By Louise FitzRoy
It takes refinement and skill to create the ideal high-quality formula to effectively keep those pesky bugs at bay when relaxing with a glass of wine at sunset on the beach, harvesting your prime crop of tomatoes in the garden, or lying in Savasana at the end of a phenomenal yoga class on The Club lawn.
Luckily the Head Gardener at The Brasserie, Aide Davila, is perfecting her formula to create mosquito repellent from the purest essential oils sourced from the United States, that happily soothe mosquito bites if you were unable to apply in time thanks to the lavender component, and frankincense to reduce inflammation.
The main ingredient is citronella-based (lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus), but from there, Aide applies her chemistry knowledge to create a selection of bug sprays suitable for the sensitivities of children, women and men.
“The skin is the largest organ of the body, and because we are applying the repellent directly, we have to make sure what the skin is absorbing is not only effective at its job as a deterrent, but also safe.
“We could use organic coconut oil as the base of our sprays, however over time it can spoil and when left in cold storage, can harden. Fractionated coconut oil doesn’t do this, nor does it have a scent.”
To ensure that each bottle of essential oil is pure and free from contaminants or synthetic fillers, Aide sources doTERRA oils, created under the CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade® protocol. The CPTG process includes a rigorous examination of every batch of oil, along with third-party testing to guarantee transparency. This purity is crucial to ensure the user receives all the natural benefits from the plant.
To make the repellent, Aide must count the drops of each concentrated essential oil into sterilised bottles. The exact measurements for each oil used in the repellent are Aide’s secret.
She has been using these oils for the last seven years, prompted by severe allergies to dust and pollen from working in the gardens daily.
“I didn’t know if I could continue my work as my allergies and asthma were getting worse. Eventually I got a bad infection and antibiotics didn’t work, so I knew that I needed to find an alternative natural solution.
“The great news is that don’t have allergic reactions anymore. I have added the oils to my shampoo and creams, as well as household cleaners. I don’t use anything artificial. To clean the kitchen, I use lemon and grapefruit, lavender on the floors, and cedarwood oil for the furniture.
“I have applied the same principals to The Brasserie gardens in the form of all-natural weed killer using vinegar and we’re also making our own fertiliser.”
More to come on this in another blog, so stay tuned!
A lot of thought and care has gone into creating The Brasserie’s mosquito repellent, and it is just one of a selection of our natural products you can purchase. Other products include a remedy for fresh feet, head tension blend, and an after-sun spray. An information booklet will soon be available at the Market, explaining each and every product Aide creates and how to use and apply for best results.
The ingredients in each product are natural and safe, however if you have any concerns, consult with a healthcare professional first. You can also contact Aide on 916 0190, as she is an independent doTERRA distributor on island, for more information.