Balbas-pusa, Lemon grass and Oregano Leaf Extracts as

Mosquito Repellent

Angelique P. Hibaya

April Rose A. Patangan

Nikki V. Zamora

How to make your own organic mosquito repellentby Dan Chilton, Posted Jul 17th 2007 11:00AM

Filed Under: seasonal, outdoor, staying green

It's been a wet, hot Summer over much of the world, which means the mosquitoes are going to be plentiful, hungry, and ticked off. (Little known fact: all mosquitoes are angry. Always.) So what can we do to protect ourselves from being attacked by swarms of bitter bugs? The easiest thing to do, of course, is stay inside; well-sealed windows and doors do a terrific job keeping out unwanted, blood-sucking guests. However, if you absolutely MUST go outside, you'll need to be prepared with some sort of bug repellent.

When faced with the proposition of being blitzed by a battalion of biting bugs, most people make a beeline to their local store to pick up some OFF Spray, or similar DEET-laden repellent. Store-bought bug sprays are fine, but some people have serious skin reactions to DEET, which if sprayed directly onto plastic can cause it to bubble and warp. Would you want to put that on your skin? If you're like me, and you enjoy rolling your own bug-off juice, here's an effective recipe that I find keeps the mosquitoes away just as well as the name brand stuff.

Materials:

1. 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar2. 1/3 cup witch hazel (or cheap vodka)3. 5 drops of citronella or eucalyptus essential oil

Tools:

1. Spray bottle2. Funnel

Time:

A few minutes

Steps:

Ok, this is pretty tough, so make sure you follow along closely. I don't want you getting confused.

1. Using the funnel, pour all the liquid ingredients into the spray bottle.2. Shake the bottle to mix the liquids.

Tada! You're now holding a bottle of effective, organic bug repellent. You can also spray your DIY repellent around areas that you'd rather not have bugs, such as the picnic table or your dog's head. Unlike the store-bought sprays, this stuff isn't water-proof (or sweat-proof, for that matter), so you'll need to reapply as necessary. Unfortunately, it won't keep ticks at bay, so you might have to use the DEET version if you're going to be traipsing into the deep woods. However, if you're just looking for a little extra protection during your next barbecue, this might be right up your alley.

[via DIY Network ]

Reference:

Chilton, D. (2007, July 17).How to make your own organic mosquito repellent.DIY life. Retrieved September 2, 2012, from http://www.diylife.com/2007/07/17/how-to-make-your-own-organic-mosquito-repellent.

Balbas Pusa

Balbas Pusa Uses, Health Benefits, Side Effects

Balbas Pusa Scientific Name : Orthosiphon aristatus

Also known as:Balbas-pusa (Pilipino) Kabling-parang (Pilipino) Yaa-nuat-maeo (Thailand)Cat's whisker (English)Indian kidney tea (English)Java tea (English)Kidney tea (English)Mao xu cao (Chinese) pokok misai kucing (Malay)

Cat's whisker or Balbas pusa is a tropical herbaceous perennial plant that is native in Southeast Asia usually found in China, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand and even in Australia. Balbas pusa, commonly referred to as Java tea is a herb used as medicine for many centuries.

Orthosiphon aristatus (balbas pusa) is an erect, slender shrub that can grow 1-2 meters in height. The leaves are semi-deciduous, light to dark green in color and are borne in distant pairs that is about 5-10 cm long.. The stalk is reddish-brown, that is slightly puberulent. The flowers forms a pagoda like shaped with 5-6 cm long stamens that resembles a cat’s whiskers, hence the name 'balbas pusa' in tagalog and 'cat's whisker' in english. The color of the flowers varies from white to purplish.

Balbas Pusa, Herbal Medicine - Folkloric Health Benefits

Basbas pusa also popularly known as Java tea is widely used as folkloric herbal medicine for centuries . Balbas pusa is used as a treatment for the following ailments

renal inflammation, kidney stones and dysuria. liver and bladder problems including bladder stones, urinary tract infection,

diabetes, rheumatism and gout. reduction of cholesterol and blood pressure. antiallergic, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory diuretic or stimulates urine production

 

Balbas Pusa, Scientific Studies - Medical Uses

Ingredients: Hedargenin, ß-sitosterol, ursolic acid, glycolic acid, methylripariochromene A.

Kidney Stones Treatment. Clinical trials have shown that in 40% of patients with kidney stones of 0.5 cm diameter that was subjected to orthosiphon indicated an improvement in six months. In a similar study, about In 20% of the patients with other kidney complaints were cured and the patients were free of pain and discomfort.

