I LOVE when I can make something that is an effective natural alternative to a more chemically laden product. This is a recipe I got from a patient actually who raved about it. So I thought I would give it a try as I react very severely to mosquito bites and wanted something that did not have DEET in it to use on my kids and my dog. This is a sure winner in my books and to those family, friends and patients I recommend it to!

Ingredients/Directions:
For each 2 oz of witch hazel or vodka in a small spray bottle:
Add 10-20 drops each of the following essential oils:

• Citronella OR lemon grass
• Tea tree
• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus

And then 5-10 drops of

• Cinnamon leaf 

 
Best if sits for a few months before use, but still effective when made 'Fresh'.
Spray apply to skin and clothing/hats. Spray on hand to apply to face. A small amount last a long time, but reapply as necessary.
 
Check out this Scientific American article explaining deet as well as how Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a CDC (Centers for Disease Control) approved insect repellent! AMAZING!

Enjoy a bite free (hopefully) summer!
~Dr. Laura ND

When it comes to kids- it's all about having different activities to keep them busy! And I think most kids LOVE play dough. I LOVE this recipe because it last a long time, even if it is left outside overnight. The last batch I made lasted for about 6 months with many overnight air exposures. Most people have the following ingredients at home already, EXCEPT probably the cream of tartar. But this is the secret ingredient so don't SKIP it. Make a special trip to the bulkstore/grocery store to pick it up. It's worth the extra trip, trust me. 

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 tbsp oil
1/2 cup salt
1 tbsp cream of tartar
food colouring  5 drops
1 cup of all purpose flour

Directions:
Combine the water, oil, salt, cream of tartar and food colouring in a saucepan over the stove until hot.
Remove from stove and add flour. Mix until it forms a ball. Keep in an air tight container or  bag. Enjoy!

(NOTE: It must be warm/hot when you add the flour, if it is too cold then when you add the next ingredients the consistency will be liquidy, so if this does happen then you just have to heat up and mix until it begins to form a play dough ball).