all. Frankly, I like some of the reviews on this site though.
http://mosquito-trap-review.blogspot.com/
Most of the gadgets featured here don't use any weird chemicals or anything. Just a thought.
Well done, I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog
and have my children check up here often. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than
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A great product for those who insist on natural, effective products:
Sun Putty "Earth" natural insect repellent and SPF 30 sunscreen (UVA/UVB protection):
http://www.sunputty.com/sunputtyfamilyofproducts_…
This product is 100% natural and 100% of the ingredients in the jar are effective. There are no ineffective "filler ingredients" or toxic, synthetic compounds to hurt your skin or the environment…I have not found another product that contains these uniquely effective ingredients…
http://www.sunputty.com/sunputtyfamilyofproducts_…
Its hard to trust any one easily on this type of product after going through your blog i am very amazed about your product details that for repellent its so good . it is also harmless for children . Thanks for the informative post!
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