PYRETHRE - NATURAL INSECT REPELLENT

The pyrethre herb is supposedly named after a famous temple in ancient Greece called Parthenon, hence the name Parthenium. In the 13th century, Welsh physicians used pellitory (pyrethre) as a remedy for toothache. It was also mentioned by Arabian medical writers and is a favorite remedy in the East.

An old superstition held that it was planted around dwellings to purify the air and ward off diseases.

Otherwise known as feverfew, pellitory or chrysanthemum parthenum, pyrethre has round, leafy branching stem that bears alternate, bipinnate leaves (having ovate divisions) with deeply cut segments. Each plant bears one flower, with yellow disks measuring an inch and 10 to 20 toothed rays, much like the daisy. The plant grows 1 to 3 feet tall. Pyrethre gives off a distinctive, bitter and pungent smell and taste.

This plant is native to Southeastern Europe and America. It is often cultivated but occasionally it can be found wild in waste places, roadsides and wood borders throughout North America.
Legends and superstitions aside, this plant is a proven pest repellant. Some people plant it in their garden as a means of pest control. Insects like bees are said to dislike this plant and keep their distance. In fact, the insecticide property of the feverfew plant is known as pyrethrin, hence its namesake.

The pellitory (pyrethre) root has a pungent smell and is efficient in relieving toothache and promoting saliva flow. This is done with the tincture made from the dried root and may be applied to cotton wool and rubbed on the gums.

The powdered root can be used to cure chronic catarrh and nostrils by encouraging flow of nasal mucous and tears.

Other uses include relieving headaches, migraines, arthritis, indigestion and muscle tension. Its antispasmodic characteristic makes it traditionally useful in treating menstrual discomfort.
The plant contains chemicals that calm the smooth stomach muscles of the digestive tract. It is recommended after a hearty meal.

7 Ways to Creating a Safe, Healthy and Insect-Free Home Using Pyrethre:

1.      Diffuse Pyrethre essential oil in your bedroom during bed time when the nocturnal mosquitoes are most active.

2.      Once a fortnight, diffuse Pyrethre essential oil in all the rooms in your home with doors closed and leaving the windows slightly ajar. Open up all the closets so the clothing gets impregnated with the Pyrethre aroma for insect repellence.

3.      When doing laundry for bed sheets, pillow cases, blankets, cushion covers and curtains, add a small cupful of Pyrethre into the washing machine during the last rinse cycle to impregnate the anti-insect scent into them for insect repellence.

4.      Add a small cupful of Pyrethre into the cleaning detergent for mopping of your floor and cleaning of table tops to get rid of crawling insects from the floors in your living room and kitchen.

5.      Use a handy spray bottle to contain Pyrethre for use in the outdoor, especially during picnic, morning walk or exercise or when doing gardening work.

6.      Diffuse Pyrethre essential oil in a few strategic locations when children are at play in the garden or park, during garden party or outdoor BBQ.

7.      Diffuse Pyrethre essential oil in your car regularly to chase away cockroaches, mosquitoes and other insects.