Swap This For That: Nature Spray

We all know that familiar smell and feeling after spraying a cloud of chemicals on our families during a camping trip or backyard picnic in hopes of keeping skin protected from pesky bugs.

Similar to applying sunscreen, we believe we’re doing our bodies (and families!) a favor by protecting them from the dangerous effects of the sun, or in this case, the irritation caused by insect bites.

While we’ve already touched on chemicals in conventional sunscreens, let’s look at another commonly used product that also contains ingredients that are detrimental to your health. And we’ll even give you a clean, effective natural mosquito repellant alternative that you’ll want to swap out asap.

So, back to that cloud of chemicals. What are we breathing in exactly and what is that residue left behind on our bodies?

The majority of conventional bug sprays contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide). DEET is an active ingredient designed to repel insects. It also acts as a skin irritant and can cause sensitivities, rashes and respiratory problems. Additionally, DEET has been linked to damaging neurological effects, including brain damage and in some serious cases, even death.

As we already know, one of the functions of our brilliantly designed skin is to absorb whatever we apply. And according to some studies, up to 15% of DEET can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Seriously, scary!

After frequent and prolonged exposure to this pesticide product, not only have the dangers of DEET been proven to have harmful effects on the human body, but on our environment, wildlife and water as well.

But, the good news! You don’t have to choose between pesky bugs or pesticides and chemicals.

It’s important to protect yourself from the potentially dangerous ingredients in conventional bug sprays, as well as from the possibility of spreading sickness or disease contracted from mosquitoes, ticks and other insects.

So instead of showering your body in synthetic pesticides and breathing in toxic chemicals, using an all-natural alternative will provide the protection you need – without any harmful side effects. After testing our non-toxic bug spray throughout the summer at backyard BBQs, camping trips and traveling around the world, we’ve created a highly effective essential oil blend to keep bugs from biting.

Here’s a closer look at some of the 100% natural, non-toxic ingredients in our Nature Spray. Citronella, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Geranium, and Peppermint essential oils are all a part of our plant-based defense system.

• Citronella has been registered as a plant-based insect repellant in the US since 1948 and it works similarly to DEET (masking the smell our bodies produce that attract insects) but without any negative side effects.

• Geranium is a strong wound healer and helps to repel mosquitos.

• Peppermint and Rosemary combined create a smell that bugs can’t stand!

• Cedarwood is incredibly effective against ants, ticks and other insects. It also helps protect your pets from pesky bites!

With this powerful essential oil blend, your skin smells fresh (unlike the aroma and residue from chemical-filed conventional bug sprays) and is left feeling nourished and soothed with clean + non-toxic ingredients.

Nature Spray Tip: Be sure to shake well in order to combine all ingredients and spray liberally before going on a hike or having a picnic with the family. Reapply throughout the day as you play!

Applied Nature Spray too late? Spritz bug bites with our Everything Spray to soothe irritation and calm inflammation.