Natural Medicine

From Medieval Europe to the banks of the Nile in Ancient Egypt, humans have been using herbs and essential oils to repel insects for thousands of years. Now research reported on June 24, 2008 by the New York Times suggests that eucalptol, one of the chemical components of eucalyptus, is especially effective at warding off mosquitos.

The article begins with the claim that Listerene - containig 1% eucalyptol - is an effective mosquito deterrent. It may be true, but Listerene's effectiveness is shortlived. The mouthwash's chemical soup is mostly water and alcohol, so it evaporates too quickly to be useful for long.

Natural sources of eucalyptol, on the other hand, are rather more effective. Eucalyptus oil, reported to be up to 75% eucalyptol in some varieties, also clings a bit longer than mouthwash. Lemon eucalyptus is mentioned in particular in this article, but other varieties are also known for their insect-repelling power. Blue eucalyptus is particularly long lasting.