Natural Choices — Health Food, Organic Produce, Gluten Free, Vitamins, Supplements — Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana

Posts Tagged ‘natural insect repellent’

I like the drive from Indianapolis to Columbus and when I get there, I am rewarded with a visit to Natural Choices, the healthy living store. Without even trying, I always learn something new or find something to make my life healthier when I walk through the door of Natural Choices.

Essential oils come in small, potent quantities.

The last trip I learned about essential oils. I knew people who purchased essential oils, but I had no idea what they did with them. The first thing I learned is that, for the most part, essential oils are not for ingestion. That’s a big one for me because I thought they were used in cooking which is not usually true.

Essential oils are the “essence” of a plant, the scent and vitality of a plant distilled into a very potent, useful bit of oil. The oils are used in aromatherapy for one thing. But for novices like me, I have to learn a little bit at a time.

Pure and natural oils are the best. Consumers have to be aware that there are synthetic products out there. Pay attention to ingredients (you don’t want to see the word ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient) and buy oils from “people who know” rather than from the big box store manned by workers trained in emptying boxes onto shelves despite the contents.

Lavender oil smells wonderful and is healthful, too.

For summer, one of the big finds is that specific essential oils like citronella, peppermint and lavender can be used as a natural bug repellent. Simply sprinkle a few drops onto a cotton ball and place it near doorways and windows! Keep the bugs out and freshen the air at the same time! What a great idea.

Another important bit of information gleaned was that because the oils are so potent, care must be exercised in using them around pets and children. You know how they like to put things in their mouths – and ingested full-strength essential oil would not be a good thing.

What started this whole new adventure in essential oils was a huge display of them at Natural Choices. You can trust that they will be pure and healthful if they are on the shelves there and the staff can help you explore the scents and choose those that will benefit you.

Go on in, explore, learn and take home an essential oil to freshen your home and boost your health at the same time!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices is nearby no matter where you live. Call, place an order and it will be shipped directly to you.

Argh!!!! … or … Ahhh???

Badger anti-bug balm convenient tins fit easily in your purse or tote.

Along with the all the little pleasures of summer time come all the little annoyances – like mosquitoes and gnats. I don’t know which I dislike more. We all understand the bites and itches of mosquitoes, but gnats, well, one in my nose or ear can just about drive me insane, especially so in the midst of an otherwise peaceful night’s sleep.

But, once again, as with so many things, the way to repel the little nippers is to confront them with chemical repellents. But putting those chemicals on my skin – or the skin of those I love – just makes me cringe. So I am declaring this a DEET-free summer! I have found the perfect product at Natural Choices to get me through the summer DEET-free.

Badger anti-bug balm contains no chemicals and is – wait for it – USDA certified organic!! The active ingredients listed are citronella oil, cedar oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil and geranium oil. Just rub it on and you’ll smell much better than the exhaust from a city bus (which is what bug repellents smell like to me) AND you won’t be scratching and itching all night either.

With all the rain, and now hot temperatures here in the Midwest, I know the insects are just days away. I know we’ll be ready with a natural insect repellent. The handy little tins can go in my purse or pool bag and I am set to spend time outdoors – bug and DEET-free!

–Ellie of the Natural Choices Blog Team

Natural Choices in Columbus, Indiana is the place for organic products – produce, packaged food, cleaning supplies and personal care items. Stop in or call us today!