No I am not rushing things, I got my first mosquito bite of the season the other night while harvesting some greens (…hostas) from the garden or dinner!
Coming from Winnipeg – mosquito capital of Canada?…the world?...I know that mosquitoes can range from annoying pests to flat out insanity inducing menaces. Here in southern Ontario we have the added bonus of having to worry about West Nile Virus.
Last year I posted a blog Mosquitoes vs Homeopathy = Homeopathy Wins. In it you will find information for natural, safe and very effective herbal repellants, effective homeopathic bite prevention (including Mozi-Q) and some general prevention tips. This year I want to add a list of pretty, edible plants that you can add to your garden or just keep in pots near your favourite outdoor spaces and a West Nile health warning.
Coming from Winnipeg – mosquito capital of Canada?…the world?...I know that mosquitoes can range from annoying pests to flat out insanity inducing menaces. Here in southern Ontario we have the added bonus of having to worry about West Nile Virus.
Last year I posted a blog Mosquitoes vs Homeopathy = Homeopathy Wins. In it you will find information for natural, safe and very effective herbal repellants, effective homeopathic bite prevention (including Mozi-Q) and some general prevention tips. This year I want to add a list of pretty, edible plants that you can add to your garden or just keep in pots near your favourite outdoor spaces and a West Nile health warning.
Mosquito Deterring Plants
1. Garlic
So simple to grow, so delicious, so unbelievably good for you. Cut off the crazy curly flower stems and buds and treat them like green beans - you will get larger bulbs in the fall and a delish snack in the interim.
2. Geraniums - scented
All kinds, but specifically any of the mint or citrus varieties. Many geraniums are edible and taste like what they smell like - check with your local nursery.
3. Lemon verbena
An amazing lemon scent and taste - use the leaves in everything from desserts, to tea to air fresheners. It is loaded with antioxidants, can be used as a digestive aid and may help balance fungal overgrowth (candida).
4. Marigolds
Bright, cheery, hardy, cheap to buy and they bloom all summer long! They have a great peppery citrus flavour and the petals look fantastic in salads. A garden must.
5. Mints - all of themDelicious fresh, dried and in tea. This family includes: basils, bee balm, catnip (exercise caution with this one, unless you don't mind hanging out with junkie cats…yes I am talking to you Bella!), hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sage and thyme.
Be a little cautious as some mints are aggressive spreaders that will take over your garden.
West Nile Health Notice
In most cases West Nile virus is not a big deal - the majority of people don't even notice when they are infected - but it can be serious. Seek immediate help if 2-15 days after a mosquito blood letting you notice the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, lack of coordination, muscle weakness or paralysis. If
2-15 days after a mosquito blood letting you notice persistent flu-like symptoms and/or a rash it may be a mild case of West Nile - homeopathic treatment can help, contact me.
1. Garlic
So simple to grow, so delicious, so unbelievably good for you. Cut off the crazy curly flower stems and buds and treat them like green beans - you will get larger bulbs in the fall and a delish snack in the interim.
2. Geraniums - scented
All kinds, but specifically any of the mint or citrus varieties. Many geraniums are edible and taste like what they smell like - check with your local nursery.
3. Lemon verbena
An amazing lemon scent and taste - use the leaves in everything from desserts, to tea to air fresheners. It is loaded with antioxidants, can be used as a digestive aid and may help balance fungal overgrowth (candida).
4. Marigolds
Bright, cheery, hardy, cheap to buy and they bloom all summer long! They have a great peppery citrus flavour and the petals look fantastic in salads. A garden must.
5. Mints - all of themDelicious fresh, dried and in tea. This family includes: basils, bee balm, catnip (exercise caution with this one, unless you don't mind hanging out with junkie cats…yes I am talking to you Bella!), hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sage and thyme.
Be a little cautious as some mints are aggressive spreaders that will take over your garden.
West Nile Health Notice
In most cases West Nile virus is not a big deal - the majority of people don't even notice when they are infected - but it can be serious. Seek immediate help if 2-15 days after a mosquito blood letting you notice the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, lack of coordination, muscle weakness or paralysis. If
2-15 days after a mosquito blood letting you notice persistent flu-like symptoms and/or a rash it may be a mild case of West Nile - homeopathic treatment can help, contact me.
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