Since I discovered how to make lotion bars, I have experimented with different variations such as sun protection rods, vapo-rub rods and others. Today’s favorite: bug repellent lotion bars!
They are as easy to make as the original bars and seem even more effective to keep beetles away as a normal homemade insect spray. Probably because they actually coat the skin with a protective layer. They are easy to take with you and the children can apply it themselves.
What is the problem with insect spray?
Although I’m certainly not a fan of mosquitoes or tick bites, I am also not a big fan of conventional insect spray. These usually contain deet, a chemical that have associated studies with a whole variety of potential health problems.
Some of the reported side effects include gasps, muscle cramps, rashes and blisters, dizziness, disorientation and concentration of difficulties. There are also reports of increased risk of cancer, aggressive behavior and uncontrollable body movements. Experts assure us that the risk seems to be low …
Bug repellent lotion bar ingredients
Instead of being filled with toxins such as conventional insect sprays, this recipe nourishes the skin and damp it and protects it. It uses a base of coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax. You can also use cocoa butter or mango butter if you are preferred for a slightly harder bar.
I also recorded a variety of herbs that can differ excellently in the processing of unwanted insects. You don’t have to use all of them if you don’t have them at hand, but I think it works better. If you have to replace a herb, just add some of the others instead.
Dried herbs work best in this recipe, since fresh herbs can form the infused oil. If you have fresh herbs from your garden you want to use, just dehydrate them first. Here is a guide to dry herbs.
The vitamin E is optional, but it helps to extend the durability and prevent the oils from oxidizing so quickly. I also add additional protection with essential oils. These are more concentrated than the herbs and help increase the efficiency of the bar. I like this kidsafe mixture from plant therapy.
Lotion bar forms
I use silicone shapes to set the beams. These are the cupcake forms that I used, but I love this heart or simple flower shapes, both of which would be great for gifts. There are also actual bar formers. If you don’t have a silicone shape, a lined Cupcake pan can also work.
On the recipe!
Bug repellant lotion bar recipe
Keep beetles without chemicals with herbs and essential oils in a nutritious lotion -bar.
Yield: 5 Bars
Infise the oil
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Heat a little water in the bottom of the pan with a double boiler or a glass bowl on a small saucepan.
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Place the coconut oil in the upper part of the double boiler and add the dried rosemary, the cloves, the thyme, the cinnamon, the catnints and the mint.
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Cover the bowl or upper part of the double boiler and hold the water for at least 30 minutes at medium temperature or until the oil has used a darker color and smells strongly of rosemary. You can also fill a slow cooker with water, put coconut oil and herbs in a glass wall glass with a narrow lid, cover and hold the lowest backdrop for several days to create an even stronger infundled oil.
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Strain the herbs out of the oil with a small mesh sieve or cheese cloth and pour the oil back into the double boiler. The oil is reduced by almost half and you should have about half a cup of infused oil. If you have more, save it for the next time!
Make the lotion bars
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Add the butter (s) and beeswax to the double boiler with the infused coconut oil and stir until everyone has melted.
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Take off the stove and add the oil and essential oils and essential oils (if used).
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Pour the liquid into the shapes.
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Let the shapes be set up to completely (the best thing is overnight). Or you can accelerate the process by placing it in the fridge.
- Grate the beams on exposed areas of dry skin to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
- I use cupcake size shapes for my lotion sticks. If you use a different size, your return is different.
Don’t you want to do it?
If you want to use lottery sticks, but do not have the time or ingredients to make it myself, I have found a great alternative. A small company is manufactured that produces all types of lotion bars, soaps, natural baby products and hair products that correspond to my standards. Here you can search all non -toxic products and use the code wellness mom for a discount!
How do you keep the mistakes away? Share below!