The Hays Herb Study group at the Hays Public Library made natural bug repellent bars at its meeting on Tuesday.By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The bars use essential oils to repel flies and mosquitoes. The lotion bars can be rubbed on the skin prior to going outside.
Pam Herl, Herb Study member, said other natural pest repellents that you can plant in your garden include lavender, citronella, catnip, lemongrass and basil.
The Herb Study meets at 5 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the Schmidt Gallery at the library. The meetings are open to the public and free to attend.
Other summer upcoming meeting topics include:
June 19, Organic gardening
July 3, Mosaic clay planter
July 17, Energizing herbs
Aug. 7 Herbal medicine kit
Aug. 21 Mullein
Below is the recipe for the bars.
2 oz beeswax
4 oz organic shea butter
2 oz of organic coconut oil
10 drops of citronella essential oil
20 drops lemongrass essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops of lemon or eucalyptus oil
You will also need a double boiler and silicone bar molds. The library bought its essential oils from Back to Nature, the beeswax from Jensen Farms at Professor’s and the molds on Amazon.
Directions
- Melt the beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil over a double boiler. The beeswax will likely take longer to melt, so put it in first.
2. Remove from heat and add essential oils, mix slightly.
3. Carefully pour the mixture into the molds and allow to cure for 24 hours.
4. Remove from the mold and put them in a plastic tub for later use.
Depending on the size of the molds, the recipe will make six bars.
The bars can become soft or melt in heat, so it is best to use the bar before you go out or put it in a sealed container.
Recipe from https://www.imperfectlyhappy.com/bug-repellent-bars/
See a calendar of other summer activities for all ages at the library here.