Diabetes Treatment. In a study conducted for Orthosiphon. Results have demonstarated that there is reduction in blood sugar level for non-insulin dependent diabetics after being subjected for treatment in six months. Orthosiphon also acts on hypertension (high blood pressure). It reduces water and therefore as it has no side effects it can be used in place of pharmaceutic diuretics whether these are potassium saving, uricosurics, or others. It also has a significant effect on high renal blood pressure. As a consequence of treating high blood pressure, kidney stones and disorders can also be cured.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Orthosiphon stamineus. In a clinical study in rats using methanol/water extract of orthosiphon have shown that orthosiphon exhibited antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging activites int he rats' liver. (Basir R, Asmawi MZ, Ismail Z. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia)

Effects of Orthosiphon stamineus aqueous extract on plasma glucose concentration and lipid profile in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The study has shown that In oral glucose tolerance test, the extract (0.2-1.0 g/kg) significantly decreased plasma glucose concentration in 

a dose-dependent manner in both normal and diabetic rats.(Sriplang K, Adisakwattana S, Rungsipipat A, Yibchok-Anun S. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand)

A long-term study on the efficacy of a herbal plant, Orthosiphon grandiflorus, and sodium potassium citrate in renal calculi treatment. A was performed to compare the efficacy of a herbal plant, Orthosiphon grandiflorus (OG), and the drug sodium potassium citrate (SPC) in treatment of renal calculi. The study has shown that herbal tea preapred from orthosiphon plant taken for 18 months has significant redution of renal stones and there were strong indications that symptoms related to renal problems has greatly improved.(Premgamone A, Sriboonlue P, Disatapornjaroen W, Maskasem S, Sinsupan N, Apinives C. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand)

Antihypertensive substance in the leaves of kumis kucing (Orthosiphon aristatus) in Java Island Among those thirteen substances, it was found that a major constituent in the water decoction of leaves, methylripariochromene A (5), exhibited a continuous decrease in systolic blood pressure after subcutaneous administration in conscious stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (Ohashi K, Bohgaki T, Shibuya H. Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, ukuyama University, Hiroshima, Japan.)

Balbas Pusa, Java Tea Preparation

Balbas pusa or java tea is prepared as follows.

wash fresh or dried balbas pusa or cat's whisker leaves

 

chop then add in 4 cups of water for every 1 cup

 

let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes

 

Let it steep then strain.

 

Drink half cup of balbas pusa tea also known as java tea three times a day.

 

Balbas pusa tea concoction can be stored in suitable glass container for later consumption.

Java tea bags are also available in health stores. Follow the instructions in the label for safe use.

Balbas Pusa Contra Indications, Side Effects, Warnings

Java tea or balbas pusa tea has no known and reported contra indications with other drugs. While it is generally safe to take java tea of balbas pusa tea, prolonged intake is discourage as this may cause low sodium serum in the body. Intake is also discouraged during pregnancy since there is no conclusive study that has been done to determine its safe use during pregnancy.

If allergy dvelopes and java tea is suspected, stop use and consult your medical adviser.

Reference:

Balbas pusa uses, health benefits, side effects.Medical health guide. Retrieved September 2, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/orthosiphon.htm.

Lemon Grass Herbal Medicine

Lemon Grass Uses, Health Benefits And Side Effects

What Is Lemon Grass

Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus

Also knows as:English : Lemon Grass, Camel’s Hay, Citronella, Geranium Grass, Cochin Grass French: herbe de citronGerman: ZitronengrasItalian: erba di limoneSpanish: hierba de limonIndian: bhustrina, seraIndonesian: sere, serehLao: bai mak naoMalay: seraiSinhalese: seraThai: takraiPhilippines: tanglad

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), a native herb from temperate and warm regions such as India, is widely used in Asian cooking and is an ingredient in many Thai and Vietnamese foods. Lemon grass use in cooking has become popular in the Caribbean and in the United States for its aromatic citrus flavor with a trace of ginger.

Lemon grass is a member of a specie of grass that grows to as high as 1 meter with leaves of 1 to 1.5 centimeters in width that grows from a stalk of about 30 to 80 cm long with bulbous lower end.

Lemon grass is a perennial and tufted grass that is commercially cultivated in Souteast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and China. Lemon grass is also cultivated in United States specifically in California and Florida. Propagation is by dividing the root clumps.

