All about Natural Fly Spray--What it really means to be Natural....

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What is the Natural Standard?

developed The Natural Standard for Personal Care Products.

The standard is a set of guidelines that dictates which ingredients can and cannot be considered natural and ultimately, whether a product can be deemed truly “natural.” Under the standard, any product labeled “natural” must meet the following four criteria:

• Natural: A product labeled “natural” should be made up of natural ingredients and be manufactured with appropriate processes to maintain ingredient purity.

• Safety: A product labeled “natural” should avoid any ingredient that research shows may have a suspected human health risk.

• Responsibility: A product labeled “natural” should use no animal testing in its development

• Sustainability: A product labeled “natural” should use (bio)degradable ingredients and the most environmentally sensitive packaging.

Ultimately, The Natural Standard for Personal Care Products aims to clearly define what a “natural” personal care product is and what it is not. The standard encompasses all cosmetic personal care products as defined and regulated by the FDA.

What does it mean?

Simply put, as of May 1, 2008, The Natural Standard for Personal Care Products states that all personal care products labeled or branded “natural” must be made with at least 90% all-natural ingredients and contain only those synthetic ingredients that are specifically allowed under this standard and do not have any suspected human health risks.

.  And finally, they should avoid animal testing of ingredients or products.

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All products that claim to be Natural for humans or horses are NOT created equal!

What does Organic and herbal mean in products?

Organic herbal skin care is very useful for people or animals with sensitive skin and for those who wish to make a positive step towards taking care of the environment. These are the two main reasons why people opt for higher quality and safer organic herbal skin care products. People who desire to reduce the amount of chemicals and Pesticides and preservatives in their lives and the ones they love.

Organic And Herbal -The word organic means that the ingredient in the organic herbal skin care product has been cultivated, processed and manufactured organically. The act of growing or cultivating an herb organically means that the herb was cultivated using ways and means that do not use harmful chemicals. People benefit from the elimination of harmful pesticides and fertilizers because this means that the product is free from chemicals that the herbs are sure to have absorbed and integrated into their system. Organic herbal skin care also means that the herbs and other plant derivatives are processed minus the use of chemicals.

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Ingredients for Total Horse Protection-Natural Fly Spray-

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Organic Aloe vera Juice-   Though there are several common medical uses for Aloe Vera, the most frequent use of the plant is in the form of a topical gel. Gels made from Aloe are used to treat burns and minor scrapes. Aloe Vera benefits range from soothing inflammation, pain relief, and a reduction in the likelihood of infection. Studies have also shown that regular use of an Aloe Vera based gel will actually speed the healing process in minor wounds, and even severe burns. It has been used in this capacity for hundreds of years. The thick leaves can be snapped open, and the moist open ends of the leave can be rubbed onto a burn or scrape directly.

Some Aloe Vera benefits include a strong moisturizing capacity, and its extract contains a number of vitamins and minerals that are believed to promote healthy skin.

 

Grape seed Oil-  Grape seed oil is a by-product of grapes in the wine making stage. The versatility of the product however is one of the things that make it so beneficial to our life styles. There are many used for grape seed oil such as for hair products, sunburn repair, massage oil, flavored oils, baking, frying and salad dressings, as well as being used cosmetically. In terms of cosmetics it is very light, and is excellent for moisturizing the skin. It works well as a lubricant and is instrumental in rejuvenating and has regenerating qualities. Another of the benefits of grape seed oil is that it is very high in antioxidants and contains high amounts of vitamin E, vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, and vitamin D. Grape seed oil is found in many cosmetic products such as hand creams, body creams, and lotions. It is suitable for all skin types as is an excellent moisturizer. Another of the benefits of grape seed oil is that it is very useful as a hair product.

 

Rice Bran Oil-  which is obtained in the milling process, is the part of rice richest in fat. This natural oil, which is expeller pressed, has the presence of natural antioxidants making it an excellent ingredient for food grade products.Rice Bran Oil is full of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, ferulic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and oryzanol. The oil acts as both a carrier and emollient. In Japan, Rice Bran Oil is used as a skin and hair beauty enhancer. It is also used throughout the world in a variety of cosmetics, especially for those that treat dry and mature skin.Common Uses of Rice Bran Oil ,Provides moderate penetration with little greasiness,Promotes collagen formation, Inhibits lipid peroxidation, Treats dry and mature skin, Provides smooth spread ability.

