My editor tells me that last year, as her family tried to enjoy their summer in Michigan, there were days when they couldn’t go outside. Not because the sun wasn’t out, or because it was too humid, no- it was because of the mosquitoes. She said they would swarm and hover around the glass at the front door. And now with GM mosquitoes being released…yuck. Summer is supposed to be fun.

If you don’t want to stay indoors and you don’t want to cover yourself in DEET(because its poison and terrible for you- it also doesn’t work), maybe its time to try something new- Vitamin B1 or thiamine.

Vitamin B1, also referred to as thiamine, is an essential mineral for our bodies which helps to boost immunity and fight stress. It’s found in foods like brown rice, eggs, oatmeal, liver, yeast, asparagus, and kale. And you can’t take too much of it! Any excess gets eliminated through urination, just like with other water-soluble vitamins.

So, how does it keep mosquitos at bay? It changes your smell! You become very unappealing to the mosquitoes because you smell a little “yeasty” and that smell, it turns out, is their kryptonite. But, no one else will notice.

While there hasn’t been a lot of research done on this topic, there is no harm in trying, especially since it’s all natural and has no side effects. And, many people swear by its efficacy. One other plus? The vitamin is highly recommended for you if you have had gastric bypass, chronic alcoholism, anorexia, and or Crohn`s disease, as these conditions lower its levels in your body.

But you don’t just have to take B1 supplements (try 100 mg of thiamine daily), you can also make your own mosquito repellent. Check out the recipe from our friends at Best Healthy Guide:

All Natural Mosquito Repellent

Ingredients:

  • Cooled boiled water
  • ½ tsp of witch hazel
  • 15 drops of tea tree oil
  • 15 drops of lavender oil

Instructions:

  • Fill an 8oz. spray bottle halfway with boiled water
  • Add the witch hazel, tea tree oil, and lavender oil
  • Use the repellent when needed

Have a great summer you guys. Get outside and enjoy yourselves!

XO- Erin

Source: Best Healthy Guide.