Researchers say the lotion blocked mosquito bites for up to three hours in controlled laboratory testing.
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Summer is coming, which means mosquito season is soon upon us. While synthetic insect repellents are still considered the gold standard, concerns about skin irritation and environmental effects have fueled growing interest in natural alternatives.
A study found that patchouli oil may be just as effective as standard insect repellents.
How It Works
The findings, published in ACS Omega, showed that patchouli oil added to a lotion carrier provided complete protection against mosquitoes for up to three hours.
George Citroner reports on health and medicine, covering topics that include cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions. He was awarded the Media Orthopaedic Reporting Excellence (MORE) award in 2020 for a story on osteoporosis risk in men.
