Folks, it is the time of year when flying critters of the
insect variety start to annoy us. We do our best to live in peace with bees,
wasps and yellow jackets (although I have childhood trauma from the later), but
mosquitoes, also known as mozzies, are a particular nemesis. One tiny little stab
results in a sometimes huge welt that itches like for mad for days.
Prevention is the key. This year I have been experimenting
with an essential oil blend from Young Living called “Purification”. We usually
use it on the dogs to repel ticks, which it does. So I tried it for repelling
mozzies, too. It works! And wiping just a bit on my hair and clothing every
other day does the job. Only I forgot yesterday… and today. While out milking
this morning sure enough I got zapped. I felt the little blood sucker jab me on
the inside of the wrist and blew him off immediately, but just that second was
enough for a welt and itching to begin. I seem to be pretty sensitive to them.
My first mozzie bite of the season. Oh yay.
Last year I heard that a dab of lavender essential oil
helps, and it does, relieving the itch for a couple hours at which time another
application is necessary. However, I recently read about an old-time remedy
involving witch hazel. Being the kitchen herbalist I am, it just so happens I
have a bottle of witch hazel extract on hand. So I employed it this morning.
I am thrilled to report that it works! The itching stopped
immediately, really! And the welt subsided somewhat, something the lavender oil
didn’t help with. I found it took a dab two times per day to keep itching at
bay, but then after about 3 days there was no more need.
I call that success!!!
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