Mosquito Repellent Tea

Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus and other diseases, but some herbs can repel them.

Several herbs can be used to make mosquito-repelling teas. However, some of these teas aren't meant to be drunk. Instead, they're sprayed or rubbed on your skin.

Lemon Grass

To make lemon grass tea, pour boiling water over a heaping tablespoon of lemon grass and let it steep for about 20 minutes. Rub it on your skin. This tea offers about four hours of protection.

Peppermint

Make a strong tea by soaking lemon peels and peppermint in a covered container overnight. Strain and pour it into a spray bottle.

Catnip

Catnip tea is made the same way as lemon grass tea is made. Pour boiling water over a heaping tablespoon of catnip and let it steep for about 20 minutes. Research done at Iowa State University showed that catnip is 10 times more effective than DEET when used as a mosquito repellent.

Celery Seed

Celery seeds act as a mosquito repellent, according to researchers a the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pour a cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of freshly crushed seeds to make a tea. Steep for 20 minutes, strain and drink. Consult your doctor before using this tea as it can cause side effects, especially when taken with other herbs or medications.

References

• Herbal Insect Repellants; Laurie Lynch, N.D. 2008
• Iowa State University; Catnip Drives Cats Wild, But Drives Mosquitoes Away; Joel Coats; August 27, 2001
• University of Maryland Medical Center; Celery Seed

Resources

• City of Annapolis Mosquito Management