How can I make a flea remedy from wormwood? - briefly
Steep 1–2 tablespoons of dried wormwood in 250 ml of boiling water for 15 minutes, strain, let cool, then combine the infusion with a few drops of mild liquid soap and spray the mixture onto the animal’s coat and bedding, avoiding the eyes. Repeat the treatment weekly; store any leftover solution in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
How can I make a flea remedy from wormwood? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones that repel insects. A practical preparation for controlling fleas on pets or in the home follows these steps.
Materials
- Dried wormwood leaves, 1 cup (≈30 g)
- Distilled water, 2 L
- White vinegar, 200 ml
- Liquid dish soap, 1 tsp (optional, for skin‑contact formulas)
- Airtight glass jar, 2 L capacity
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Spray bottle, 500 ml (for environmental use)
Procedure for a topical spray
- Place the dried herb in the glass jar and pour the hot (≈90 °C) distilled water over it.
- Seal the jar and let it steep for 24 hours at room temperature.
- Strain the infusion through the mesh, discarding the plant material.
- Add the vinegar to the liquid and stir thoroughly.
- If the mixture will be applied directly to an animal’s coat, incorporate the dish soap to improve adhesion; otherwise omit it.
- Transfer the final solution to the spray bottle.
Application
- Test a small skin area on the animal for irritation; wait 15 minutes before broader use.
- Apply a light mist to the animal’s fur, avoiding eyes, nose, and open wounds. Re‑apply every 48 hours until fleas are no longer observed.
- For environmental control, spray the same solution onto bedding, carpets, and pet sleeping areas, focusing on cracks and seams where fleas hide. Repeat every three days for two weeks.
Safety considerations
- Wormwood contains thujone, which is toxic in high concentrations. Keep the concentration below 0.5 % by weight; the recipe above yields approximately 0.2 %.
- Do not use on pregnant or lactating animals, or on animals with known sensitivities to Artemisia species.
- Store the preparation in a dark, cool place; discard after four weeks.
Alternative preparation (oil‑based)
- Mix 30 ml of carrier oil (e.g., almond or jojoba) with 5 ml of wormwood essential oil.
- Add 2 ml of lavender essential oil to mask the bitter odor.
- Apply 1–2 drops per square inch of coat, avoiding mucous membranes. Re‑apply weekly.
Following these precise steps yields an effective, plant‑derived flea deterrent while minimizing chemical exposure.