Lemon grass oil is extracted by steam distillation. Lemongrass oil has a lemony, sweet smell and is dark yellow to amber and reddish in color, with a watery viscosity. It is also known as 'choomana poolu' and is also referred to as 'Indian Verbena' or 'Indian Melissa oil'. Lemon grass oil is a valuable ingredient in cosmetics, perfumes and as fragrances for soaps and insect repellants.

Lemongrass is reportedly has a wide variety of therapeutic application. With limited research and studies conducted on humans, Lemon grass effectiveness is based mainly on the results from animal and laboratory studies as well as its reputation as a folk remedy.

Lemon Grass, Herbal Medicine

Lemon grass as herbal medicine for gastro-intestinal problems stomachaches, diarrhea, gas, bowel spasms, vomiting, fever, the flu, and headaches Taken as tea, 1 cup every 8 hours. The tea is prepared by boiling about 10 leaves in 2 cups of water, adding sugar to taste and a slice of ginger.

Lemon grass oil mixed with other essential oils such as coconut oil is used as a liniment for back pains, rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains and other body pains.

Lemongrass oil mixed with other essential oils such as lavender or jasmine oil used in baths or vapor scents can revitalize the body and relieve the symptoms of jetlag, headaches, anxiety and stress related exhaustion.

Lemon grass is used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat fevers and infectious illnesses. Lemon grass is also used in Chinese medicine to treat colds and rheumatism..

To treat circulatory disorders, some authorities recommend rubbing a few drops of lemongrass oil on the skin of affected areas; it is believed to work by improving blood flow.

Lemongrass has natural anti-microbial properties, is an antiseptic, suitable for use on various types of skin infections, usually as a wash or compress, and is especially effective on ringworm, infected sores. Acne and athlete's foot

Lemongrass is effective in killing cancer cells.

It is useful with respiratory infections such as sore throats, laryngitis and fever and helps prevent spreading of infectious diseases.

Lemon grass is also used as an insect repellant. It helps to keep pets clean of fleas, ticks and lice.

Lemon Grass, Herbal Medicine Preparation And Application

Lemon Grass Tea Preparation

Pound or cut about 10 leaves of lemon grass then add in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain, add sugar and a slice of ginger to taste. Let it cool and drink a cup three to four times a day. Make new lemon grass herbal tea as needed. When symptoms persist or irritation occurs stop the use and consult your doctor.

Lemon grass oil (food grade) can also be used to make tea by diluting 2 teaspoon of lemon grass oil to a cup of boiling water.

Lemon grass Liniment Prepartion

Boil equal amounts of chopped leaves and roots with freshly made coconut oil

You can also mix 2 drops of Lemon grass oil to an ounce of your usual oil used such as coconut oil, olive oil, etc.

Lemongrass Baths and Compress

Chop about a cup of lemon grass leaves to a liter of water. Let it boil and strain. You can add it to your bath or you can use it as herbal compress for skin infections.

Lemon grass oil can also be added to a bath or warm water for hot compress. a tablespoon of oil for every 500ml for compress is suggested.

Lemon Grass Use Cautions And Warnings

Lemongrass is not known to be harmful when taken in recommended dosages. However, individuals should always take caution before using any treatment. The essential oil should not be used internally by children, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, or people with liver or kidney disease. When used for various medication, There are reports of the following

Burning sensation(s) Skin Irritation, discomfort, and rash

Lowered blood glucose

While Lemongrass is not known to have an adverse effect with known drugs and supplements. NonethelessIt is advisable to linit the use of Lemonngrass for the following medical conditions

Individuals taking oral diabetes drugs Individuals taking anti-hypertensive drugs Individuals with diabetes and / or individuals who are hypoglycemic

In rare cases, lemongrass essential oil has caused allergic reactions when applied to the skin. To minimize skin irritation, dilute the oil in a carrier oil such as safflower or sunflower seed oil before application. As with all essential oils, small amounts should be used, and only for a limited time.

Avoid getting lemongrass (herb or oil) in the eyes.

Lemongrass Other Uses

Culinary and Food Preparation

Lemongrass is widely popular as spice for various culinary and food preparations. Lemongrass is popular for its citrus flavor which is widely used in a variety of Asian Cusiines.

Insect and Sanke Repellant

Lemongrass is known for its ability to repel insects and bugs. It is also used in India as a snake repellant. Lemongrass is planted around the house or onto window sills.

Cosmetics, Fragrances

Lemongrass oil has a fruity citrus scent that is widely used as fragrances for soaps, moisturizers, cleansers and deodorants.

