“It’s the Swiss army knife you should always have with you.”
It’s decided: mosquitoes will not ruin our summer. And this, thanks to this plant with soothing properties, well known to cosmetologists, aromatologists and pharmacists.It’s a bit like the Swiss army knife of the beauty kit to always have on you.“, assures Carole André, perfumer, graduate in organic chemistry and from the International Higher Institute of Perfume, Cosmetics and Food Aromatics, co-author of the Grand Livre des Huiles Essentielles, Hydrolats et Huiles Végétales (ed. DeBoeck Supérieur).
Thanks to its toning, astringent, anti-inflammatory and purifying properties, this plant is ideal for “calm and soothe the skin of adults and children in all circumstances“and to relieve itching of all kinds, especially those caused by insect bites such as mosquitoes. But also wasp stings, horsefly stings, and even ant bites which can cause particularly irritating spots. To relieve a sting, the ideal is to use it in the form of hydrosol (floral water), a version without contraindications, much gentler and much less powerful than an essential oil.”Apply pure on a cotton pad, or spray directly on the affected area.“, recommends the cosmetician. It is suitable for all skin types and has no known precautions for use to date.
Nicknamed “golden spider tree” because of its hooked yellow flowers or “witch hazel” because it has long been used by the Sages of the aboriginal tribes of America, this plant ally of bites is witch hazel. Its hydrosol is easily found in organic stores and drugstores. Preferably choose “organic” and of French origin for better quality. To prevent bites, another hydrosol is particularly effective when sprayed on the skin: tansy hydrosol. A little more difficult to find, “sIts insect repellent properties make it a hydrosol of choice as a repellent for insects, mites, fleas or lice.“, we can read in this guide.