PREVENTING DENGUE IN NATURAL WAY Owing to the the dramatically increasing incidence of life threatening opportunistic dengue, it is now clear that dengue is one of the major problems our country is facing of. According to the Capiz Provincial Health Office, dengue cases increases up to 467% from January 1 to July 23, 2013. Besides, more serious infections associated with this problem have more prevalent because it can cause death. Despite recognizing the mosquito as the cause of this dengue in humans, many of theses cases were serious and difficult to diagnose and treat. Thomas Paine once said, “Man must go back to nature for information.” DEET also known as diethyl-meta-toluamide or picaridin present in the commercially prepared mosquito repellent that 15% of DEET is absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream which can cause reproductive disturbances, genetic material mutations, and central nervous system disorders. But don't worry, no need to suffer long term and serious health consequences to ward off pesky mosquitoes. Choose a natural way! Here are some natural options: 1. Using the pure citronella oil, this oil is present in lemon grass (Andropogon citratus) it repels insects such as mosquitoes, black flies, ticks and fleas, therefore preventing its bites. It is natural non-toxic alternative to DEET. 2. Utilization of Catnip the Nepeta cataria, commonly known as balbas-pusa. According to research at Lowa State university that the essential oil of catnip is 10 times more powerful than DEET. 3. Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Applications. New study from the Asian Public Journal of Tropical Medicine shows that an extract of black pepper is effective in repelling mosquitoes. 4. Consumption of Fresh Garlic. Eating lots of garlic- mosquitoes can’t stand the stuff. 5. Tomato leaves application. Tomato leaves have an alkaloid that act as natural repellent against mosquitoes. As presented above, you can now assess on what to do. Remember, don’t let fear of mosquitoes curtail your enjoyment of nature. By learning new, healthier way to avoid mosquitoes, you can be outside of as much as you want. Lifestyle changes with herbal repellents are crucial to coexisting bugs without coming to harm. Take in mind the prevention is better than cure.