American Beautyberry

American Beautyberry

American Beautyberry grows wild in Texas and makes a beautiful fall plant.  Even better, American Beautyberry makes one of the best insect repellants.  Below are some different ways you can make your own.

If you don’t know how to identify it, check out the below video.

 

To make American Beautyberry insect repellent, you can steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water or an alcohol base.For the water method, steep leaves for several hours or overnight, then strain and add witch hazel for a skin-safe spray. For the alcohol method, soak leaves in vodka or rubbing alcohol for a few days, then strain and use the green liquid as is or add essential oils for scent. You can also simply rub fresh leaves directly on your skin for immediate, though temporary, protection.  

 

Method 1: Water Steep (Safer for Skin Contact) 

 
  1. Gather and Prepare: Collect a quantity of fresh beautyberry leaves and wash them.
  2. Steep: Place the leaves in a heat-safe jar and pour boiling water over them, ensuring the leaves are fully covered.
  3. Infuse: Let the mixture steep for several hours or even overnight to extract the active compounds.
  4. Strain: Strain the liquid to remove the leaves, then pour the strained infusion into a spray bottle.
  5. Finish: Add witch hazel to the mixture for a gentler, skin-safe spray.
Method 2: Alcohol Extraction (More Potent)
  1. Prepare Ingredients: You will need beautyberry leaves, a jar with a lid, and a base like rubbing alcohol or vodka. 
     
  2. Fill Jar: Loosely stuff a clean jar with the fresh or dried beautyberry leaves. 
     
  3. Add Alcohol: Pour enough alcohol over the leaves to completely cover them. 
     
  4. Steep: Secure the lid and let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours, but preferably a few days, to allow the alcohol to extract the compounds. 
     
  5. Strain: Strain the green-tinted liquid into a separate bowl, mashing the leaves to get all the liquid out. For a finer result, strain again through a coffee filter. 
     
  6. Bottle: Pour the strained liquid into spray bottles. 
     
  7. Optional: You can add a few drops of essential oil, such as rosemary or lavender, for a more pleasant scent. 
     

For Immediate Use 

 
  • Crush fresh beautyberry leaves and rub them directly onto exposed skin for quick, temporary relief from mosquitoes and other insects.
Tips and Considerations
  • Effectiveness: 

    Scientific studies have confirmed that American Beautyberry leaves contain compounds that repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fire ants. 

     
  • Staining: 

    The alcohol extraction method can leave a slight green tint on the skin or clothes due to the extracted chlorophyll, but it is usually washable. 

     
  • Storage: 

    Store the repellent in spray bottles in a cool, dark place. 

     
  • Applications: 
    The liquid can be sprayed directly on the skin or used to mist areas around a patio. 

***This information is not intended to be used as a diagnosis.  Caution should be exercised when considering any medicinal use, and it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. 

 

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