Herbal Flea-Repelling Powder

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Herbal Dry Shampoo or Flea-Repelling Powder

This dry shampoo or powder helps dogs feel and smell fresher between baths. It can also be used as an itch-relieving aid for dogs and cats plagued with irritated skin. Ground lavender flowers are added for their calming, flea-repelling aroma, while neem powder contributes a powerful punch against existing fleas. Both herbs are gentle and safe for cats and dogs in their natural, dried form. Lavender essential oil and neem oil are much stronger, though, and are not suitable substitutes in this recipe.

Yield: 1 ⁄4 Cup (40g) Herbal Dry Shampoo

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp (1g) dried lavender flowers
  • 1 ⁄4 tsp neem leaf powder
  • 1 ⁄4 cup (40g) arrowroot powder


Cover courtesy of Page Street Publishing

Instructions:

Using an electric coffee grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the lavender flowers to a fine powder. Stir together with the neem and arrowroot until a uniform consistency is reached. Do not add any essential oils to this recipe, especially if you plan to use it on cats. Store the finished dry shampoo in a tightly sealed jar.

To use, scoop or pinch up a small amount of powder and rub it into your cat’s or dog’s fur. Follow with a thorough brushing. Depending on the size of your pet and their cooperation level, this may get messy! Although it’s easily vacuumed if it gets in your carpet or on your floor, you may want to apply this outdoors.

Animals and their human handlers who are pregnant or nursing should avoid neem.

Variation: If neem powder isn’t available, try finely powdered dried oxeye daisy flowers instead.

More from 101 Easy Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home:


Reprinted with permission from 101 Easy Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home by Jan Berry, Page Street Publishing Co. 2016. Photo credit: Jan Berry.

Natural Beauty

In The Complete Guide to Natural Homemade Beauty Products & Treatments, you’ll discover how to effectively make use of nature’s bounty, so you can prepare your own beauty treatments for complete skin, body, and hair care. Using aromatic and medicinal plants, flowers, fruits, and essential oils, these incredible recipes (along with lifestyle tips) will enhance your beauty from head to toe. Order from the Mother Earth Living Store or by calling 800-456-6018.

  • Published on Jan 7, 2019
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