Lemon Eucalyptus                                 

This herb is grown in zone 9 with soil temperatures at 75 degrees. It doesn’t do well in low temperature regions. The essential oil is extracted by steam or water distillation of fresh, partially dried leaves and twigs.

Eucalyptus lemon (Eucalyptus citriodora) is the best essential oil against insects in general. It has been compared to the same effectiveness as DEET, but without side effects. The therapeutic uses of the essential oil are muscular injury, fungal skin infection, bacterial skin infection, sores, wounds, respiratory tract conditions, asthmas, fever, candida, insect bites and insect repellent.

It blends well with basil linalol, black pepper, cedarwood, cypress, elemi, eucalyptus peppermint, eucalyptus radiate, fragonia, geranium, ginger, immortelle, juniper berry, lavandin, lavender, manuka, marjoram (sweet), peppermint, pine, ravensara, ravintsara, rosemary, tangerine, tea tree, thyme linalol and vetiver oils.

Safety: Externally non-toxic, non-irritant (in dilution), non-sensitizing. Do not take internally.

“Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance about effective mosquito repellents available in the United States. The updated guidance includes addition of two active ingredients - picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus - which have been shown to offer long-lasting protection against mosquito bites.” https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/noninfectious-health-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods

 Basil       

The health benefits of basil essential oil include its ability to alleviate nausea, inflammation, motion sickness, indigestion, constipation, respiratory problems, and fight bacterial infections. It is derived from the Ocimum basilicum plant is also known as sweet basil oil in some places.

To learn how to grow basil click here

I have formulated an Herb Garden body butter that has these essential oils in it. It's a new product that's available now.

Lemon    

Lemon essential oil is an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredient that can help you boost your mood, find mental clarity, reduce stress, and more. The scent of lemon is uplifting and combined with lavender this scent combination provides soothing aromatherapy benefits promoting calmness and steadiness of the nerves. This is always a favorite spring – summer scent.

Soybean Oil – Natural Repellent

Soybean oil is the edible vegetable oil extracted from soybean seeds. The soybean oil when mixed with small amounts of rosemary, citronella, geranium, cedarwood, peppermint, and lemon eucalyptus oils repel the biting insects like black flies, mosquitos, and ticks. The natural oil derived from the soybean is an excellent carrier oil for these essential oils as they all work together and are safe for children 4 and older and adults. Children under 3 – Parents should seek the guidance of their pediatrician.

If you have sensitive skin I would recommend just the soybean oil as it’s a natural moisturizer and has natural insect repelling properties, but isn’t as effective unless combined with the essential oils.