Insect & Fly Repellent Balm

Description

A rich, natural beeswax balm created for people who spend time outdoors, combining nourishing plant oils with a distinctive aromatic blend of citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils.

These strongly aromatic plants have a long history of traditional outdoor use, where their distinctive natural aromas have been used to discourage unwanted insects.

For anyone who spends time gardening, walking, camping, working outdoors or around horses and livestock, mosquitoes aren’t necessarily the biggest nuisance. Horseflies, stable flies, midges and other biting insects can make the warmer months particularly uncomfortable.

That’s one of the reasons we chose this particular combination of aromatic plant oils.

🪰 What About Horseflies & Other Biting Flies?

Much of the familiar research into plant-based aromatic oils concerns mosquitoes, but scientists have also investigated essential oils in relation to horseflies and other biting flies.

Field research has specifically studied essential oils including citronella and peppermint against female horseflies (Tabanidae), while separate research has demonstrated behavioural and feeding-deterrent effects from lemongrass oil against stable flies.

Results vary according to the particular oil, concentration, formulation and insect species, but this research helps explain the longstanding interest in strongly aromatic plants for outdoor use.

🌱 Why These Essential Oils?

Citronella Essential Oil
Probably the best-known aromatic plant associated with traditional outdoor use. Citronella and its naturally occurring compounds have been extensively investigated in relation to mosquitoes and have also featured in research involving horseflies.

Lemongrass Essential Oil
Its powerful citrus aroma has traditionally made lemongrass popular for outdoor use. Research has investigated lemongrass against mosquitoes and biting flies, including stable flies.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Known for its distinctive fresh aroma. Eucalyptus oils and eucalyptus-derived compounds have attracted considerable scientific interest in relation to insects.

Peppermint Essential Oil
Provides the fresh, cooling character of the balm. Peppermint has been investigated in studies involving mosquitoes and has also been included in field research involving horseflies.

🐝 Why Put Essential Oils in a Beeswax Balm?

Essential oils are naturally volatile, meaning their aromatic compounds gradually evaporate when exposed to air.

Research into topical essential-oil formulations has investigated creams, lotions and other delivery systems as ways of slowing the release of these volatile compounds and helping them remain present on the skin for longer.

Rather than applying our essential oils in a quick-drying spray, they’re dispersed throughout a rich beeswax and plant-oil balm.

The balm stays where it is applied while coconut oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil and calendula moisturise and condition skin exposed to the elements.

🌼 Nourishing Your Skin Too

Beeswax (Cera Alba) – gives the balm its rich consistency and leaves a light protective layer on the skin.

Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil) – helps soften and condition dry skin.

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) – rich and nourishing for exposed skin.

Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil) – a light emollient that helps moisturise and condition.

Calendula – traditionally used in skincare and particularly suited to dry or exposed skin.

✨ How to Apply

Warm a small amount between your fingers and smooth onto exposed areas such as arms, legs, ankles and neck.

A little goes a long way. Reapply as required, particularly after washing, swimming or heavy activity.

As a natural beeswax balm, its consistency will vary slightly with temperature. Warm between your fingers in cooler weather and store somewhere cool and shaded during very hot weather.

🔬 Tradition, Research & Transparency

We believe it’s important to distinguish between the traditional use of these plants, scientific research into their essential oils, and testing of our finished product.

Scientific studies have investigated some of the essential oils we use in relation to mosquitoes, horseflies and other biting flies. For example, citronella and lemongrass have demonstrated repellent/irritant responses against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes under experimental conditions.

Research involving horseflies and stable flies also exists, as described above.

The Bee Fairy’s finished balm itself has not undergone laboratory testing as an insect repellent. This information is provided to explain the traditional uses of the plants we’ve selected and the scientific research surrounding their aromatic compounds. Individual experiences will naturally vary.

♻️ Packaging

Presented in a handy 55g aluminium tin — durable, lightweight and fully recyclable. Ideal for keeping in a rucksack, gardening bag, tack room, toolbox or glovebox.

Handmade in the Teme Valley in small batches by The Bee Fairy.