No-See-Ums...

Now you don't see them, now they B-I-T-E you!

Arghhhhh!

Went out kayaking (F-I-N-A-L-L-Y)...wanted a sunset shot...was earlier than necessary, so paddled around for a while, waiting, waiting, waiting.  Ah what's that I spot on shore?

It was a relatively calm day.

Paddling around, I'm titling this one 'Dashed Dreams'

Almost gone, golden sunshine. 

 
I couldn't hang out any longer to get the beauty as the sun 'hit' the water.

Scratch - scratch - scratch - yikes! It's the attack of the no-see-ums! 

Quick head for shore! 

Google natural remedies. 

Ahhh...found some recipe ideas from The Boat Galley:

1 oz essential oils

9 to 19 oz carrier oil or alcohol

The site lists several oils and what they protect from.

OILS

citronella oil (no-see-ums, mosquitoes and biting flies)

cinnamon oil (mosquitoes)

lemon eucalyptus or regular eucalyptus oil (mosquitoes, ticks and lice)

castor oil (mosquitoes)

sweet orange oil (fleas)

rose geranium (ticks and lice)

CARRIERS

Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil or any cooking oil

Witch Hazel

Vodka

Well, organic coconut oil I have on hand...stopped by the local health food store and picked up Citronella and Eucalyptus.  Thought I'd go with the Citronella only as the yellow flies are horrid this time of year.

Plus I've never applied anything like this to my skin and wanted to know if there would be any reaction.  Coconut oil with or without lavender oil is no problem, but better safe than sorry!

Took a 4 ounce mason jar, let the oil liquefy and then added about 25 drops of the oil.  It was pretty strong smelling!

Essential oils are concentrated, you do not want to use anything that is diluted.  The original article (worth reading) emphatically states take care, you don't want to use tiki torch oil on your skin!

My finished product.

Slathered some on and went for a bike ride. Noticed a few 'bugs' (dead) on my arm, so far so good.  Came home and puttered in the yard, messing with my plants.

Had a couple of yellow flies land and try to bit, but very select places on my foot!  I'm attributing this to missing that particular area (knuckle of my big toe! and the back of my foot).  Overall I think this will work.

I was looking for witch hazel (which I thought I had in my linen closet), and found some skin so soft bug repellent...guess the main ingredient?  Citronella oil!

Made up my own spray using an 8 oz bottle filled with witch hazel and 25 drops of citronella oil.  I'll be trying it...soon!

Lavender Essential Oil

Several weeks ago I was having dizziness - self diagnosed as inner ear trouble - sinus issues.  Text message to several requesting which essential oil would be best for sinus issues resulted in a variety of oils suggested with Lavender Oil taking the lead.
Thus far I've used it as hand lotion, facial moisturizer, sore muscle relaxant and in the bath.  As a lotion/moisturizer I combined Organic Coconut Oil (about half an ounce) and 3 drops of Lavender Oil.  In the bath, I believe I used 5 drops, along with Epson Salts.
Here are some links with more information for those who may want to read up, research or share.

Health Benefits of Lavender Oil

Benefits of Lavender Oil

13 Uses for Lavender Oil: The Only Essential Oil You'll Need

50 Fantastic Uses for Lavender Essential Oil and Lavender Therapy

And from the WebMD site:

Lavender is used for restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, and depression. It is also used for a variety of digestive complaints including meteorism (abdominal swelling from gas in the intestinal or peritoneal cavity), loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas (flatulence), and upset stomach.

Some people use lavender for painful conditions including migraine headaches,toothaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores, and joint pain. It is also used for acne and cancer, and to promote menstruation.

Lavender is applied to the skin for hair loss (alopecia areata) and pain, and to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Some people add lavender to bathwater to treat circulation disorders and improve mental well being.

By inhalation, lavender is used as aromatherapy for insomnia, pain, and agitation related to dementia.

In foods and beverages, lavender is used as a flavor component. (Note it is important to make sure you have FOOD GRADE for internal usage.)

In manufacturing, lavender is used in pharmaceutical products and as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, potpourri, and decorations.

Lavender (scientific name Lavandula angustifolia) is commonly contaminated with related species, including Lavandula hybrida, which is a cross between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, from which lavandin oil is obtained.