How It Works
The efficacy of yarrow has been widely documented. One 2008 paper lists insect repellent along with the many other health-promoting properties of yarrow – which include aiding in digestive problems, menstrual cramps, fever, and wound healing(3).
A second study on the use of plant extracts and natural oils as mosquito repellents named yarrow as one of the most effective natural mosquito repellent plants, along with pine and eucalyptus(4).
Using natural recipes like this one as insect repellents instead of chemical-based repellents like DEET is something more and more people are turning to, as the evidence against the use of DEET and its contemporaries piles up.
Parents of small children have particular reason to be concerned about the neurotoxic effects of DEET, which are most severe when ingested orally – although there is at least one case of an adult succumbing to poisoning from ingesting DEET as well(5).
Whatever the reason for wanting to avoid the use of DEET and other similar insect repellents, now you know about a healthy, natural alternative – yarrow tincture. While this recipe takes some time to properly prepare, it’s worth it for the peace of mind you’ll get from having a pesticide-free home.