This summer I experimented with a tick-mosquito repellant that I made from tinctures of Suopursu (Rhododendron tomentosum, old genus name: Ledum) & Yarrow. It was put to the test because I was in the forest for weeks & biting insects up here are no joke. I’ve heard that mosquitos are referred to as Finlands Airforce? I can say that this spray worked pretty good. No ticks. And the mosquitos mostly stay away for about 1 hour. Then its time to re-apply. I sprayed this on top of my shoes, clothes, hat. I also sprayed it in the air when I was outside washing dishes or sitting on the porch. Careful not to get into eyes or on sensitive skin. Definitely do Not use on children or pregnant women or those who have a weakened constitution. Suopurso contains ledol, a volatile compound that is toxic in large doses when ingested internally. The amount of ledol in each plant varies greatly depending on the region where it grows. There are even related species growing in other parts of the world that are safely consumed as medicinal tea & spice. But I recommend that its better to be safe, and Not take Suopurso internally. The amount of ledol may be at a low safe level in one region, and at a toxic level in another region. Suopursu’s volatile oil has a narcotic effect that gives some a headache, and for others feels euphoric. Personally I love the heavy musky scents of Suopursu & Yarrow and I even spray it to clear the energy of a room. Yarrow is an ancient protector & healer of wounds. Suopursu dances between the seen & unseen worlds. An interesting alliance. To make: combine equal parts tinctures of Suopursu & Yarrow. Tinctures are made the folk method: fill a jar with fresh herb, cover in vodka, put a lid on, let sit for 6 weeks or more in the cupboard, shake the jar occasionally, strain. My tinctures were made last summer & infused for 10 month so they were extra potent! And the potency of these 2 herbs definitely helped keep the ticks & mosquitos away. If you do not have access to Suopursu then a spray bottle of a simple tincture of yarrow is a great tick repellant.
