Salvy Bug Repellent Tutorial
When the outdoor season hits, it doesn’t take long for the battle of the bugs to commence. That’s right. I’m talking about mosquitoes. Those invasive little blood suckers may be a tasty treat for many of our friendly wildlife variety, but I know we can do without the itchy welts and whatever else that itsy bitsy siphon may have left behind.
So in the eco-friendly fashion of DIY, we give you a handy-on-the-spot salve bug repellent with the simple and natural ingredients of shea butter, apricot kernel oil, and a few essential oils. You can substitute the shea butter with another oil, if you like, as long as it’s solid at room temperature so it stays solid in the tin and not drippy in your bag!
Complete with pictures, let’s get to it!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Shea Butter (this recipe uses unrefined)
- 2 tsp Apricot Kernel Oil
- 12 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
- 10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 12 drops Citronella Essential Oil
- 10 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
(keep in mind, these are Essential Oils, not Fragrance Oils)
Supplies:
When it comes to the tools you use for this DIY, it is more preference to your process. We are listing our supplies specifically. You use what you will, just make sure it is appropriate.
- 4 – ½ oz. round tins
- 1 – 2c glass measuring cup
- Spoon
- Heat Source (microwave)
Yes. That is all you need.
Before I dive into the ‘how to’ of the goodness above, I must impress upon you the importance of Essential Oil safety. Always use a carrier oil. Always patch test prior to use. It is not advised to use this product if pregnant; and don’t ever use it on babies. If you can remember that an Essential Oil is the concentrated goodness of a plant and that less is more, you’ll be alright.
Add to a measuring cup, 2 oz. shea butter and 2 tsp apricot kernel oil. And just like melting butter, place it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Remove. Stir. Repeat this process until the shea is melted and blends fully with the apricot.
Once the shea and apricot are a creamy liquid, add the Essential Oils. Stir to blend.
Gently pour the liquid salve in to the tins and let sit at room temp until solid.
And Voila! It fits in your pocket without the risk of breaking a glass bottle, spilling it, or accidentally spraying someone else because, you know, you’re at a music festival and the flying blood banks have come to join you. Now you can make yourself and your family a bug repellent you can trust.
