In a previous post (Why Thyme?) I talked about Thyme and it's healing properties. We bought some Thyme essential oil and we'll use it to make a natural mosquito repellent, and we plan to buy some varieties of Thyme to plant, as well as some other herbs!  Here are some interesting things I've learned about Thyme:

• If you grow your own lemon thyme, you'll always have some on hand for crushing and using as mosquito repellent. Lemon thyme grows well in beds or in containers and typically requires very little care. Plant it in full sun and in well-drained soil. Water it on a regular basis, but do not allow it to sit in soggy soil for long periods. Around midsummer, cut the plant back to about two inches and let the foliage grow. This gives it a better chance of surviving winter.

According to this website: https://www.healthline.com/health/kinds-of-natural-mosquito-repellant#thyme-oil, when it comes to repelling malarial mosquitoes, thyme oil is one of the best at providing protection. You may also want to throw thyme leaves into a campfire. Research shows that burning thyme leaves offers 85 percent protection for 60 to 90 minutes.  For a homemade brew, combine 4 drops of thyme oil to every teaspoon of base oil, such as olive or jojoba oil. For a spray, mix 5 drops of thyme oil with 2 ounces of water.

DISCLAIMER: As with any essential, please be sure to do your own research before using them.  Many need to be added to a carrier oil to be safe, and some can be irritating to the skin.  In no way am I giving advice regarding the use of essential oils!  Do your own research!

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