Bug Repellent?

[bushman]

Does any one know what the Natives used for a bug repellent, other then smudges and rubbing charcoal on the skin?
Bushman

[youngbowyer33]

wiping the leaves(or whatever they are called) of cedars on the skin works.

[mullet]

 I don't know if it is true or not but I always heard when I was growing up the oil from the Camphor tree was used the same way.

[Grunt]

I've used Pennyroyal. It has a square stem as all the mint family has and grows in creek beds. Crush it and rub it on.

[mullet]

 The first time I went to Brazil they told me to use Diesel and urine. I ended up with over 200 bites on each arm.

[Outbackbob48]

Hey eddie I believe they were havin some fun on you   Bob

[leapingbare]

Wild onions.. yep your stink but the bugs don't like the smell of it

[sailordad]

i just ignore them 

actually i hunt in a ground blind,if i need someting i used my thermacell 
i know its not primitive,but it is very very affective
doesnt seem to bother the deer either.ive had them walk right p past my blind(2-3yds)and never seen them get spooked

other wise catnip from what ive heard is supposed to work,just like the other plants/weeds
just rub it all over your self
sue every cat in the neighborhood is gonna wanna be your buddy,but that aint so bad is it 

[Postman]

I use commercial stuff occasionally, but hoary mountain mint, A whitish (due to soft hairs all over) catnip relative, is a strong mint and works OK. I have a huge patch in my yard I crush up and rub as needed.

[leapingbare]

Plantain. Brod leaf and lance leaf. Pick some leaves and rub them betwen your hands with some spit then rub the juice on your skin.
Plantain also works well for bug bites the juice will releve the sting and itch.

[cracker]

citronella oil

[jamie]

recently discovered that the yarrow tincture i make  keeps the bugs away. in a pinch i use sweet fern or spice bush too

[aesedai]

peppermint essential oil is supposed to work really well

[Diligence]

if you grind up Yarrow leaves and flowers in some water (or spit), it works okay too.....and it even works as a bit of an "after bite" astringent.

J

[mullet]

 Archery Season starts this weekend in the "A" or Southern zone of Florida. Heat index is running around 100-103 with the humidity in the swamps about 95-100%. I'd love to see somebody come down and rub leaves on your body and stay out hunting more than 30 minutes. I take two Thermocells and DEET. I also wear a Bug Tamer suit that the big mosquitos can bite through.
  The plus side is you don't have to worry about those expensive Scent suits. You will be soaked from sweat by 6:30 in the morning.