Rescue for cozy summer evenings: Mosquito repellent with vitamin B1 and essential oils

Summer evening. Crickets chirping, friends laughing - and suddenly: the annoying buzzing. Have you ever experienced this, when mosquitoes arrive just when the mood is really good? But what if you could slam the door in their face with a natural protective shield? Don't panic: No chemicals at all, just a clever combination of vitamin B1 and essential oils. Like an invisible cloud of fragrance that says: “Sorry, there's no snack here today!” - Gentle on the skin, pleasantly scented, surprisingly effective.

In our article, you can find out exactly how this works - and why this fragrant strategy can not only improve your summer evenings, but also your body image.

Special features of vitamin B1

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is one of the most important B vitamins and is essential for your energy production. Did you know that it is particularly highly concentrated in nerve and muscle cells? This is exactly where it ensures that carbohydrates are converted into power and helps to release energy more evenly. A lack of vitamin B1 can lead to serious health problems and diseases such as Beri-Beri disease or Wernicke's encephalopathy, which severely affect the nervous system [1][2].

In addition to these health aspects, vitamin B1 is also increasingly being discussed in the context of mosquito protection. The theory is that vitamin B1 is released through the skin after being absorbed into the body and produces a scent that causes mosquitoes to voluntarily take their wings in their hands and move on.

Even if the effect has not yet been conclusively proven scientifically and the protection is rather low, many people like to take vitamin B1 supplements to make their bodies less attractive to mosquitoes [3][4].

Which foods contain vitamin B1?

Vitamin B1 can be found in many foods - and without much effort in everyday life. The concentration is particularly high in:

• Wholemeal products
• Pork
• Pulses
• Nuts and seeds

As the body cannot store vitamin B1, a daily intake via the diet or food supplements is recommended. In the case of deficiency symptoms, certain gastrointestinal diseases or increased requirements, an additional intake may be useful. If you regularly ensure a balanced supply, you can specifically prevent a B1 deficiency [5].

You can find more information on vitamin B1 here.

Why is vitamin B1 important?

Vitamin B1 is essential for humans because it significantly supports energy production and the health of the nervous system. Children in particular need an adequate supply, as a B1 deficiency during the growth phase can lead to developmental disorders. A balanced vitamin level in the body not only contributes to general well-being, but can also have a positive effect on skin function, which can be indirectly important for protection against mosquito bites [1].

Essential oils: areas of application

Aromatherapy has relied on the power of essential oils for centuries. Many of these oils are naturally pure, certified organic and are used as part of a holistic approach when it comes to balancing body and mind. Certain essential oils have excelled in the field of insect repellent - they have a strong scent, which mosquitoes, flies and other insects can find annoying.

Natural essential oils: benefits

The following list shows some of the most commonly used essential oils contained in mosquito repellent products - from classic roll-ons to aroma sprays and fragrance diffusers:

Citronella oil: Has a fresh, lemony scent. Particularly well-known for its deterrent effect against insects - a classic in natural insect repellents.

Lavender oil: Pleasant floral fragrance, calming for humans but annoying for mosquitoes. Lavender is often recommended for children as it is considered particularly gentle.

Tea tree oil: Is often used for its cleansing properties and can keep mosquitoes away. Should always be used diluted due to its strong irritant effect.

Eucalyptus oil (e.g. lemon eucalyptus): Known from insect sprays as a herbal alternative to DEET. Has a fresh, medicinal scent and is considered strong.

Peppermint oil: Has a pleasant cooling effect on the skin, has an invigorating effect and smells unpleasant to many insects. Also popular in combination with water as a spray.

These oils can be used in a variety of ways: Whether in the fragrance lamp, as a handy roll-on or spray for skin and clothing - voilà! your personal mosquito belt is ready. The right dosage is always important, especially for sensitive skin or when using on children. The concentration should not be too high to avoid skin irritation [6]. Nobody really needs that in summer - do they?

