Basil and Lavender

Among the list of natural volatile compounds that can be used as repellents there
are pyrethrins, methyl-nonyl-ketone, geraniol, estragole, citronellal, limonene
and nerolidol.
Some of the plants that have traditionally been considered repellents synthesise
at least one of these substances. On the otherhand, basil (Ocimum basilicum), has
four of the mosquito-repellent volatiles, estragole, citronellal, limonene and
nerolidol, among which there is a predominance of estragole (1-allyl-4-
methoxybenzene), also known as tarragon, methylchavicol or allylanisole.
On the otherhand, In one 2009 study published in the Journal of Vector Ecology,
the use of linalool diffusers had a mosquito repellency rate of 93 percent indoors
and 58 percent outdoors. However, the same study also found geraniol, the
active compound in geranium oil, more effective at repelling mosquitoes than
linalool or even citronella.
Therefore, although lavender oil does repel mosquitoes, its effectiveness may be
enhanced when used in combination with other oils. And Basil leaves are a
potential source of such.

Replling Mosquitos

Against the popular belief that light attracts mosquitoes and points them
towards potential blood donors, the fact is that these insects coordinate other
senses, thermal and chemical sensors, in order to locate a target. Specifically, the
tarsi in the third pair of legs receive the differences in temperature between the
prey and the environment, the antennae detect the steam and carbon dioxide we
exhale or exude, as well as some substances we deliver from our dermis or by
the bacteria living on it, such as the lactic acid in our sweat.
In order to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes we can choose different strategies:
exterminating them (with insecticides), establishing physical barriers (such as
mosquito nets) or repelling them with chemical substances from different plants
or synthetic products. In general, repellents usually affect the insects’ sensors,
removing their ability to detect targets, forcing them to evacuate into an
environment where they could recover such senses. And the fragrance of
aromatic compounds of Basil leaves and Lavender oil do such thing.

Basil Leaves

Estragole, one of the four mosquito-repellent volatiles, namely estragole,

citronellal, limonene and nerolidol, basil (Ocimum basilicum) has is one of the
elements responsible for the typical scent basil releases when its leaves are
rubbed. We can use basil oil in order to keep blood-sucking mosquitoes away
from us. This will not only keep mosquitoes away; in exchange for some strokes,
the plant will scent the room with an excellent perfume that earned it the title of
Queen (basileus) of aromatic herbs.
As aromatic compounds are tied with their ability to repel mosquitos by
removing their senses like basil leaves, another known aromatic substance is
known to be a mosquito repellent as well, Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil is highly aromatic and also highly concentrated, consisting
of the "essential" components of the plant's volatile oils that naturally protect it
from predatory insects, wildlife and diseases.
Lavender oil contains up to 25 percent linalool, a terpenoid alcohol that
contributes to its fruity fragrance. According to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, this agent is an active ingredient in more than a dozen
registered products used to control mosquitoes outside.
Studies show that linalool has the same effect on mosquito olfactory receptors
as diethyltoluamide, a chemical used in many conventional mosquito repellents
more commonly known as DEET.
Like extraction of most aromatic compounds, tonnes of basil oil are produced via
steam distillation every year. Because these and other chemicals in the oil are
affected by different methods of processing, oil produced by steam distillation is
preferred over those distilled by water or chemical solvent.

Steam distillation

Steam distillation is a special type of distillation for temperature

sensitive materials like natural aromatic compounds. It is employed in the
isolation of essential oils, for use in perfumes, for example. In this method, steam
is passed through the plant material containing the desired oils. Eucalyptus
oil and orange oil are obtained by this method on an industrial scale. Steam
distillation is also sometimes used to separate intermediate or final products
during the synthesis of complex organic compounds. Many organic
compounds tend to decompose at high-sustained temperatures. Separation by
distillation at the normal boiling points is not an option, so water or steam is
introduced into the distillation apparatus. The water vapor carries small
amounts of the vaporized compounds to the condensation flask, where the
condensed liquid phase separates, allowing for easy collection. This process
effectively allows for distillation at lower temperatures, reducing the
deterioration of the desired products. If the substances to be distilled are very
sensitive to heat, steam distillation may be applied under reduced pressure,
thereby reducing the operating temperature further.
After distillation the vapors are condensed. Usually the immediate product is a
two-phase system of water and the organic distillate, allowing for separation of
the components by decantation, partitioning or other suitable methods.

The four compounds for repelling mosquitos in the extracted basil oil mixed with
the ability of extracted lavender oil to be a repellent itself and enhanced if
combined with another aromatic compound, creates a strong mosquito repellent
with comfortable odor.