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The other mosquito danger no one suspected
We all know that mosquitoes carry dangerous viruses — from West Nile and Zika to malaria and even yellow fever — it’s all over the news.
But, did you know that those potentially deadly viruses aren’t the only danger you face when a mosquito bites you?
You see, doctors used to think that a mosquito basically acted like a syringe, injecting the virus into your body when they land on your arm and start sucking your blood.
They were wrong!
In fact, a new study has proven that there is far more to it — and that the viruses they carry are not the only danger coming from those mosquitoes buzzing around your backyard this summer…
Saliva and your immune response
A team of researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine took a closer look at mosquito saliva to determine what effect it has on your immune system and possibly your health.
Using mice whose immune systems had been altered to be more “human,” they found that mosquito saliva caused activation of T helper cells 1 (ones that respond to viruses), as well as activation of T helper cells 2 (ones that have been linked to allergic responses).
And, according to the researchers, the effects of the mosquito salvia resulted in long-lasting immune responses — up to seven days post-bite — in multiple tissue types, including blood, skin and bone marrow.
In other words, when you get bitten by one of those buzzing nuisances, your immune system goes into hyperdrive for up to a week at a time, even if they’re not carrying a single virus!
So, why is this a problem?
The answer is simple…
Overactivity of your immune system can lead to chronic disease and has been linked to everything from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis and Chronic Fatigue.
Clearly, part of preserving your health must include a protection and mosquito bite prevention plan.
But, do you really want to spray all of those toxic chemicals onto your skin and inhale them into your lungs?
Repel mosquitoes with essential oils
The good news is that you don’t have to. There are natural alternatives using effective essential oils that actually work, so you don’t have to turn yourself into a walking toxic bomb in order to keep those flying blood suckers away.
Here are my top three picks you may want to try this summer…
#1 – Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Also known as also known as PMD or OLE, oil of lemon eucalyptus has been found in two separate scientific studies to be as effective as or even more effective than insect repellents containing DEET at warding off mosquitoes.
In fact, it’s so effective that even the name brands like Cutter and Coleman have jumped on the bandwagon and started offering DEET-free Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent.
#2 – Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is another great option in your fight to keep those mosquitoes at bay.
Researchers in one study discovered that a solution of fiver percent thyme oil provides a 91 percent protection rate against adult mosquitoes.
#3 – Catnip Oil
And for some real power, try Greek catnip oil. In a head to head test by researchers at Iowa State University, catnip oil was found to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitos.
If you’re not sure how to use these essential oils to keep the bugs away, watch this video on how to make your own natural insect repellant at home using just a few additional ingredients.
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Sources:
- More than a living syringe: Mosquito saliva alone triggers unexpected immune response — Baylor College of Medicine
- When the immune system goes on the attack — EMBO Reports
- Study: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil More Effective Than DEET Mosquito Repellent — Reset.Me
- Evaluation of a eucalyptus-based repellent against Anopheles spp. in Tanzania — Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
- Field evaluation of three plant-based insect repellents against malaria vectors in Vaca Diez Province, the Bolivian Amazon — Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
- Repellent activities of essential oils and monoterpenes against Culex pipiens pallens — Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
- Catnip Repels Mosquitoes More Effectively Than DEET — American Chemical Society