 

Avocado Oil-   Avocado Oil is expeller pressed from the fleshy portion of the avocado fruit. This natural oil can be light yellow to greenish in color with a faint aroma. Primary uses included cosmetics, high-grade salad oil, hair conditioners and suntan lotions. In addition, it has been used as a hair pomade to stimulate hair growth. Avocado Oil is used commonly in the cosmetics industry because it soothes skin and helps transport active substances into the skin. Avocado Oil has high concentrations of Vitamins A, D and E. It has the highest penetration rate among similar oils (Corn, Soybean, Olive and Almond) and is comprised mostly of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids, as well as palmitic and palmitoleic acids, lecithin, phytosterol, and carnotinoids. Benefits of Avocado Oil- Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions, Emollient, Keeps skin moist and smooth, Contains high concentrations of Vitamins A, D, and E, Soothes sensitive skin, especially scaly skin and dry scalps, Acts as a natural bactericidal, Treats minor skin irritations.

 

Sunflower Oil-   Sunflower Oil has replaced the soy oil in all Green Horse Products.  Sunflower Oil has high amounts of Vitamins A, B, D and E, minerals, and also has beneficial amounts of lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids. By all accounts it is a great product for the skin and provides some protection from the sun. Deeply nourishing without feeling heavy, Sunflower Oil is a wonderful skin conditioner and can be used in manufacturing skin care products designed to treat dry & damaged skin, eczema and psoriasis.  It also has wonderful sun protection benefits.
 

 

Neem Oil-  Neem needs no introduction in today's world. A very famous herb of India with worldwide fame and having magical properties known for its miraculous medicinal values from past 5000 years. Neem is known as free tree of India as it is found almost everywhere in India. It is considered as a magic tree, which has properties that not only relieves but also cures from illness. Neem tree is commonly known as margosa tree in English language and Azadirachta indica in biological terms. 

Chemically neem contains complex compounds called triterpenes, limonoids, nonterpenoids, hexanortriterpenoids, and pentattriterpenoids. Neem act as anti bacterial, anti parasitic, anti fungal, anti protozoal and anti viral thus helps in protection from all the microorganisms, which are always ready to invade in our body causing serious ailments.  Local application of neem powder or neem oil has miraculous results. As it is a famous anti microbial herb, it renders all the microorganisms inactive therefore helping in proper healing of wound without causing any infections and septic conditions.

Neem oil is used as raw material in the commercial preparation of the following  known products. Neem oil is an excellent moisturizing oil and contains various compounds that have insecticidal and medicinal properties. It is used in making shampoos, toothpaste, soaps, cosmetics, mosquito repellants, creams and lotions, pet products like pet shampoo, etc. It also contains vitamin E, other essential amino acids and some percentages of fatty acids. Neem oil is used for treating many skin diseases viz. eczema, psoriasis, skin allergies, etc. and is being studied for making contraceptives in India. A compound found in Neem Oil and neem leaves extract- 'Salanin', has been proven to be safer but more effective insect repellant than DEET. Neem provides protection from not only mosquitoes, but also from biting flies, sand fleas and ticks. 

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·Green Horse Organics uses a synergistic blend of 10 essential oils that creates a barrier from pests and enhances your horses well being at the same time, including these power houses from Mother nature-

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 Lavender-   Lavender essential oil, Lavandula Officinalis, a sweet, floral, but a crisp herbal scent with a balsamic undertone. The safest among essential oils and used extensively on babies and children.  It is relaxing and soothing and can be helpful in reducing stress and high blood pressure.  Many individuals use lavender to promote a blissful sleep and serenity. Powerful, yet mild antiseptic, it can be used directly on the skin for  urgent needs such as bee stings, minor cuts and burns. Lavender essential oil, harvested in the lush French countryside, promotes a sense of calm and relaxation.

