Natural Insect Repellant: Cistus incanus Tea

Ditch the DEET. Ward off mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests with a natural insect repellant: Cistus incanus.

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Should You Use DEET?

Many people are wary of using DEET. And for good reason.

DEET is the common name for N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide. To be clear, N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide is not a natural insect repellant. (If you think “Cistus incanus” is hard to say, try saying “N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide” three times.) Developed by the U.S. Army, DEET has been used as an insect repellent since 1946. The chemical repels mosquitoes and other insects by preventing them from landing on skin or clothes.

A 20th century study conducted on Everglades National Park employees found that 25% of the subjects had negative health effects after exposure to DEET. Effects included rashes, skin irritation, numb or burning lips, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

A Duke University scientist found that frequent and prolonged DEET exposure led to diffuse brain cell death and behavioral changes. His conclusion: stay away from products containing DEET. To be fair, most data on DEET’s toxic effects stem from reports of ingestion of the chemical. When you spray yourself with a DEET-based repellant, keep your mouth shut.

Many chemicals have side effects both known and unknown. DEET is no exception. Here’s the real question: Why chance it — especially when you can use a natural insect repellant.

Natural Insect Repellant That Works

If you’re looking for a natural insect repellant, try the pleasant-tasting tea made from a Mediterranean plant called Cistus incanus. Also known as Rock Rose, Cistus incanus has made headlines throughout Europe for its many health benefits.

For one thing, regular Cistus tea drinkers may suffer fewer mosquito bites and tick bites. For another, Cistus may also offer significant immune support and relief of cold and flu symptoms. Studies have shown that Cistus has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and biofilm-breaking qualities. That’s why it’s one of 6 super-botanicals included in our proprietary Antivirus Immune Support kit.

Cistus is a source of polyphenols, proanthocyanadins, bioflavonoids, catechins, gallic acid, rutin, and other beneficial bioactive compounds. It makes a mild, floral loose-leaf tea. It’s a fantastic natural insect repellant and a great alternative to chemical-laden DEET.

Ready to stop using DEET? Then start drinking 2 cups a day of Cistus tea for at least a week in order to realize its natural insect repellent effects.

Where to Get Cistus incanus Tea

Cistus incanus has long been popular, but it can be hard to find a high-quality Cistus that you can use as a natural insect repellant. It can be difficult to identify a reputable, reliable source of Cistus incanus tea. Climate, growth habitat, soil quality, and harvesting practices matter.

Our Mediterranean Cistus is wild grown, pesticide and heavy metal free, and responsibly handpicked during the budding season from the island’s mountainous regions. (Winter-harvested Cistus tends to test lower in bioactives.)

Our Cistus incanus is cut and prepared to ensure the highest quality and most available polyphenol content. Our Cistus tea offers access to more phytonutrients and potency than the less discriminating cuts many other suppliers sell. We pay a premium for our Cistus to secure a high-quality product and maintain our philosophy of a non-violent economy.

Our processor is a third-generation family company. The owners know their plants well and appreciate the difference between wild-grown herbs and greenhouse-cultivated crops. We are confident in the quality of our product, and we back up our confidence with testing.

If you want a healthy alternative to DEET, Cistus incanus tea may be the natural insect repellant you’re seeking. Repel mosquitoes and ticks. Order Cistus from Linden Botanicals today!

Read the Cistus FAQ  Buy Cistus Tea Now