Citronella Bug Spray By Human Nature

Citronella Bug Spray by Human Nature is an organic insect repellant which is composed of virgin coconut oil, citronella oil and neem extract. It is said to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs. I previously recommended this one because the product is organic so it is safe to use even for young children. I finally was able to get hold of this spray a few months ago and based on my experience, it really doesn't ward off the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes still bite me even if only a few minutes have lapsed after I applied the bug spray. I actually just use it now as oil to massage my tired feet.

Recommended Organic Insect Repellants

One mother asked me today what's the best insect repellant to use for her baby. I told her that I prefer the organic insect repellants like Bioneem lotion. ( This one I've tried and it really works. The smell is not that strong and it's not that sticky to the skin.) But since Bioneem is only available thru direct selling (in some clinics and online stores) , I gave her other alternatives which she can try out too.

Here's a list of organic insect repellants and their corresponding website:
1. Bioneem lotion - You have to buy around P3,000 to P4,000+ worth of greencow products if you want to buy the lotion directly from their site. There are actually online stores at multiply which sell the lotion (P325 each) so probably you can check them out.
2. Giga Insect Repellant Spray - Giga products are readily available in selected stores like Robinson's Galleria, Tiendesitas, SM North Edsa etc.
3. Indigo Shoo Fly Lotion - This one is a product of Indigo Baby. A 300 ml bottle costs P765.
4. Citronella Bug Spray - This is a product of Human Heart Nature. A 50 ml bottle costs P79.75.

All these products are organic but there are babies and kids that have really sensitive skin and prone to allergies. So for first timers, just apply a small amount first of the lotion or spray on your baby's skin. Observe for emergence of rashes, redness of the skin or itchiness. If these are noted, discontinue the application of the product and seek pediatric consult.

Bioneem for Insect Bites

My nephew woke up yesterday with 3 insect bites on his legs so I immediately applied Bioneem ointment to the bite marks. This ointment was first introduced to me by a doctor-friend last year. At first, I wasn't interested at all. But I found myself being asked by several mothers what's the best remedy for insect bites and dark scars on their babies. So I bought a starter kit filled with Bioneem products (lotion, soap, ointment and liquid concentrate) and tried them first.

So why am I recommending the bioneem ointment? First, it is 100% natural. It comes from neem and acapulco extract which is safe for infants and children. Second, after 2-3 applications, it relieves the itchiness, redness and swelling caused by insect bites. It also reduces the appearance of dark scars because constant scratching is prevented. Upon continuous use, it can also lighten scars and stretch marks. Third, it is cheaper than other ointments or creams available in the drugstores. A 5 gram hydrocortisone costs P130 while a 30 gram bioneem oitment costs P260. Fourth, there's no fear of side effects since it's organic unlike when using topical steroids which can cause hypopigmentation.

So what's the only downside of this product? It is not available in drugstores. You can purchase it online or in some pediatric clinics so ask your child's doctor about it.