This sounds like a recipe for priceless summer bliss! When we think of “peace and quiet by the fireplace,” we immediately think of pesky mosquitoes and ticks that can ruin even the most beautiful evening. But when it comes to a homemade tincture that only requires a few drops, it’s likely a powerful, natural repellent based on essential oils and alcohol.
Here’s the “gold standard” of homemade tincture, the kind our great-grandmothers used to make:
Recipe for Homemade “Forest” Tincture
The base is a brew that literally “stinks” to ants, mosquitoes, and ticks, while releasing the pleasant scent of nature for us.
Ingredients: 20 whole cloves (they have strong antiseptic and repellent properties).
Zest of one lemon (contains limonene, which repels insects).
100 ml alpha or pure alcohol (serves as a carrier and preservative).
One sprig of rosemary (optional, but ticks avoid it).
Preparation: Place all ingredients in a sealable jar and let it steep in a dark place for at least 7 to 14 days. The tincture will turn a beautiful brown color and develop an intense aroma.
Why does it work better than commercially available sprays?