Anti-mosquito shaking lotion made from walnut leaves

The walnut tree is not originally a native tree, it comes from the eastern Mediterranean region, the Balkan Peninsula and the Near and Middle East. In other words, it comes from warmer regions, which explains why it is so sensitive to the cold. Walnut leaves contain flavonoids, juglone, tannins, a large amount of vitamin C and essential oils.

The leaves have a regenerative, antibacterial, antiperspirant and antifungal effect. Both fresh and dried leaves are used. The leaves of the walnut can of course also be used medicinally, both externally and internally.

In natural cosmetics, the leaves can be used as a bath additive, as a rinse, for compresses and also as a poultice. For a compress, use cotton cloths soaked in walnut leaf tea. For the tea, take 1 to 2 teaspoons of leaves per 100 ml of boiling water. The infusion time should be about 10 minutes. The tea can of course also be drunk.

Walnut leaves are also used for skin diseases (dermatoses), minor injuries, gastrointestinal complaints, worm infestations, loss of appetite and as insect repellent.

This time I have made a shaking lotion for you because it is very easy to make, requires little effort and is perfect for your rucksack because you can easily take it with you when hiking.

To make a shaking lotion from walnut leaves, you need to prepare both a macerate of oil and a tincture of alcohol.

Ingredients:

• Walnut leaves
• Olive or sunflower oil
• approx. 40% alcohol

Cut the walnut leaves into small pieces and divide them in half. Put one half in the oil (fill approx. 2/3 of the jar with leaves) and the other half in alcohol. Leave both to infuse in a warm and bright place (no direct sunlight) for around 2-3 weeks. Then strain and bottle.

For the spray, I first pour the alcoholic extract into a spray bottle and then top it up with the oil extract. As this is a shaking lotion that doesn't need an emulsifier, you need to shake the spray well before using it on the skin so that the oil and alcohol mix well.

Now you can apply the spray to the respective areas of the body and, if necessary, spread it lightly over the skin. The shaking lotion lasts for about 1 year (probably due to the high percentage alcohol). Since I've been using this spray, I've been able to spend time in nature undisturbed without constantly being attacked.

Note: I realised that you have to be careful with light-coloured clothes because the shaking lotion leaves stains.

Enjoy the summer and have a great holiday, yours

Karin Theresa Mikota

You can find lots of other great herbal recipes on my website: www.naturspirit.at