🌿 Growing With Purpose: Lavender & Peppermint

A Natural Tick Repellent for You and Your Dog

One of the most powerful parts of our Growing With Purpose efforts is learning how the same plants we grow for health and wellness can serve multiple real-life uses.

Among the 7 core plants—Lavender and Peppermint—stand out not only for their calming and refreshing properties, but also for something very practical: 👉 A natural tick repellent—for you and adaptable for your dog.

This is where knowledge turns into action.

🌱 Why Lavender & Peppermint Work

• Lavender → soothing to us, but repels many insects
• Peppermint → strong menthol scent disrupts insect detection
• Coconut Oil → contains lauric acid, which has shown tick-repelling properties

👉 Together, they create a layered protection approach using what you can grow yourself.

This is the foundation of Growing With Purpose: learn it, grow it, use it.

🧪 Option 1: Using an Extraction Machine

A tool like the Magic Butter Machine MB2e simplifies the process by using controlled heat and motion.

🌿 Ingredients

• 2 cups coconut oil (fractionated = liquid for sprays)
• 1/2 cup dried lavender
• 1/2 cup dried peppermint
• Optional: 1 tbsp sunflower lecithin

🔧 Process

• Set temperature to 71°C (160°F)
• Run 2-hour oil cycle
• Strain into a glass jar

✔ Result: A durable, long-lasting infused oil

🔧 Option 2: No Machine? No Problem.

If you don’t have an extraction machine, you can achieve the same results using standard kitchen tools. 👉 The goal stays the same: gentle heat to draw out plant compounds into your oil.

🍲 1. Double Boiler Method (Fastest)

Closest to a machine method using steam heat.

Setup

• Heat-safe bowl over simmering water (not touching)

Ingredients

• 1 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 1/4 cup dried lavender
• 1/4 cup dried peppermint

Process

• Simmer gently for 2–3 hours
• Keep temperature between 50–70°C
• Stir occasionally

Finish

• Cool slightly and strain

🕰️ 2. Slow Cooker Method (Easiest)

A “set it and forget it” approach.

Setup

• Add oil + herbs directly into slow cooker

Process

• Set to Warm (not Low)
• Infuse for 4–6 hours

Tip

• Use a mason jar in a water bath if your cooker runs hot

☀️ 3. Solar / Windowsill Method (Traditional)

Slow, simple, and preserves delicate compounds.

Setup

• Fill jar halfway with dried herbs
• Cover with oil (fully submerged + extra inch)

Process

• Place in sunny window
• Shake daily

Duration

• 2–4 weeks

Finish

• Strain and store in dark container

🧴 How to Use It (For You)

Option A: Rub / Roll-On

• Apply to ankles, wrists, exposed areas
• Strongest and longest-lasting protection

Option B: Spray

• Mix:
  • 1 part infused oil
  • 2 parts witch hazel
  • splash of alcohol
• Use a trigger spray bottle

🐕 Making It Safe for Your Dog

Dogs require much lower concentrations.

🧴 Dog Spray Recipe

• 2 tablespoons infused oil
• 1/2–1 cup water
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Optional: small amount of alcohol

👉 Shake well before every use

🐾 Application Tips

• Focus on legs, paws, belly
• Spray a bandana or collar for sensitive dogs
• Apply before entering tall grass or wooded areas

⚠️ Important Reminders

• Use dried herbs only → prevents mold and bacteria
• Store oil in a cool, dark place
• Manual infusions are best used within 3–4 months
• Avoid face (eyes, nose, mouth)
• Monitor your dog for reactions
• ⚠️ Keep away from cats until fully dry

🌍 Why This Matters

This is more than making a repellent.

This is about:

• Creating your own solutions
• Reducing dependency on expensive products
• Making wellness accessible—even in small spaces

Many people today are being left out of growing their own health and wellness options. This is one way we change that.

💚 Growing With Purpose

Lavender and Peppermint are just 2 of the 7 plants we are working with… and already they provide:

• Natural protection
• Wellness benefits
• Practical everyday use

👉 When you start growing with purpose, every plant becomes more than just a plant.

🌿 Final Thought

You don’t need special tools to get started. You don’t need perfect conditions.

You just need:

• A willingness to learn
• A small space
• And a purpose behind what you grow

This is Growing With Purpose.