Summer adventures are calling — and the bugs are too! The good news? You can whip up your own easy, safe, and effective bug spray right at home. It’s gentle on your skin, kind to the planet, and smells absolutely wonderful. Best of all, you know exactly what’s in it. For best results, simply reapply every couple of hours. 🌿
Ingredients
- White yarrow (Achillea millefolium) — 1 cup freshly dried leaves and flowers
- Vodka or witch hazel — enough to fully submerge the plant material
- Carrier oil of your choice — 1 teaspoon (jojoba, olive oil, etc.)
- Lavender essential oil — 50 drops (feel free to add lemongrass and/or geranium to the mix for extra bug-fighting power)
Directions
- Add the yarrow. Place the dried yarrow in a clean pint-sized jar.
- Cover with liquid. Pour in enough vodka or witch hazel to completely submerge the yarrow. Stir well, then cover tightly and label your jar.
- Let it steep. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, giving it a good shake every day. Check now and then that the yarrow stays submerged — if not, top it off with a little more vodka or witch hazel.
- Strain. Pour the tincture through a coffee filter to strain out the plant material, then stir in your essential oils.
- Bottle it up. Pour your finished bug spray into a clean spray bottle (the one from your Yarrow & Lavender Facial Toner works perfectly!). Label it and store in a cool, dark place.
How to Use
Spray directly onto your skin and reapply every couple of hours as needed. Just a heads-up — keep it off your clothes, as the natural oils may leave stains on fabric.