Lemongrass Scientific Studies

The link between lemongrass and cholesterol was investigated by researchers from the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, who published their findings in the medical journal Lipids in 1989. They conducted a clinical trial involving 22 people with high cholesterol who took 140-mg capsules of lemongrass oil daily. While cholesterol levels were only slightly affected in some of the participants--cholesterol was lowered from 310 to 294 on average--other people in the study experienced a significant decrease in blood fats. The latter group, characterized as responders, experienced a 25-point drop in cholesterol after one month, and this positive trend continued over the course of the short study. After three months, cholesterol levels among the responders had decreased by a significant 38 points. Once the responders stopped taking lemongrass, their cholesterol returned to previous levels. It should be noted that this study did not involve a placebo group, which is usually used to help measure the effects of the agent being studied (in this case, lemongrass oil).

Antibacterial / Antifungal : (1) Studies have shown antibacterial activity, comparable to penicillin. (2) Various studies has shown activity against C albicans, C pseudotropicalis, Mycrosporum gypseum and A niger.

Neurobehavioral Effects :   (1) Study of myrcene in rats suggests anxiolytic activity. (2) Study of essentail oil produced marked CNS depression in mice, similar to chlorpromazine effect. Also, it increased sleepness time, similar to a thiopental effect.

Antinociceptive / Analgesic :   Myrcene extract from the essential oil has been shown to have an antinociceptive effect.Antitumoral :   (1) Study showed a-myrcene possess antimutagenic activity in mammary cells. (2) Plant compounds, a-limonene and geraniol showed inhibition of liver and intestinal mucous membrane cancer in mice. (3) Study in Thailand showed inhibition of colorectal neoplasia in mice. (4) Study showed inhibitory effects on early phase hepatocarcinogenesis in rats after initiation with diethylnitrosamine

 

Reference:

Lemon grass uses, health benefits, side effects.Medical health guide. Retrieved September 2, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/herb/lemongrass.htm.

Oregano

Oregano Herbal Medicine Uses, Health Benefits, Side Effects

What Is Oregano Herb

Scientific Name :Origanum vulgare

Also knows as:Oregano (Spanish.), Suganda(Tagalog.), Torongil de Limon(Spanish.), Zuo shou xiang (Chinene.)

Oregano is more popularly known for its aromatic and balsamic flavor and is commonly used as mint flavoring in Mediterranean and Mexican foods. Oregano as used as herbal medicine has its earliest beginnings even in early Egyptian times and has been traditionally used as herbal remedy for skin burns, cuts and bruises. Because of the minty flavor of

oregano, it is also used as herbal remedy for sore throat, asthma, colds, coughs and flu.

Oregano is considered as a perennial plant that grows in warm temparate areas and is native in India, western and southern Eurasia and Mediterranean countries. Oregano was later introduced and cultivated in the Philippines and other Asian countires.

Oregano grows from 20–80 cm tall, with opposite heart-shaped leaves 3 to 9 cm long. Oregano flowers are purple, 3–4 mm long, produced in erect spikes. It is sometimes called wild marjoram, and its close relative O. majorana is then known as sweet marjoram.

Oregano, Traditional Health Benefits

Oregano leaves and flowers are used as antiseptic for cuts and burns. Oregano contains thymol, a crystalline substance that has antiseptic and fungicide properties.

Oregano is also used as herbal medicine to cure respiratory and stomach ailments.

Oregano oil extracts help treat cold, mild fever, and indigestion. Oregano is known to have antioxidant properties Oregano tea is believed to have a soothing effect and helps in getting restful

sleep. Tea made with oregano is also used to relieve flatulence [gas problems] and

menstrual pain. Oil derived from oregano leaves offers relief from toothaches. Rub a few

drops of oregano oil on the teeth and gums after every meal and at bed time to reduce bad breath.

The oregano herb is also a good source of fibre. [A diet high in fibre helps manage weight, reduces risk of colon cancer and increases breakdown of cholesterol in the body].

Oregano is a relatively good source of calcium, iron, manganese, Vitamin A, C and K. [However, because the quantity consumed is very less, one cannot depend on oregano as a wholesome source of vitamins and minerals].

Used as a steam inhalant, oregano helps clear sinuses.Oregano oil helps in controlling acne and pimples. Add two drops of oregano oil to any face wash when cleaning your face [recommended: twice daily].

Externally crushed oregano leaves are mixed with oats and hot water and pounded into a paste. When applied over swelling, itching and aching muscles, eases pain. It also provides relief when rubbed on affected joints [twice daily] in case of arthritis.

