French Elderberry Bug Spray Recipe for Natural Protection

Originally posted on June 11, 2020 @ 3:11 pm

As summer approaches and the outdoors beckon, keeping pesky bugs at bay becomes a top priority for many. If you’re looking for a natural and effective solution, a French elderberry bug spray is an excellent choice.

Combining the gentle yet powerful properties of elderberries with other plant-based ingredients, this spray offers a safe alternative to harsh chemical repellents. Not only will it protect you from mosquitoes, flies, and other insects, but it also carries a subtle, pleasant aroma reminiscent of a French garden in bloom.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, gardening, or simply enjoying a sunset on your porch, this DIY elderberry bug spray recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves nature and values natural wellness.

In this detailed recipe post, we’ll walk you through why this spray works so well, what you’ll need, and how to make it step-by-step. Plus, you’ll find handy tips, variations, and serving suggestions to customize your spray for the best results.

Ready to embrace a bug-free summer with a touch of French elegance? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French elderberry bug spray stands out for several reasons. First, it uses natural ingredients, making it safe for the whole family, including kids and pets.

Elderberries are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe skin irritated by bug bites. When combined with essential oils like citronella and lavender, the spray becomes a powerful insect deterrent without any synthetic chemicals.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal equipment, and uses ingredients you might already have in your pantry or garden.

Plus, it can be customized with your favorite scents or additional natural repellents to suit your preferences.

Finally, the elegant French-inspired twist adds a subtle fragrance that makes applying bug spray a more pleasant experience. No more harsh chemical smells – just a fresh, floral, and slightly fruity scent that lingers just enough to keep bugs away while keeping you feeling refreshed.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried elderberries (or 2 cups fresh elderberries)
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup witch hazel (natural astringent and preservative)
• 15 drops citronella essential oil (natural insect repellent)
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (calming scent and bug deterrent)
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil (repels mosquitoes)
• 1 tablespoon vodka or rubbing alcohol (preservative and helps mix oils)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan for boiling elderberries
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for filtering liquid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Glass spray bottle (at least 8 oz capacity)
• Mixing bowl
• Funnel (optional, for easy pouring)
• Label or marker to identify your spray bottle

Instructions

1. Prepare the elderberry infusion: Place the dried elderberries and water into a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil: Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Steep and cool: Remove from heat and let the elderberry infusion steep for an additional 30 minutes to extract maximum properties.
4. Strain the liquid: Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the liquid into a clean mixing bowl, pressing gently to extract all the juice. Discard the elderberries.
5. Add witch hazel and alcohol: Stir in the witch hazel and vodka (or rubbing alcohol). These ingredients act as natural preservatives and help the essential oils mix evenly.
6. Incorporate essential oils: Add citronella, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
7. Transfer to spray bottle: Using a funnel if needed, pour the mixture into a glass spray bottle. Seal tightly.
8. Label and store: Label your spray bottle with the date and ingredients. Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
9. Shake before use: Always shake the bottle well before spraying as natural ingredients may settle over time.

Tips & Variations

“For a stronger repellent, increase the amount of citronella essential oil up to 20 drops, but always test on a small skin patch first.”

• Use fresh elderberries: If you have access to fresh elderberries, double the quantity to 2 cups and follow the same infusion method for a more vibrant scent.
• Add other essential oils: Consider adding tea tree oil or peppermint oil for extra bug-repelling power and a refreshing twist.
• Make it a facial spray: Reduce alcohol to 1 teaspoon and add a teaspoon of aloe vera gel for a gentle, cooling facial mist safe for bug-prone areas.
• Custom scents: Blend in a few drops of rose or geranium essential oils to enhance the French-inspired floral aroma.
• Preservation tips: Since this is a natural spray without strong chemical preservatives, store it in the fridge and aim to use within 2 weeks for best freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This French elderberry bug spray is perfect for multiple outdoor scenarios. Spray it generously on exposed skin and clothing before heading outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when insects are most aggressive.

It’s ideal for:

• Picnics and garden parties
• Hiking, camping, and backpacking trips
• Evening porch or patio relaxation
• Outdoor yoga or exercise sessions

For a quick refresh, keep a small bottle in your purse or backpack to reapply as needed. Remember, natural repellents may require more frequent application than chemical ones but deliver peace of mind and skin-friendly benefits.

If you enjoy making natural recipes like this, you might want to explore other easy and delicious plant-based recipes such as Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Conclusion

Creating your own French elderberry bug spray is a rewarding and straightforward way to protect yourself naturally without the harsh chemicals found in many commercial products. This recipe blends the antioxidant-rich power of elderberries with the insect-repelling magic of essential oils like citronella, lavender, and eucalyptus for a gentle yet effective spray.

Its elegant scent and skin-soothing qualities make it an ideal companion for all your outdoor adventures, whether you’re gardening, hiking, or relaxing on your patio.

Plus, making your own bug spray means you can customize it to your liking, ensuring it’s safe for your family and pets. With the easy steps outlined above, you’ll have your homemade spray ready in no time.

Embrace the natural approach and enjoy your bug-free summer with a touch of French charm!

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