Properties - Analgesic, anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, antimicrobal, anti- rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrizing, cordial, cytophylactic, diuretic, emmenagogue, deodorant, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, parasticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary.

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Organic Peppermint Oil-   Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy in both Eastern and Western medicine for a wide spectrum of ailments, particularly for nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, headaches, and cramps. It is current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for vomiting in pregnancy, flatulence, intestinal colic, dysmenorrhea, and even the common cold. It is considered non-toxic, and generally non-irritant when used topically in dilution. Peppermint essential oil is prized as an overall tonic for most of the bodily systems and is known to bring relief from mental fatigue and nervous stress.  Insects dislike peppermint oil and are repelled by it.

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Organic Tea Tree Oil- Tea tree essential oil is considered by many aromatherapists as a universal oil because of the many characteristics. Melaleuca alternifolia is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral and has been proven strong against many infectious agents. Tea tree essential oil is also an immunostimulant and helps strengthen the body's natural defenses.Tea Tree Physical Benefits and Effects: Tea tree oil can be a gentle method of controlling skin irritations and infections such as cold sores, athlete's foot, yeast infections, acne problems, insect bites and minor cuts, scrapes or scratches.  tea tree oil is considered safe for undiluted application to small areas of the skin. Even toddlers find Melaleuca oil a welcome relief to ant bites or small cuts kids are prone to.

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Lemon Eucalyptus-   Like most essential oils, the oil of lemon eucalyptus has many uses.  It is a strong antiseptic and antifungal agent, sometimes being used to counteract athlete's foot when properly diluted.  Lemon eucalyptus essential oil has properties that help to soothe aching muscles and joints, again when properly diluted.  Also like other essential oils, this extract is very effective in warding off insects.  The aroma from the oil of lemon eucalyptus said to soothe your nerves and awaken your mind.

 

 Geranium Essential Oil-Removed from Green Horse fly spray as it has a tendency to attract bees.

 

Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil-   The oil made from lemongrass leaves by steam distillation results in a sweet, lemon-smelling compound due to the main aldehyde it contains, citral. Hence, the higher the citral content, the more potent the oil. Medicinal Benefits   Lemongrass essential oil has a variety of medicinal properties. It can be used as a sedative, antidepressant, antimicrobial, fever-reducer, antiseptic,  and astringent. Lemongrass oil can also be used to alleviate jet lag and relieve tension.

Beauty Aid -Essential oils made from lemongrass have also been used in perfumes,  detergents, soaps and creams. It is a beneficial massage oil, relieving sore, achy muscles and improving blood circulation. Oily skin, acne and athlete's foot are no match for lemongrass. Because it contains citronellal, lemongrass oil is a beneficial insect repellent. 
 

Organic Clove Bud Essential Oil-  Clove oil is a essential oil, that can be used as a home remedy. Clove oil has antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antiseptic effects. 60-90% of eugenol is found in clove oil. Clove oil comes from the Philippine islands. It comes from a clove plant. You'll find a very large amount of manganese in clove oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, fiber, iron, potassium and calcium as well. They even contain a decent amount of vitamins. Vitamin C and vitamin K is also found in clove oil.  Clove oil can reduce inflammation in the body and help boost the immune system naturally. Clove oil provides regular blood circulation in the body and helps increase your metabolism. Clove oil has been linked to contributing to stress and depression as well.    Take clove oil to improve respiratory conditions. Clove oil will reduce inflammation in the body. Used for colds, viral infections, asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, and to treat a toothache. The ingredient eugenol can be a natural pain killer. It also kills bacteria and fungal properties as well.   It will reduce inflammation can eliminate any bacteria or fungi. Use clove oil to reduce muscle aches and arthritis pain. Clove oil reduces inflammation, so it will help eliminate muscle aches and arthritis pain. Clove oil can help produce stronger joints and bones in the body. Clove oil contains calcium, omega-3 oil, and iron which all contribute to stronger joints and bones in the body.    Use clove oil to treat skin conditions. Clove oil can be used naturally to heal the skin and treats cuts.  It has antiseptic effects and Clove oil also can treat bites, stings, and reduce chances of infections.