A few drops of oregano oil rubbed on the scalp at night help control dandruff. You may experience a mild warming sensation, which is normal. Wash off with a shampoo next morning.

Oregano oil helps remove lice from hair. Oregano oil helps cure infections of fingernails. Oregano oil when rubbed on the chest and inhaled as vapours directly from

the bottle several times in a day, helps clear the passage in cases of asthma.

Oregano Herbal Essential Oil Benefits, Side Effects

Oregano essential oil is the concentrated essence, or essential oil, of wild oregano. It takes approximately 100

pounds of oregano leaves to make a single pound of the volatile oregano oil.

Oregano essential oil, can be taken internally and used topically in a variety of herbal medicine preparations.

Oregano Oil, Internal Use:

Adults, dilute 2 drops of oregano oil 120 ml of water, and take 1-2 times daily.

Children, dilute one drop in 120 ml of water, and take 1-2 times daily.

Juice or any other natural liquid may be used in place of water, if desired.

Oregano oil can also be found in capsules at your local health food store, and should be taken according to the manufacturer's directions.

While naturally extracted oregano oil is harmless. Be careful of artificial oregano oils because these are toxic and are for external use only.

Oregano OIl, External Use:

One part oregano oil can be diluted with to two parts of olive oil and may be applied directly to the affected area.

If irritation of skin may occur, dilute the oregano with more olive oil. If symptoms persist, stop usage and consult a medical practitioner.

 

Oregano, Herbal Tea Preparation

wash fresh or dried oregano leaves chop then add in 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of oregano leaves. let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes Let it steep then strain the leaves. Drink half cup of Oregano three times a day. Oregano concoction can be stored in suitable blass container for later

consumption.

Reference:

Oregano herbal medicine uses, health benefits, side effects.Medical health guide. Retrieved September 2, 2012, from http://medicalhealthguide.com/articles/oregano.htm.

Natural Mosquito RepellentsStrategies That Work

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com GuideSee More About:

Aedes Aegypti Mosquito on Human Skin

Natural Mosquito Repellents Mosquito Best Mosquito Repellent Organic Mosquito Repellent Mosquito Repellent

When I was pregnant, I wanted to avoid using toxic chemical insect repellents, yet the mosquitoes seemed to find me tastier than ever. My solution at that time was to wear what I called my 'DEET sheet', which was an old cotton sheet that had been sprayed with S.C. Johnson's Off! Deep Woods formula. While this was highly effective, it wasn't practical for use around kids, so I did research into safer, natural mosquito repellents. I learned that many so-called natural mosquito repellents don't repel mosquitoes (e.g., ultrasonic electronic devices), but some are backed by reputable research and really work.

Mosquitoes have complex methods of detecting hosts and different types of mosquitoes react to different stimuli. Most mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk, but there are also mosquitoes that seek hosts during the day. You can avoid being bitten by making sure you aren't attracting mosquitoes, using attractants to lure mosquitoes elsewhere, using a repellent, and avoiding actions that diminish the effectiveness of the repellent.

Mosquito Attractants

Use this list of items and activities that attract mosquitoes as a list of things to avoid or that can be used as bait to lure mosquitoes away from you.

Dark Clothing

Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants.

Carbon Dioxide

You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.

Lactic Acid

You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods (e.g., salty foods, high-potassium foods).

Floral or Fruity Fragrances

In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

Skin Temperature

The exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities.

Moisture

Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.

Natural Repellents

It's very easy to make your own natural mosquito repellent. These natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations than DEET. Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient. As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant oils. Citronella Oil Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Cinnamon Oil Castor Oil Rosemary Oil Lemongrass Oil Cedar Oil Peppermint Oil Clove Oil Geranium Oil Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme,

Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic

Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

Things that Lower Repellent Effectiveness

Many Sunscreens Dilution from Rain, Perspiration, or Swimming Absorption into the Skin Evaporation from Wind or High Temperatures

Keep in mind that 'natural' does not automatically imply 'safe'. Many people are sensitive to plant oils. Some natural insect repellents are actually toxic. Therefore, although natural repellents provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals, please remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products.

Recent Chemistry ArticlesSuggested Reading DEET Chemistry Toxic Chemicals Chemistry How-To Collection More About Mosquito Repellents Lemon Eucalyptus to Repel Mosquitoes Natural Isn't Necessarily Safe Cinnamon Beats DEET

Reference:

Helmenstine, A. M. Natural mosquito repellents.About. Retrieved September 2, 2012, from http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa050503a.htm.