Homemade Bug Spray

Today is my last day of preparations before I leave on my trip!  This week at work was caaa-razy.  My company deals a lot in disaster recovery, so with the hurricane on the east coast, it was sooo busy!  I got a lot of hours in, so that was good.  I kept joking they better take advantage while I was still here!  My flight leaves on Saturday afternoon for London!

Here are some things I am packing.  You know I can’t leave without packing some food … so I made packs of oatmeal for breakfasts.  Gluten free oats, powdered honey, and some raisins.  If you have never had powdered honey, it is awesome!  Perfect in rubs too

  I am bringing a little bowl and spoon, and I’m hoping to be able to heat up some water, and at least have a healthy breakfast each morning!  I also have purchased single use packs of peanut butter to add a little fat and protein (and fun!) to the oatmeal.

Travel clock, some water tablets that are supposed to make undrinkable water drinkable (although I probably will stick to bottled water while in India), and Kleenex!  I also have some Wet Ones wipes (for icky bathroom experiences – my boss told me of one bathroom in particular that was just gross!)  I figure the Kleenex can double as TP as well.  Other things I have packed are protein powder, probiotic pills, magnesium sleeping aids, papaya enzymes (natural alternative to Tums), and some of my homemade protein bars.  Oh and I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies – some to leave for my hubby while I am gone, and some for me to take. 

Oh – and my husband got me a tablet to take with me!  I have wanted one for a long time, but just never found the need to get one.  I have an iphone, but I am not planning on using it overseas at all.  I thought about getting an ipad being all cool with Apple and all, but after some research decided on the Samsung Tab 2 – the 10.1 inch one.    I also got a new camera to take with me — I love my Canon Rebel, but I wanted something a little smaller to take with.  It is supposed to arrive today in the mail — I hope it gets here!  This is what I got .. a Panasonic Lumix.  And kind of at the last minute (ok, yesterday), I decided I wanted a watch.  I use my phone all the time to check the time (har har), but I decided I am not going to use it at all while I am gone.  I am going to try to get an international prepaid phone in case I need it, and although we looked into an international SIM card, I would have had to jailbreak my iPhone, and I decided not to do that.  I’m a good girl who follows the rules.   SO, I ordered this watch necklace.. basically a pocket watch on a chain.  And that is supposed to get here today!  For only $3.99 for one day shipping!

One of the challenges is that I will be spending time in London – which should be around 50 degrees F outside – and India – which should be around 85-90 degrees outside!  I’m trying to to overpack, but still trying to remember everything I might need!  Plus one environment will be a little more business casual, and the other one very casual!  Talk about needing a little bit of everything!

When I first found out for sure I was taking this trip, I called my doctor to see if there were any immunizations I would need.  They pretty much weren’t that helpful, but did prescribe some malaria medication for me.  I am a little torn on the malaria meds – I am supposed to take it a couple days before I arrive in India, and then everyday while I am there.  The medication does not PREVENT malaria, but helps with the symptoms.  I have never ever gotten a lot of bug bites in my life.  I just seem to have blood the mosquitos don’t like?  I have a sister that will get eaten alive in the summer, however even as a kid, I just really didn’t get bug bites.  I can’t even remember the last time I have had one!

My husband wants me to take the malaria medication, I would rather not take it.  It takes so long to get out of your system, and you should see the list of things you should and should not do while on the medication!  I prefer to take less formal medications, and try to heal myself with herbs and healing foods.  But, I also realize malaria is a serious illness.  So I’m still kind of torn on that.  My boss said of the 2 times she went to India, one time she took the meds, one time she did not.

(ummm …. but I just googled malaria images and not I’m a little scared…)

(source)

So while I am still not sure what I am going to do, I decided to make some bug spray to take with me!  I know most of the time I will be traveling between the office and the hotel, but I am sure we will be spending some time outside.  I had seen this recipe for an herbal bug spray during the summer, but never got around to making it.  Plus, since I really don’t get eaten by bugs that much, I didn’t really see a need to make it!  However, it calls for a catnip leaf tincture, so I had started that during the summer.  I am so glad I did!  After that, it really was pretty easy to put together!

Herbal Bug Spray

4 oz catnip leaf tincture

4 oz witch hazel extract

20 drops cedarwood essential oil

20 drops citronella essential oil

20 drops lavender essential oil

20 drops eucalyptus essential oil

20 drops rosemary essential oil

10 drops lemongrass essential oil

First, prepare the catnip leaf tincture.  In a glass jar, place dried catnip leaf.  I used about 2 cups.  Cover with the highest percentage of vodka you can find – I was only able to find 80%.  Let sit at least 4-6 weeks, or until you need it!

Strain out the catnip and discard (or compost!).  You are left with the tincture.

Mix the catnip tincture with the rest of the ingredients.  My husband said I looked a little like a mad chemist while I was adding in the essential oils. 

Now, back in July when I was going to originally make this, I bought a bunch of 2-4 ounce spray glass bottles.  I was going to put the bug spray in these bottles to make it easy to apply.  With all the rearranging I have done, I can’t find them!!!  I have no idea where I put them. 

  I know I got some of them at Whole Foods, so I am going to go there today and see if I can find some more.  In the meantime, I am storing this in a glass jar.

It smells pretty good with the lavender and lemon oils.  I’ll let you know how it works out in India!  And oh my gosh, in some ways, I just cannot believe I am going to INDIA!!!!!

Obligatory Sammy pic entered here …

So, after my crazy week at work, this weekend I have been trying to sleep, take it easy, and spend time with my husband!  We are planning on going out to an Indian restaurant for dinner tonight, and then tomorrow I have a ride arranged to the airport!  Wish me luck – I’ll see you from London!