Experts in survival and outdoor adventure use the Beautyberry shrub’s leaves to repel insects instead of using commercial insecticides that contain DEET.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

Beautyberry, among other uses, has been used by Native American tribes and farmers for hundreds of years as an insect repellent. This was a common practice among southern farmers in the 19th century. They would stuff the leaves into their mules and horses’ harnesses for this purpose.

Numerous indigenous peoples use the plant for its therapeutic benefits as well as its ability to repel insects. Farmers used to crush the leaves and place them under saddles to repel the mosquitoes. Recent research shows that Beautyberry leaves are effective in repelling mosquitoes.

You can either rub the leaves directly on your skin or extract the insect repellent chemicals from the leaves to make sprays or creams.

Methods of making beautyberry insect repellent

1.  Salve Made from Vodka

You might use a different type of alcohol than rubbing alcohol for any reason. This recipe combines vodka or any other distilled liquor and oil to create an insect repellent lotion.

Ingredients include fresh Beautyberry leaves, coconut oil, vodka and other distilled liquor.

Instructions

The proportions of this recipe are not important so don’t be concerned about measuring exact quantities. Add the fresh leaves to a glass jar. Put the lid on tightly, shake for one minute, then leave it to rest overnight. Blend the alcohol and leaf mixture in a blender. Add seven to eight times as much coconut oil. Blend for 3 minutes. Filter the oil mixture through a jelly strainer bag or a mesh container.

You can use the oil mixture as it is, but you can make a salve by adding 1 ounce of beeswax to each cup. Continue to mix until the beeswax has melted. Allow to totally cool in a container.

2. Witch Hazel Spray

Witch Hazel is great for sensitive skin and it’s great to have. Ingredients include Boiling water, two cups of chopped Beautyberry leaves, 1-ounce coconut Oil, Witch Hazel, half teaspoon vegetable oil and a small spray bottle.

Instructions

Add chopped leaves to a jar. Pour enough boiling water over them. Let the jar sit for 4-6 hours. Strain the leaves and add them to the spray bottles until they are half full. Then add witch hazel to the spray bottle until it is 3/4 full. Finally, add coconut oil. Add essential oils to the spray bottle along with vegetable glycerin. Allow the Witch Hazel to infuse the mixture for several hours before using it. Before using, shake well.