Mosquito repellent without chemicals

No chemicals at all? Of course! Who wants active ingredients like DEET on their skin when you can have a natural fragrance? Although these are considered to be particularly strong, they are also suspected of causing side effects. 

So it's no wonder that natural alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. Essential oils and vitamin B1 are two well-known options in the field of natural insect repellents. It is important to note that they tend to have a supportive effect - they are not a complete substitute for traditional protective measures [7].

For the most comprehensive protection possible, the following can also help:

• Light-colored, covering clothing
• Avoid standing water
• Mosquito nets on windows and beds

So go on, bye bye mosquitoes! With these tricks, you can enjoy balmy summer evenings without constantly swatting them away. There are a number of natural ways to reliably protect yourself from mosquito bites - without any aggressive chemicals [8].

Optimal mosquito repellent: solutions

A lot helps a lot? In some cases, yes. For the most effective mosquito repellent possible, a combination of different measures is recommended. A balanced diet with a sufficient supply of vitamin B1 can optimally support the body. In addition, the use of natural essential oils as a roll-on or spray can provide the skin with an intense fragrance that is unpleasant for mosquitoes.

Incidentally, environmental factors also play an important role. Removing accumulations of water, regular ventilation and the use of fans can noticeably reduce the number of mosquitoes. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you should also make sure you wear suitable clothing - loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is less likely to attract mosquitoes than dark and tight fabrics [8].

Important tips for use

When using essential oils, you should always pay attention to the dosage. Although highly concentrated oils have a strong effect, they must not be applied undiluted to the skin as they can cause irritation. For children in particular, a much stronger dilution is necessary or direct skin application should be avoided [6].

If you use essential oils together with sun cream, caution is advised as some oils make the skin more sensitive to light and can therefore increase sensitivity to UV light. Vitamin B1 only develops its effect after regular use over several days, which is why patience is required and should ideally be taken daily [5].

It is generally advisable to use natural and certified organic essential oils to avoid unwanted additives. Also store the oils in a cool place away from light to preserve their effect. For more information on the correct dosages and possible interactions, we recommend consulting a pharmacist or specialist.

Enjoy carefree summer evenings - completely natural and mosquito-free!

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Does vitamin B1 really work against mosquitoes?

Vitamin B1 is said to produce a scent through excretion via the skin that attracts fewer mosquitoes. However, scientific evidence is inconsistent, which is why the protection is rather low and complete protection cannot be guaranteed.

Are essential oils safe for children?

Essential oils can cause skin irritation in children and should only be applied to the skin in highly diluted form or not at all. Consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is recommended.

How often should I take vitamin B1?

Vitamin B1 is water-soluble and is not stored, so a daily intake via food or food supplements is advisable. The dosage should be adjusted by a doctor.

Can essential oils and vitamin B1 be combined?

Yes, many people use this combination as part of a natural mosquito repellent concept. It is important to carefully dose and use both substances.

Are there any side effects with vitamin B1 or essential oils?

Vitamin B1 is well tolerated in normal doses. In very high quantities, it can lead to gastrointestinal complaints in rare cases. Depending on the skin type and concentration, essential oils can cause irritation, allergies or respiratory problems, especially in sensitive people and children.

Who should not take vitamin B1?

Vitamin B1 is generally well tolerated. However, people with a hypersensitivity to thiamine or other components of the preparation should not take it. In the case of certain metabolic diseases or the intake of special medication, medical clarification is advisable.

Sources:

[1] https://www.gesundheit.gv.at/vitamin-b1
[2] https://ods.od.nih.gov/Thiamin-HealthProfessional
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16033124
[4] https://www.mosquito.org/repellents
[5] https://www.aok.de/vitamin-b1-thiamin-mangel-entgegenwirken
[6] https://ifaroma.org/AROMATHERAPY_WITH_CHILDREN_GUIDELINES
[7] https://tropeninstitut.de/schutz-vor-insektenstichen
[8] https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/stechmuecken