How to Prevent Bug Bites (and hopefully Lyme)
/Summer is here - and you want to enjoy it to the fullest!
There is one very exciting rediscovery - Cistus Incanus. This shrub is native to warm southern Mediterranean locations such as the Chalkidiki peninsula of Greece. [1] Cistus is not only an amazing immune system booster and supports anti-oxidant processes.
Research shows that drinking the tea of this shrub keeps bugs away. Not just mosquitos, but ticks as well!
Most bug bites are harmless, but some may be viscous.
For example, deer ticks, as well as mosquitos, fleas, and spiders have all been linked to the transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi. The first symptom of Borreliosis (Lyme disease) may a bull’s-eye shaped rash with flue-like symptoms. Treatment at this point is crucial. If Borreliosis (Lyme disease) is left untreated, the Lyme spirochetes can spread and may go into hiding in your body causing chronic Lyme, a multi-systemic disease with symptoms ranging from arthritis, facial palsy, nervous system, joint and heart problems and a plethora of unrelated symptoms. Lyme can be seriously debilitating for people as well as animals such as dogs and horses.[2]
Research at the University of Leipzig, Germany, showed, that polyphenols and other compounds of Cistus Incanus agglutinate borrelia spirochetes rendering them harmless. People suffering from lyme disease have found relief by this tea. [3] Cistus Incanus not only repels bugs, but also goes after borrelia spirochetes in the body.
Get some delicious Cistus Incanus, and have a cup of tea before you play outdoors!
You may also want to use topical insect repellants. Many believe that DEET-based repellants are most effective. Interestingly, DEET is not only damaging to nerves and brain cells, but also is losing its efficacy.
A research team from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine observed that following three hours after exposure, many of the mosquitos were no longer averse to DEET. Mosquitos developed a type of immunity even after minimal exposure. [4]
Opt for natural insect repellents such as Bien Ella or Neem Aura Naturals Outdoor Spray. These non-toxic repellents use essential oils or other plant compounds that the insects simply don’t like or which make bugs sick.
You can even make your own!
First, choose essential oils that you like. You will need a total of 40-50 drops off essential oils per 8 ounces of bug repellent. You can use one kind of essential oil, or mix several. Choose from Citronella, Cedar, Cajeput, Catnip, Neem, Rosemary, Clove, Geranium, Lavender, Eucalyptus, cedar, Mint, Lemongrass, Basil, Tea Tree and Thyme.
For an oil-based bug repellent, mix 40-50 drops of essential oils into 8oz of coconut oil. Store it in a glass container and dabb it lightly on wrists, behind the ears, behind the knees and around the ankles to keep bugs away.
For a water-based bug repellent, fill an 8oz spray bottle with 4 ounces of witch hazel, 4 ounces of water and the 40-50 drops of essential oils.
When you spent time in an area known to harbor ticks, wear light colored clothing covering most of your skin. Upon return examine the whole body and remove any ticks. If they are already attached, don’t use oil or other substances. In Germany we use a Zecken-Zange, which you simply turn counter clock wise to remove the tick safely. If you are interested in one, send me an email.
And just in case you do end up with a very itchy and hot mosquito bite that won’t let you sleep: Use homeopathic Apis 30c for relief. If the bite area feels cold, choose Ledum 30c.
Have a Great Summer - Naturally ;-)
Blessings,
Jeannette von Johnsbach
Sources:
[1] http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graubehaarte_Zistrose
[2] Dr. Mercola, Prevalence of Lyme Disease in the US Is 10-Times Higher Than Previously Reported, September 04, 2013 http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/09/04/lyme-disease.aspx
[3] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ljY33FPSzE
[4] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/256731.php