Bug sprays are a common go-to during summer months, but what many people don’t realize is that most commercial insect repellents contain a controversial chemical called DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). While it’s widely used, emerging research reveals potential long-term health risks, including cancer, neurological damage, and hormone disruption.

⚠️ What Is DEET and Why Is It Dangerous?

DEET was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 and has since been a primary ingredient in most insect repellents. Although effective at deterring mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests, DEET has been linked to several health concerns:

• Neurotoxicity: Studies show that DEET can affect the nervous system, leading to headaches, tremors, and even seizures in extreme cases (NCBI study).
• Hormone Disruption: DEET can interfere with hormone signaling pathways, especially in children and pregnant women.
• Carcinogenic Potential: While the EPA has not officially classified DEET as a carcinogen, animal studies raise red flags about prolonged exposure increasing cancer risk.
• Skin Irritation: DEET can cause burning, rashes, and even chemical burns, especially in high concentrations.

🌿 Natural Mosquito and Bug Sprays That Work

Fortunately, nature provides powerful, safer alternatives to chemical-based repellents. Several studies have confirmed that plant-based oils and extracts can be just as effective—and without the toxic side effects.

Shop for this organic mosquito spray here 

Recommended Natural Ingredients in Bug Sprays:

• Witch Hazel – Used as a base with astringent and antimicrobial properties.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Natural insect repellent with skin-soothing benefits.
• Essential Oils – The key active ingredients that provide the actual repellent effect.

🌱 Top 3 Essential Oils That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes

1. Lemongrass Oil

   Contains high levels of citral and geraniol—compounds proven to repel mosquitoes for up to 2–3 hours. Lemongrass oil also has a refreshing scent that masks human body odor, which attracts bugs.

2. Eucalyptus (Especially Lemon Eucalyptus Oil)

   Approved by the CDC as a natural mosquito repellent, lemon eucalyptus contains PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), which has shown to be just as effective as DEET in studies.

3. Lavender Oil

   Known for its calming scent, lavender also repels mosquitoes, flies, and even ticks. It’s gentle enough for children and offers antifungal and antibacterial properties.

✅ DIY Natural Bug Spray Recipe

Here’s a quick homemade bug spray you can try today:

• 1/2 cup witch hazel here 
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 30 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil
• 15 drops of lavender oil
• 15 drops of lemongrass oil

find essential oils here 

• Optional: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Mix in a glass spray bottle and shake well before each use. Avoid eyes and open wounds.

Conclusion: Rethink Your Bug Spray

Choosing a natural insect repellent isn’t just about avoiding bites—it’s about protecting your long-term health. DEET-based sprays may seem convenient, but the risks often outweigh the benefits. By switching to natural solutions, you can stay safe, eco-friendly, and toxin-free.

Always patch-test essential oils before full application and consult a healthcare professional if you’re pregnant or have allergies.

 

 

What Is Holy Basil (Tulsi)?

 

Nature’s Shield: Black Seed Oil, Frankincense & Vitamin C in Cancer Recovery

In the journey toward healing, many cancer patients are turning to holistic, complementary therapies that work in harmony with the body’s innate intelligence. Among the most compelling natural compounds studied for their cancer-supportive properties are black seed oil, frankincense, and vitamin C. Coupled with dietary strategies like a low-carb or carnivore approach, these remedies offer potential to reduce inflammation, enhance immunity, and create an internal environment less hospitable to cancer cells.

Black Seed Oil: The Ancient Immune Booster

Derived from Nigella sativa, black seed oil has been revered for centuries in traditional medicine. Its key active compound, thymoquinone, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects in various studies. According to research published in the journal Drug Discovery Today, thymoquinone may inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a range of tumor types including breast, colon, and lung cancers.

You can find the most pure here 

Beyond direct anticancer effects, black seed oil supports the immune system, helping the body better resist infection and inflammation. It’s especially valued in holistic protocols for its synergy with other therapies. You can find the most pure here 

Frankincense: The Resin of Renewal

Frankincense, a resin harvested from the Boswellia tree, contains powerful compounds known as boswellic acids. These acids have been studied for their ability to target cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. In studies, frankincense oil has shown promising results in suppressing the spread of cancer and promoting cancer cell death, particularly in cases of brain, breast, pancreatic, and bladder cancers.

Frankincense also helps reduce systemic inflammation and may relieve pain and anxiety—common struggles for cancer patients. It can be used as an essential oil (aromatherapy), in capsules, or topically in some holistic cancer protocols. You can buy it here 

Vitamin C: High-Dose Antioxidant Therapy

Vitamin C is not just a simple antioxidant—it becomes a pro-oxidant at high doses (especially intravenous), selectively generating hydrogen peroxide that can damage cancer cells. Studies from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have shown that high-dose vitamin C therapy may slow the progression of certain cancers and improve quality of life during treatment.

It also supports collagen formation, immune function, and detoxification, making it a cornerstone of many integrative cancer care plans.

Cutting Cancer’s Fuel: The Low-Carb and Carnivore Diet

Cancer cells are known to thrive on glucose. This phenomenon, known as the Warburg Effect, describes how cancer cells rely heavily on fermentation of sugar for energy—even in the presence of oxygen. Reducing sugar intake can therefore create a metabolic disadvantage for cancer.

A low-carb or carnivore diet emphasizes meats, healthy fats, and eliminates sugars and most carbohydrates, essentially starving cancer cells of their primary fuel source. Some protocols even integrate ketogenic states (where the body runs on ketones instead of glucose), believed to slow tumor growth and improve energy levels for patients.

Putting It All Together

Natural  therapies like black seed oil, frankincense, You can buy it here and vitamin C may enhance outcomes and improve resilience. Combined with a metabolic approach like a low-carb or carnivore diet, patients may find greater strength, clarity, and control over their healing journey.

As always, work with an integrative or functional medicine doctor before making changes to your treatment plan.

 

“If you master only one herb in your life, master Cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than any other.” ~Dr. Richard Schulze (source)

I couldn’t agree more. If I had to pick only one emergency herb to keep in my medicine cabinet,  it would be cayenne pepper, because it can truly save a life by stimulating circulation throughout the entire body.

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Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia. Did you know that tea tree oil has over 92 various healing compounds?  Melaleuca alternifolia is native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia and can grow small like a shrub or as a tree, 100 feet tall.

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