Carrier or Dilutant for Essential Oil?

[Cole]

Hello, and thanks for any and all information. Recent studies have clearly shown Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) to be more effective than DEET as an insect repellant. The oil is very inexpensive. I would like to know what I can use as a carrier/dilutant to apply it to one's body (there is already a commercial version on the market, so it can be done), and also what I can use to dilute it for spraying. I can get the oil for under $40 for 5#, and I thought I would simply spray every few days around the area where we sit outside. Thanks.

 

[marvlwoods]

There are various different ways of using essential oils as insect repellants and many different carriers, but the simplest is water. If you want a solution to apply to the skin you could use 1 tbs of witchhazel, 4 tbs of water and 5 drops of essential oil. You could also use oil (but not if you are going in the sun) or a basic moisturisers but make sure you use appropriate ratios. Alternatively use the essential oil neat by using one drop on cotton socks or around the base of trousers.

For outside, soaking ribbons in a bowl of water with the essential oil is quite common or just add 4/8 drops in a water sprayer. Adding the oil to candles is also nice.

 

[fsdfd]

Thank you. Somehow I just figured the oil would not blend/mix in water. I have heard of using vodka (primarily in making perfumes) but I didn't really want to splash myself with vodka.