Basil As A Natural Remedy For Mosquitoes
It is not surprising that many of us use basil for cooking to prepare different meals. With a recognizable and delicious aroma, it is very often used in pasta dishes, pizzas and aromatic oils. However, did you know that you can also use basil as a natural remedy for mosquitoes?
The natural repellent function is one of the many properties of this aromatic herb, and in this article you will learn how to use it at home.
Characteristics of basil
The basil originated in Asia, and in time people began to cultivate it all over the world. Today we know that there are more than 40 different species, of which Ocimum basilicum or sweet basil is the best known.
It is a perennial herbaceous plant with broad leaves and an intense green color. It can be barely taller than 30 cm, and the leaves smell strongly. In general, it will produce flowers in summer, small groups of white and purple flowers.
The plant is known for its high content of essential oils that have different medicinal properties. Among these, we note the use in stomach, respiratory and urinary problems.
According to a study published in the Cuban Journal of Pharmacy, basil is used in medicine to treat the following:
- Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and parasites
- Respiratory diseases such as bronchitis
- General dermatological problems
- Altitude sickness: As it contains eugenol, it has anticoagulant properties that improve blood circulation
- The essential oils in basil have antifungal properties and act against bacteria and fungi
Why is basil a natural remedy for mosquitoes?
To understand why this herb repels mosquitoes, we need to know how these insects detect their victims. Aside from being annoying and painful, mosquito bites can also carry serious illnesses. As you may know, they have spread dengue and yellow fever epidemics, through Aedes aegypti.
These types of insects use thermal and chemical sensors that allow them to detect food. Each part of the little body works together to find the next victim:
- The legs notice the difference in temperature between the prey and the environment.
- The antennas detect water vapor and carbon dioxide that are present every time we exhale. Furthermore, our skin releases certain substances, such as lactic acid through sweat that also attracts mosquitoes.
When we use a remedy against mosquitoes with chemical substances, we actually attack the mosquito’s natural sensors. This causes the mosquito to lose the ability to detect its victims, forcing it to move away to recover it. Basil contains four natural substances: estragol, citronellol, limonene and trans-nerolidol.
How can we use basil as a natural remedy for mosquitoes?
Basil is a plant that gives us a sustainable, easy and economical way to repel mosquitoes. Just by placing a small plant in the window sills, on the balcony or in the garden will reduce the presence of insects, and here we give you a few more ways to use it.
To make a natural insect repellent based on basil, we need the following ingredients:
- 500 ml of water
- Basil leaves
- 500 ml vodka or 96% alcohol
Prepare a mixture with the leaves and water, and then strain it. Mix remaining liquid with vodka or whatever alcohol you choose and pour it into a spray bottle. Later you spray when necessary.
Another option is to buy essential body oil with basil scent. In addition to perfuming and hydrating the skin, this keeps the mosquitoes away. You can also use it to add a pleasant scent to the room.
Basil as a natural remedy for mosquitoes, compared to synthetic products
The synthetic products we use as repellents are not always as effective as we think. For example, studies have shown that only those containing no less than 25% DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are effective.
When it comes to natural essential oils, we must remember that they evaporate more easily when we use them as mosquito repellents. This is why pharmacist Dr. Beatriz Badilla warns that we need to use them more often because their effect disappears after a shorter time.
Finally, in addition to natural remedies such as basil, we should take some extra measures to keep mosquitoes away:
- Use mosquito nets on the windows and doors, and over cots.
- Take a look at the labels of the products you are going to use to see if they are synthetic or natural. Here it should indicate the time of effectiveness and the age and skin type it is suitable for.
- Shake your pajamas before going to bed and check for mosquitoes in your bedroom.
We hope that you try natural remedies such as basil against mosquitoes, and that with these recommendations you can keep insects far away from home and family.
