Every year we look forward to the summer, but as it comes we find it necessary to protect ourselves from the side effects of heat: we buy a sunscreen and, of course, a repellent. Some herbs repel mosquitoes better than commercial products. Plant them in your garden or on the windowsill to sleep calmly.
Citronella
Citronella is one of the most popular ingredients in mosquito repellents. It is very simple to grow citronella on a flowerbed or on the windowsill. This is a perennial herb that grows in bunches and rises high enough.
It has such a bright scent that mosquitoes fail to perceive other scents, so they do not react to people. The fragrance of fresh citronella is stronger than the smell of repellents, so it is a perfect remedy to repel bloodsucking insects.
Other ways to apply it:
- grinded dried citronella is a good seasoning for meat and vegetables;
- lemon-scented leaves are an additive to tea;
- a decoction of leaves is an antiseptic, which helps to treat colds.
Lemon Balm
Unlike citronella, lemon balm can survive winter in the open field. Lemon balm grows and spreads on its own and does not need any care. Sow it near your house and make sure that the grass does not cover the whole garden. It will also look great on the windowsill, filling the room with the smells of mint and lemon.
Other properties of lemon balm:
- it has a sedative and relaxing effect;
- it helps with digestive problems;
- it relieves muscle spasms.
Lemon Catnip
Lemon catnip, which is often referred to just as catnip, looks like lemon balm. Cats really like this grass and react to its flavor with a loud purr. Mosquitoes, however, have a different opinion about this plant.
Catnip repels mosquitoes better than DEET. This herb, unlike repellents, arouses no complaints on the part of environmentalists.
Other properties:
- produces a sedative effect;
- is used for training cats;
- improves digestion.
Marigold
This traditional city flower repels mosquitoes and other insects. It grows along the busiest routes and will survive even after it is planted by clumsy hands. Plant these flowers around the country house, and mosquitoes will not want to visit your dwelling.
Other properties:
- it disinfects the soil around the place of growing;
- it is used as a seasoning for meat dishes;
- it strengthens the immune system.
Basil
Two in one! A seasoning and a mosquito repellent. There are many varieties of basil, which differ in shape and color, so this flower can decorate your windowsill or flowerbed due to its unusual combinations. This is an annual plant that is quite simple to grow.
Other properties:
- an excellent seasoning for a variety of dishes;
- attracts pollinating insects during the flowering garden;
- is used to treat SARS.
Lavender
This is a beautiful plant with a soothing scent, which is best grown in pots, if you live in a rather cold region. So many things can be flavored with lavender! However, mosquitoes do not like its essential oils.
Other ways to apply lavender:
- dried flowers are a good cake and pastry seasoning;
- it is used as an antiseptic;
- lavender sachets are used to protect things from moths.
Peppermint
Mosquitoes hate the smell of peppermint. Not only mosquitoes. Essential oils of this plant are one of the best means to repel spiders (though it is next to impossible to find special means to repel them). And if a mosquito still bites you, rub peppermint juice in the bite spot to relieve itching.
Additional features:
- it serves as a seasoning for various dishes, drinks and a cocktail ingredient;
- it has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- it helps to treat the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Garlic
Mosquitoes do not care how much garlic you have eaten. The garlic smell from your mouth is not an obstacle for these insects. But the green shoots of garlic in the flowerbed repel mosquitoes and drive them away from the gazebo.
Additional features:
- it has antibacterial properties;
- garlic juice is a natural adhesive;
- it stimulates hair growth when the juice is rubbed into the scalp.
Marsh mint
This type of mint smells very strong; so many people do not like its sharp flavor. But in open places, where the smell is not concentrated in space, marsh mint helps to cope with mosquitoes. Its flowers attract many butterflies.
Other properties:
- an ingredient in many dishes of Caucasian cuisine;
- marsh mint oil is used to eliminate skin parasites in animals;
- it helps with insomnia and headaches.
Rosemary
The ways of using rosemary are usually described in cookbooks. But in a flowerbed, this plant is as effective as marsh mint: it repels mosquitoes and attracts butterflies.
Other properties:
- rosemary oil is a good preservative;
- decoctions and infusions improve the state of oily skin;
- it improves memory.
Geranium
Garden geranium has one main purpose, namely to please the eye. It is easy to plant, easy to take care of, and the choice of its species and varieties is good for the landscape design.
Besides, garden geranium is helpful in repelling mosquitoes.
