hi reardonsgirl,
hi gina,
I am deeply interested in this.
well - gina's garlic idea is no doubt great. I respect garlic because of it wonderful medicinal properties. ayurveda sings praises for garlic.
however, garlic may be very repulsive to many people for it's strong smell.
many don't like eating it as the whole body - sweat, urine...everything becomes garlicky!
garlic will sure repel mosquitoes. I have no doubt about that.
there is a ready made garlic product for this.
check:
http://www.mosquitobarrier.com/
however, I have my reservations about using garlic all over my body and being in a public place.
some homeopaths consider garlic to be an antidote for homeo remedies and this is sure too much garlic.
deborah taylor-hough says "Some folks claim that garlic is an effective insect repellent, but I think it works best for repelling friends (and maybe a vampire or two)."
the quote comes from this webpage:-
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/artic...albugspray.htm
'buzz away' is another famous natural (herbal) mosquito repellent.
however, I do not consider the strong formula with peppermint oil, clove oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil etc to be homeopathically safe.
buzz away products may be seen at:-
http://www.quantumhealth.com/product...chandbite.html
the chemical based products (eg. DEET) are toxic and harmful and have side effects.
the mats and vaporizers contain pyrethroid which is neurotoxic.
I will be happy to know a natural, safe, homeopathically compatible mosquito repellent. till now, I have not found it.
things that have worked are :-
mosquito nets, 'don't venture out after dark', 'wear long sleeves', fumigate the room with neem leaves on burning charcoal and then leave windows open (screened windows), mosquito screens on windows and the doors are to be closed before sunset so that no mosquito enters the room.
some suggest B6. the idea to take mega doses of B6 vitamin does not appeal to me. I am more homeopathic minded. this heavy doses of B6 on daily basis will sure have it's own repercussion.
will be happy to know and discuss more.
dr manish agarwala