 

 Organic Rosemary Essential Oil -  Rosemary essential oil possesses a variety of pharmacologic and biologic properties under its belt, including antispasmodic, analgesic, antirheumatic, carminative, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, and antiepileptic effects.  It is generally used to manage mental fatigue, circulation-related ailments, water retention, cellulite, respiratory problems, colds, and flu; to relieve pain from headaches and migraines, muscle aches, and rheumatic joint pain; to prevent mental exhaustion and stress; and to stimulate the skin and scalp circulation (hence as a toning and astringent agent). Moreover, rosemary essential oil appears to stimulate cell renewal and thus improve the condition of dry or mature skin and help with lines and wrinkles, burns, and wound healing, loss of appetite, gout, regrow hair.

 

Himilayan Cedarwood Oil-  Cedar wood  can be attributed to its properties as an antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, diuretic, emenagogue, expectorant, insecticidal, sedative and fungicidal substance.

Cedarwood Essential Oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation from the wood pieces of the Cedar Wood tree. Great for repelling fleas, ticks, spiders, moths, creepy crawlys.

 

Tea Tree Oil-  Tea tree oil has very high antiseptic, germicidal, antibacterial and anti fungal properties. It speeds healing and because it absorbs so easily into skin it continues to block bacterial growth preventing the reoccurrance of skin ailments.

It regulates the production of sebum (oil), unclogs pores and removes bacteria and dead skin cells that can accumulate from oily prone skin. Add a few drops to your regular cleanser and you will see a difference.

Tea tree is also high in antioxidants, boosts collagen production and improves circulation to the surface of your skin.  tea tree essential on hand as a natural alternative to your regular antiseptic. It promotes healing of cuts and scrapes and has been proven to be useful when treating acne, cold sores, warts and boils. Teatree oil is natural and safe.

 

Citronella oil Citronella -Replaced due to possible skin sensitivity and photosensetivity

 

Witch Hazel--

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Coconut Oil-

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Ma Chang Essential Oil-

 

What Are Essential Oils

Essential Oils are highly concentrated and potent oils extracted from plants, leaves, flowers, roots, buds, twigs, rhizomes, heartwood, bark, resin, seeds and fruits. Essential Oils are found in special secretory glands or cells within plant life. The aromatic substances are formed and stored in certain organs of a plant as a by-product or because of its metabolism. Each essential oil has it's very own blueprint that is absolutely unique. The combination of the plants blueprints, the energy of the sun, soil, air and water gives each oil its individual perfume and beneficial healing properties. The same species of plant can produce an essential oil with different properties depending on whether it was grown in dry or damp earth, at high or low altitude, or even in hot or cold climates. According to the International Organization for Standardization, essential oils are a "product made by distillation with either water or steam or by mechanical processing of citrus rinds or by dry distillation of natural materials. Following the distillation, the essential oil is physically separated from the water phase."

Unlike vegetable oils expressed from nuts and seeds, essential oils are not actually oily. Some essential oils are viscous; others are fairly solid and most are somewhat watery. Worldwide there are 3000 different essential oils with only about 300 commonly used. Essential oils are the most concentrated form of any botanical. It takes at least one pound of any given plant to create one drop of essential oil. Essential oils provide a concentrated dose of nature's vast pharmacological active ingredients in a single drop of oil. One hundred percent pure unadulterated essential oils are distinguished by a remarkable diversity of substances that only nature could produce.

How Essential Oils Work-

Essential oils have an immediate impact on our sense of smell, also known as "olfaction". When essential oils are inhaled, olfactory receptor cells are stimulated and the impulse is transmitted to the emotional center of the brain, or "limbic system".

The limbic system is connected to areas of the brain linked to memory, breathing, and blood circulation, as well as the endocrine glands which regulate hormone levels in the body. The properties of the oil, the fragrance and its effects, determine stimulation of these systems.

When used in massage, essential oils are not only inhaled, but absorbed through the skin as well. They penetrate the tissues and find their way into the bloodstream where they are transported to the organs and systems of the body.

