Welsh holidaymaker shares recipes inspired by her love for Seychelles and native plants & trees |08 June 2020
Cinnamon – Cinnamomum Verum - Photo source: ZWebMedia.net
“On visiting the beautiful islands of the Seychelles, I was in awe of the vast array of wild plants and trees which thrive all across the islands. Through my many walks among untamed jungle, along the magnificent coastlines, and drives past the mangrove swamps, I yearned to discover more about the native flora and how it can be utilised.
“The wild cinnamon was a particular favourite of mine as here in the UK you would only get such a thing wrapped in plastic in supermarkets, and yet there you have an endless supply of the plant straight from the source!”
This was said by Seren Gwanywn, a Welsh holidaymaker to Seychelles who has visited our islands on a number of occasions since she was a little girl.
While on her own path of a professional herbalist and holistic practitioner, and finding that the Seychelles islands are rich in medicinal plants and trees, Seren was inspired to research even further into the healing benefits of tropical plants and to raise awareness beyond her native lands, to help those who may not be able to afford modern medicines, or those who want to discover more natural, alternative ways of living.
“My journey into natural medicine began from a very young age in my homeland of Anglesey, North Wales. It was here, among the rolling hills, deciduous forests and wild hedgerows that I learnt how to correctly identify a variety of plants and trees, their medicinal and nutritional values, and what habitats they best like to grow in.
“This beginning has led me on to the path of a professional herbalist and holistic practitioner, with the aim to give the general public knowledge about the benefits of common plants and trees, in hope that with this knowledge they will not only take better care of their health but also treat nature with the respect it deserves, leading to a more self-sufficient and natural lifestyle.
“The use of medicinal plants stems back as far as the Palaeolithic era, some 60,000 years ago, with our oldest healers being the Shamans, who worked with the esoteric knowledge passed down through generations. Unfortunately, with modern medicine being so easily accessible, many of us have forgotten, or do not bother to look towards ancient ways of healing.”
Below, Seren shares her list of natural insect repellents made from plants growing in Seychelles. She also explains their beneficial properties, a brief history, how to use them, and when not to use them.
Citronella - Cymbopogon Nardus
For centuries, Citronella has been used throughout China, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, with its uses ranging from soaps, shampoos, and candles, to natural insect repellents, pain relief and culinary applications. You will be able to easily find this herb and might even already have it growing in your garden!
Citronella holds antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which can make it very useful for calming insect bites and repelling mosquitoes. Its uplifting smell has been shown to work on the bodies’ nervous system, providing natural stress and anxiety relief.
However, if the mixture is not correct, it can evaporate quickly off the skin, meaning it will need to be reapplied every hour or so and is less effective.
Although this is a common plant well known for its therapeutic actions, it is worth noting that in some countries, Citronella has also been classified as hazardous, as too much of the oil can cause allergic reactions to the skin, which makes the use of the plant controversial and will mean that if you have sensitive skin, it is best to avoid it or use in very small doses.
To make your own Citronella insect repellent, mix half a cup of vodka with 1 cup of distilled or boiled (left to cool) water, then add 10-30 drops of Citronella oil. The dose is up to you; if you have sensitive skin then fewer drops are called for. This mixture will make a mild dose and will be useful for short term uses. Put it into a spray bottle and test on a small patch of skin, take care not to spray into the mouth or eyes. Do not use when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Thyme - Thymus Vulgaris
The use of Thyme is mentioned throughout history; the Romans would eat thyme before a meal to protect themselves from poison and burned bundles of thyme in their homes to purify the rooms. When the Black Death struck in the 1340’s, people would carry posies of Thyme for relief and protection against disease. During the Middle Ages, it was also given to soldiers before going into battle, acting as both a medicine and a protector.
If you want to repel mosquitoes, especially the Tiger mosquito, Thyme oil is said to be one of the best at providing protection for the skin. Burning Thyme as smudge sticks can also give protection to an entire household for up to 90 minutes.
Thyme has the well-known therapeutic action of being antibacterial, which is useful for the healing of insect bites and preventing bacterial growth. Thyme can also aid with the skin condition eczema, although always discuss with your doctor or local herbalist before treating areas of sensitive skin.
Thyme oil is not considered safe to use on the skin unless diluted with other substances. To make the insect repellent, mix 20 drops of Thyme oil to half a cup of vodka and 1 cup of distilled or boiled (left to cool) water. Pour into a spray bottle and mix well. Test on a small patch of skin before use on the whole body. Do not use when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Cinnamon – Cinnamomum Verum
Cinnamon has been used throughout history, dating as far back as Ancient Egypt and was a rare and valuable herb, treated as a kingly gift. The oil, according to scientific studies made in Taiwan, is highly effective at killing off mosquito eggs and repelling the adults. This handy oil can be made into a spray for both use on the human body and for furniture.
Just like with the previously mentioned oils, Cinnamon can be irritating to the skin if used undiluted or in concentrated quantities so make sure to test this spray before use on the whole body.
Cinnamon holds antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help lower your risk of diseases and aids in healing of the skin.
For diluted formulas, add in 20 drops of cinnamon oil to half a cup of vodka and 1 and ½ cups distilled or boiled (left to cool) water. Pour into a spray bottle and mix well. Again, test on skin before full use, and avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Alternatively, for quick diluted use for hot climates such as the Seychelles, simply add in a few drops to sun cream and mix well.
For those who wish to venture into being completely self-sufficient and want to have a go at making your own oil based herbal infusions, here are two easy ways you can go about it!
- Cold infusions
This method is very simple; however it does take some time. You will want to gather a clean, dry glass jar, your herb of choice (completely dried out) and your oil of choice, such as coconut, almond, grape seed, jojoba or olive oil.
Add 1 oz of dried herbs to every 10oz of oil, place in the glass jar, mix well, and leave to infuse for 3-6 weeks. Store in a cool, dry place to avoid moulding.
Once your mixture is ready, strain out the oil and plant matter through a muslin cloth into another jar, and your oil is ready to use!
- Double Boiler infusions
This is generally deemed as the faster method which I find works just as well as a cold infusion. You will need a double boiler (or a makeshift double boiler), your herb of choice (dried out or fresh) and your oil of choice.
You will want to fill the bottom pan with boiling water and keep on a very low heat, letting the steam heat up the second pan. This is where you will mix your herbs and oil together.
You will want a different mixture for this method, generally half a cup of dried herb to every cup of oil, pour into the heated up pan and let infuse for 6-9 hours, occasionally stirring, and kept on a very low heat.
Once infused, strain through a muslin cloth into a clean, dry jar and keep somewhere cool and dry until you are ready to use it.
Remember, if using fresh herbs make sure all the insects have been able to escape before you cook them up!
*NOTES:
- Never ingest an essential oil or homemade oil made for external use, and if unsure about how your skin will react, test your homemade oil or natural repellent on a small patch of skin first. If no irritation occurs, then it should be safe to use. If looking to treat skin ailments such as eczema, discuss the use of natural medicines with your doctor or local herbalist first.
- The content of this article is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for any medical advice of your doctor/other health care professional.
F.P.
