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Dust Mite Allergies
Plant oil vapors extinguish dust mites
from my mite files...read carefully...just giving ideas...Joanie
~~~
June 2001 CLINICIAN REVIEWS VOL 11 NO 6
page 136.
PLANT OIL VAPORS EXTINGUISH DUST MITES
Wintergreen and other plant oil vapors kill dust mites within close proximity, making them an effective and pleasant-smelling way to eliminate the arachnids in small-volume areas, such as dresser drawers. This finding was conveyed by Jeffrey D. Miller, MD, of Allergy and Asthma
Associates, Dunbury, Connecticut. In his investigation, 56 plant oils were tested for their ability to kill dust mites in culture dishes and on clothing.
The vapors of the following oils were among those that were effective miticides:
- anise
- birch
- coriander
- eucalyptus
- lavender
- nutmeg
- pine
- spearmint
- ylang-ylang
- wintergreen
The amount of oil necessary to kill the dust mites was critical, however, with large areas requiring larger amounts. Wintergreen was especially effective in larger spaces, such as closets. Dr. Miller acknowledged, however, that the clinical efficacy and safety of the oils has not yet been established.
From a website no longer in existence:
Washing With Eucalyptus Oil Rids Bedding Of Asthma-Provoking Mites
(Reuters 11/05/1997)
Asthma Information Center
Reuters Health Information Services
Washing With Eucalyptus Oil Rids Bedding Of Asthma-Provoking Mites
WESTPORT, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Eucalyptus oil added to detergent kills almost all house dust mites during machine washing of blankets, report Australian researchers in the October issue of the Journal of Asthma and Clinical Immunology.
Dr. Euan R. Tovey, of the University of Sydney, and colleagues note that 95% of mite allergen can be removed from fabrics by cold or warm water laundering. However, most mites survive. Eradication would likely slow allergen build-up, but high temperatures or laboratory detergents are generally required for effective extermination.
The researchers compared live mite recovery from blankets washed in warm water containing dishwashing detergent, with or without eucalyptus oil. Four parts eucalyptus oil were emulsified with one part of a specific concentrated detergent. Only 0.6% of mites survived the eucalyptus treatment, whereas 97.6% were still alive after exposure to detergent alone.
By using readily-available eucalyptus oil, the team conclude, "...it is possible to make a simple, effective laundry acaricidal wash that eliminates the need for very hot water and that may maintain low allergen levels in bedding for longer than normal laundering alone."
J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;100:464-466.