Each of the essential oils used in Aromatherapy can be used either alone or in combinations to create a desired effect. Before using essential oils as part of an Aromatherapy treatment, it is important to understand the effect that the oil(s) have, and how it works.

The oils are found in different parts of the plant such as the flowers, twigs, leaves and bark, or in the rind of fruit. For example, in roses it is found in the flowers, in basil it is in the leaves, in sandalwood in the wood, and so on.

The methods used to extract the oil are time consuming and expensive and require a high degree of expertise. Given that it takes in excess of 220 pounds of rose petals to produce only 4 or 5 teaspoon  of oil. Due to the large quantity of plant material required, pure essential oils are expensive, but they are also highly effective - only a few drops at a time are required to achieve the desired effect.

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Now, about the bad stuff in typical Traditional horse insect/fly sprays--

 

PERMETHRIN

The insecticide permethrin (in the synthetic pyrethroid family) is widely used on cotton, wheat, corn, alfalfa, and other crops. In addition, over 100 million applications are made annually in and around U.S. homes.

Permethrin, like all synthetic pyrethroids, is a neurotoxin. Symptoms include tremors, incoordination, elevated body temperature, increased aggressive behavior, and disruption of learning. Laboratory tests suggest that permethrin is more acutely toxic to children than to adults.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified permethrin as a carcinogen because it causes lung tumors in female mice and liver tumors in mice of both sexes. Permethrin inhibits the activity of the immune system in laboratory tests, and also binds to the receptors for a male sex hormone. It causes chromosome aberrations in human and hamster cells.

Permethrin is toxic to honey bees and other beneficial insects, fish, aquatic insects, crayfish, and shrimp. For many species, concentrations of less than one part per billion are lethal. Permethrin causes deformities and other developmental problems in tadpoles, and reduces the number of oxygen-carrying cells in the blood of birds.

Permethrin has been found in streams and rivers throughout the United States. It is also routinely found on produce, particularly spinach, tomatoes, celery, lettuce, and peaches.

A wide variety of insects have developed resistance to permethrin. High levels of resistance have been documented in cockroaches, head lice, and tobacco budworm.

Pyrethrins

(Natural and still very toxic, derived from Chrysanthemums)

TRADE OR OTHER NAMES

Several trade names associated with these compounds are Buhach, Chrysanthemum Cinerariaefolium, Ofirmotox, Insect Powder, Dalmation Insect Flowers, Firmotox, Geraniol, Parexan and NA 9184.

INTRODUCTION

Pyrethrins are natural insecticides produced by certain species of the chrysanthemum plant. The flowers of the plant are harvested shortly after blooming and are either dried and powdered or the oils within the flowers are extracted with solvents. The resulting pyrethrin containing dusts and extracts usually have an active ingredient content of about 30%. These active insecticidal components are collectively known as pyrethrins. Two pyrethrins are most prominent, pyrethrin-I and pyrethrin-II. The pyrethrins have another four different active ingredients, Cinerin I and II and Jasmolin I and II. Pyrethrin compounds have been used primarily to control human lice, mosquitoes, cockroaches, beetles and flies. Some "pyrethrin dusts," used to control insects in horticultural crops, are only 0.3% to 0.5% pyrethrins, and are used at rates of up to 50 lb/A. Other pyrethrin compounds may be used in grain storage and in poultry pens and on dogs and cats to control lice and fleas.

The natural pyrethrins are contact poisons which quickly penetrate the nerve system of the insect. A few minutes after application, the insect cannot move or fly away. But, a "knockdown dose" does not mean a killing dose. The natural pyrethrins are swiftly detoxified by enzymes in the insect. Thus, some pests will recover. To delay the enzyme action so a lethal dose is assured, organophosphates, carbamates, or synergists may be added to the pyrethrins.

Semisynthetic derivatives of the chrysanthemumic acids have been developed as insecticides. These are called pyrethroids and tend to be more effective than natural pyrethrins while they are less toxic to mammals. One common synthetic pyrethroid is allethrin.

