The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, was conducted by Britain’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). Researchers found that the chemical Citriodiol had “anti-viral activity against SARS-CoV-2,” if mixed with the virus in the liquid phase.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb Citriodiol is an active ingredient in many insect repellents, with the study specifically testing out Mosi-guard, a commonly used repellent in the United Kingdom. The study said “mixing a virus suspension with Mosi-guard spray or selected constituent components resulted in a reduction in SARS-CoV-2” after just one minute. According to Citrefine International, Citriodiol is made from the “oil of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree,” specifically stemming from the leaves of these trees. And unlike other essential oil based products, Citriodiol has met many nationwide standards for use in insect repellents across the globe. Citriodiol has even been approved for use by the EPA—which refers to it by the generic name of “oil of lemon eucalyptus.” And it’s also been pushed by the agency for its potential to safeguard against another harmful virus—Zika. According to Citrefine International, Citriodiol is the “only naturally sourced active ingredient registered for use in the U.S. by the EPA, and listed by the U.S. CDC to prevent bites from mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus.” So it’s very possible that the U.S. will issue its own research on the use of Citriodiol against the coronavirus. After all, the Ministry of Defence noted in a public statement that the study was intended to act “as the foundation for other scientific bodies who are researching the virus and possible solutions.” If you’re looking for specific insect repellents you can buy that contain Citriodiol, read on. And for more ways to protect yourself from getting the coronavirus, Dr. Fauci Wants You to Avoid Doing These 9 Things Right Now. Murphy’s Natural is a plant-based insect repellent made with 30 percent Citriodiol. According to the brand, it’s a “clinically proven plant-based insect repellent that is naturally and sustainably sourced.” And for some cleaning supplies that can knock out COVID, check out Your Favorite Disinfectants, Ranked by How Quickly They Kill Coronavirus. This Cutter insect repellent also includes 30 percent of lemon eucalyptus oil, otherwise known as Citriodiol. It comes in both a pump spray version, as well as an aerosol version. And for more COVID tips, check out these 23 Cleaning Tips From the CDC You Need to Follow. This DEET-free REPEL repellent claims to protect against “mosquitoes for up to 6 hours,” including mosquitoes that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, because it is also 30 percent Citriodiol. Coleman describes their Citriodiol-based, 100 percent natural insect repellent as “non-greasy” with a “pleasantly fragranced formula.” It’s also available in both a pump and continuous spray format. And for more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter.
