Everyone knows about those pesky little creatures that can turn a wonderful barbeque or evening outside into a nightmare; mosquitos. Sometimes it seems that we are at the whim of these little insects and only have three choices. The first choice is to flee in dramatic horror from our serene outdoor setting and seek the shelter and comfort of the indoors. Secondly we can apply chemical laden repellents to sway the odds of the itchy situation. And finally, we can seek to better understand what is available in the form of a natural mosquito remedy as an alternative to potentially harmful engineered repellents.
Repellents, however, are only a part of the solution. There will always be times when we forget things in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. During these times the inevitable will happen, we will get bitten and that bite will result in an irritating and aesthetically displeasing red bump. When this happens it does not mean that we have to suffer further because, as you’re about to learn, there are a number of natural mosquito remedies available to treat bites and limit the negative side effects of their symptoms.
As benign as they may sometimes seem, mosquitos also create a very real and serious risk of spreading diseases or causing infection within their victims and therefore the issue of bites should not be taken lightly. Mosquitos can carry potentially deadly viruses and are proven to have the capability to transmit serious illnesses including malaria, dengue fever, west nile virus, yellow fever, and more.
There are many benefits and relevant uses for traditional Chinese medicine and sesame oil is a longtime favorite of this craft. Sesame oil is commonly used in cooking and alternative medicine in a wide variety of countries as it is one of the earliest examples of crop based oils extracted by humans. By simply applying very small amounts of oil to the hands, feet, and face, you can ward off mosquitos for hours. It is a great mosquito remedy if you have children, as the guilt of our little ones getting bitten can cause stress along with their overall discomfort. Many concerned parents are reluctant to apply chemicals to their own skin, much less the delicate skin of a small child. As with anything natural, you must check first and do your research because nothing is free of risk. Sesame oil derives from the sesame seed which is a nut that can cause an allergic reaction. There are more and more nut allergies appearing ever so commonly and especially in the United States so it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that when they choose a natural mosquito remedy, it is a safe choice for them.
There are some easy-to-care-for flowers and herbs that you can incorporate into your landscape or garden that help to repel mosquitos as well as add to the look of your home. A few common examples of these are basil, rosemary, lavender, and marigold. To expand on one particular item on that list, we can focus on lavender. The essential oil from lavender is not only an effective repellent but it can also be used as a mosquito remedy to soothe bites as they get inflamed and irritated. There are no harmful additives to lavender oil such as the most common active ingredient in repellents, DEET.
Aloe vera is one of the most commonly used household plants in kitchens around the world. Now it has yet another use when duty calls, this anti-inflammatory and moisturizing plant can come to your rescue when you apply it to a mosquito bite. It contains amino acids and over 130 other active compounds that nourish the skin and rejuvenate the body. It’s a perfect application when you’re attempting to reduce the negative effects of a mosquito bite.
The next natural mosquito remedy is tea tree oil. It’s antimicrobial and will help fight infections that so often accompany mosquito bites. This compound can also help ward off mosquitos and has a pleasing aromatic quality that many people enjoy.
DEET, or diethyltoluamide, is the main ingredient in most insect repellents. It was developed by the United States to be used by the army in jungle warfare. The reason that this harmful substance is used so widely to this day is simple, it works. It is an extremely effective mosquito remedy that may be the right choice for some people in extreme circumstances or for those who have very weak immune systems and cannot take on the risk of contracting a parasite or virus. DEET does, however, come with risks of its own. DEET has undergone a long process of market restrictions based on its proven connections with mood disturbances, skin irritation, burning eyes, and even difficulty breathing. Everyone needs to assess their own needs when considering what the best solution is for them. What works for one person might not be prudent for another and one must take into account all of their personal medical conditions when choosing mosquito remedies.
Recent research has uncovered and concluded that many people who struggle with depression, chronic sickness, lethargy, inexplicable upper back and neck pain, and even nervousness suffer from what is called Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS). In short, the adrenal glands are located on the top of the kidneys and their job is to help the body cope with stress to ensure survival. The adrenal cortex, located in the outer gland, is responsible for the regulation of cortisol, and when these levels are lowered, the body begins to experience adrenal fatigue.
Along with this research, it has been found that the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response directly relates to how we treat our bodies when they are under stress. The NEM Stress Response is the process in which our brains receive stress signals and through the senses and convert those into messages referred to as neurotransmitters and hormones. This process is mainly handled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) hormonal axis. The main organ that handles this burden is the adrenal glands. It is important to touch on the basics of this system in order to better take care of ourselves during times of stress, and in our daily routines, so that we can be ready for anything that life brings our way.
We discussed earlier natural mosquito remedies, and how the importance of protecting yourself against harmful viruses and parasites is paramount when attempting to treat AF. Anytime the immune system is compromised, there is increased risk that one will experience the often debilitating symptoms of AF. Eliminating or effectively mitigating the exposure we have to external variables, such as mosquitos, can go a long way in ensuring that the immune system is not under attack. Sesame oil and lavender are wonderful additions to aid you in this process.
Exercise is also a very important component when combating AF as it increases blood flow, normalizes cortisol, and can reduce depression, which in turn will reduce our overall stress while increasing well-being. If you enjoy walking, jogging, or hiking and are deterred by embarking on these activities because of pesky mosquitos, then you should definitely consider using a natural mosquito remedy. If you happen to get bitten on your excursion into the outdoors then you can simply apply some aloe vera or tea tree oil to help you heal quickly, relax, and get back out there. However, if you are someone who has an extreme reaction or allergy to mosquito bites then it should be noted that using natural mosquito remedies may not necessarily be the best step to take. You may need to find another solution and you should always evaluate your situation a case by case basis.
Whenever there is a threat detected within our bodies there is a response from our neuroendocrine system. It is imperative that there isn’t any undue burden placed onto this system as it is commonly working in overdrive. This relates directly to annoyances such as mosquitos. When we are outside and trying to enjoy a normal day and release stress, the last thing that’s needed is to be bitten by a horde of blood-sucking and potentially disease carrying insects. This will create an inflammatory response because of the added toxins associated with harmful stimuli. Anytime the body is exposed to toxins, the NEM Stress Response kicks in and contributes to AF. Avoiding this type of response through the use of any form of previously discussed natural mosquito remedies is thoroughly encouraged. Natural medicine such as sesame oil and lavender is often considered safe and effective when compared to chemically laden over the counter products. There needs to be practical judgment used when choosing what’s right for you. It may be best to stay away from the outdoors entirely during peak mosquito times like sunset and after rain. Choose what works for your lifestyle, and what is appropriate for your goals, before implementing the strategies and products that are suggested in this article.
A natural approach to common problems can be rewarding and liberating. Implementing lavender, tea tree oil, aloe vera, sesame oil and other natural mosquito remedies into our routines can help us access places and find comforts that were previously burdensome and out of reach. From the mitigation of viral exposure to the expanded variability of exercise options, natural mosquito remedies can be valuable when attempting to treat some of the core causes of AFS, and maintain a strong NEM stress response. It can be as simple as planting some lavender and marigold in your garden or keeping an aloe vera plant in your kitchen to take one more step forward toward your well-being. Taking precautionary and active approaches to maintaining health and wellness is something that we should all do.
© Copyright 2017 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.