In this report, the term "pyrethrins" refers to the natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers; "pyrethroids" are the synthetic chemicals, and "pyrethrum" is a general name covering both compounds. The EPA classifies pyrethrin-I as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP). Restricted Use Pesticides may be purchased and used only by certified applicators.

Deet info

Every year, approximately one-third of the U.S. population uses insect repellants containing DEET to ward off mosquitoes and other pests. At present, DEET is used in more than 230 products with concentrations up to 100 percent.

However, DEET should be used with caution due to its possible damaging effects on brain cells. Studies have shown that DEET causes brain cell death and behavioral changes in rats after frequent and prolonged use. This exposure causes neurons to die in regions of the brain that control muscle movement, learning, memory, and concentration. Rats treated with an average human dose of DEET (40 mg/kg body weight) performed far worse when challenged with physical tasks requiring muscle control, strength and coordination. These findings are consistent with reported human symptoms following DEET's use by the military in the Persian Gulf War.

With heavy exposure to DEET and other insecticides, humans may experience memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors and shortness of breath. These symptoms may not be evident until months or even years after exposure. The most severe damage occurs when DEET is used concurrently with other insecticides, such as permethrin, for prolonged and frequent periods of time. At this time, there is little information about the short-term, singular and occasional use of DEET. Further government testing of the chemical's safety is necessary. However, frequent and long-term use of DEET, especially in combination with other chemicals or medications, could cause brain deficits in vulnerable populations, particularly children.

Until further studies are done, it is important to be cautious when using this insecticide:

Use insecticides containing DEET sparingly and infrequently. If you do use one on your skin, avoid wearing it for prolonged periods of time.

Be wary of using insect repellant containing DEET on children. Children are more susceptible to subtle brain changes caused by chemicals in their environment because their skin more readily absorbs them. Also, their still-developing nervous systems are more potently affected. For the same reasons,

NEVER use insect repellant containing DEET on infants.

Be aware that DEET can be present in commonly used preparations like insecticide-based lice-killing shampoos. Use the same precautions with such preparations as you would with insect repellent.

Do not combine insecticides with each other or use them while using other medications. Even an over-the-counter antihistamine could interact with DEET to cause toxic side effects.

Do not spray your yard for insects and then take medications afterward. There is a possibility that you've inhaled a small amount of the insecticide that might interact negatively with the medication. Also, be sure to wash your skin thoroughly after spraying your yard. Lawn treatment chemicals are very strong and were not formulated to be applied to human skin.

From the Duke University Medical Center News Office

The Dangers of DEET

From This week on MedMinute, a service of Duke University News.

Use caution when using insect repellents containing DEET.

Every year, approximately one-third of Americans use insect repellents containing the insecticide DEET. Duke University Medical Center pharmacologist Mohamed Abou-Donia has spent 30 years researching the effects of pesticides. He has found that prolonged exposure to DEET can impair functioning in parts of the brain.

"Damage to these areas could result in problems with muscle coordination, muscle weakness, walking or even memory and cognition."  Abou-Donia says rats given even small doses of DEET for 60 days had a harder time accomplishing even the easiest tasks.

"We found that the combined exposure to DEET and other chemicals is more dangerous than just DEET alone."

Abou-Donia also warns to never put a product containing DEET on an infant's or child's skin. The side-effects could be even more serious.   --From the Duke University Medical Center News Office

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More dangers of Deet continue to surface and update the harm done to us from inhaling and absorbing this toxin through our skin(skin being the bigest organ of our body

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Beware of copycats using scant amount of true active ingredients. Lately I have copycats using wording pulled straight off my website! The big companies use the cheapest ingredients with bad for you fillers to keep costs low and profits high!  Do they list the ingredients? hide the ingredients?  partially list ingredients?  Use key words to trick you into thinking their product is natural when they may use one tiny amount of an essential oil with the rest being permethrins and toxins, petrols, watered down junk?  Yes toxins are cheap manufactured garbage, such as round-up, and varied use of names ending in rethrins.  Read your labels, ask questions, know your company.  You should be able to trust what goes into a product because that product is going on YOU and your HOrses!  Be smart, safe, savy consumers..

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