Tick & Insect Repellent Salve
(Pelargonium capitatum × radens—The gold standard for ticks)
Preparation
Mix the essential oils
and
Pure Vanilla Extract with the carrier oil (Grapeseed or Olive oil into a 4 cup glass measuring cup. Stir to ensure the essential oil is well mixed with the carrier oil.
Using a double boiler over low heat, melt the carrier oil and beeswax until fully liquid.
Stir in the shea butter until just melted, then remove from heat to protect the essential oils.
Let cool slightly, then add all the essential oils and vanilla; stir to distribute evenly.
Pour into 2 oz glass jars or metal tins—ideal for packs or aprons.
Leave uncovered on a level surface for 2 hours until firm, then cap and label.
Ingredients
•4 ounces Rose Geranium Essential Oil (The gold standard for ticks. Must be Pelargonium capitatum × radens)
•½ ounce Peppermint Essential Oil
•½ ounce Lavender Essential Oil
•½ ounce Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
•½ ounce Tea Tree Oil
•½ ounce Pure Vanilla Extract (The "secret weapon")
How it Works
The salve works through “olfactory confusion,” layering essential oils that insects naturally avoid. Rose geranium is the primary tick deterrent, peppermint and lavender give broad-spectrum defense against mosquitoes, gnats, and flies, lemon eucalyptus offers a CDC-recognized natural alternative to DEET, and tea tree adds antimicrobial repelling power. Vanilla acts as a scent anchor while the beeswax and shea butter base keeps the blend on the skin and long-lasting.Rose Geranium : The floral aroma creates an environment that ticks find uninhabitable.
Miss Martha’s Tip
Apply the Tick Repellent Oil to ankles, calves, behind knees, wrists, the back of the neck, and any exposed skin before heading into wooded or grassy areas. Reapply every 2 hours or as needed for maximum protection
Traditional Use