Ticks are not only annoying bloodsuckers, they can also transmit dangerous diseases. It is therefore important to remove them as quickly as possible once they have become attached. However, it is even better to prevent a tick bite so that it does not get that far in the first place. In addition to chemical repellents, there are also some home remedies that are intended to provide effective protection against woodbuck. This also includes black cumin oil, which is said to help against ticks.
ticks
The dangerous bloodsuckers are just about everywhere in nature. They lurk on grass or in low bushes and will drop down on a host as he walks by. Sometimes you brush off the little animals unintentionally when walking through meadows with tall grass. After crawling over clothing and skin for some time, they find a suitable place to suck blood. Usually the tick bite is not felt, at most an itching indicates it. Then the spot should not be scratched, so that the tick is not destroyed. It must be removed with tweezers or a special tick card. The mouthparts in particular are very stubborn.
Some diseases that can be transmitted by tick bites:
- TBE (early summer meningitis - vaccination recommended)
- Lyme disease (bacterial infection - administration of antibiotics as treatment)
- Q fever (bacterial infection - notifiable)
- Tick paralysis (reaction to the neurotoxin that inhibits clotting)
- Tularemia (rabbit fever, transmissible to humans, with severe disease progression)
tip: Pathogens are usually not transmitted immediately, so the tick must be removed as soon as possible.
Black cumin oil against ticks
This oil is obtained from the seeds of black cumin (Nigella sativa). Despite the name, black seed is not related to caraway or cumin. Black cumin is used as a spice and as a medicinal plant. The use goes back to over 2000 years of experience in naturopathy. Black cumin oil in particular is said to have many positive effects. It is said to help against diseases of the skin, hair, the immune system and even cancer. However, the mode of action is scientifically controversial, as there are not enough studies on it.
Ingredients:
- Vitamins (C, E, B vitamins)
- Minerals (magnesium, selenium)
- essential oils (thymoquinone)
Does black cumin oil help against ticks?
The fact that the oil may help against Ixodida goes back to the experiences of a student who did experiments with his dog and presented them at "Jugend forscht". He gave his dog black seed oil daily due to a food intolerance. The student soon noticed that there were fewer wooden blocks on the dog as a result. To confirm his suspicions, the young man extended his experiments to ticks, which he collected in a meadow. In doing so, he noticed that the animals avoided blood or sweat mixed with the oil of black cumin. Apparently the bloodsuckers have an aversion to the smell of the oil.
It is not known to what extent these experiences can be transferred to humans. In tests, home remedies generally do not do so well when it comes to tick defense. Chemical agents always have an advantage. However, if you want to avoid these, you can try black cumin oil against ticks.
dosage
For dogs, it is sufficient if you regularly give some oil (1 mg per kg body weight) with the feed. A few drops, which are distributed in the neck fur, also deter ticks. Please note, however, that the animals are not killed as with the corresponding means from the veterinarian.
notice: Black seed oil is not suitable for cats as it is toxic to them. They lack the ability to digest or break down some of the ingredients in the oil.
For people, about one tablespoon of oil a day is usually enough for the positive effects to unfold. Since it also helps with allergies and other diseases, the effect against woodbuck can be considered a pleasant side effect. If you want to use the oil externally, it is best to mix it into a body lotion or sunscreen. A few drops are enough. You can also apply the oil pure, but it can be better mixed with other agents.
alternatives
Since the effect of black seed oil on woodbucks has not been scientifically proven, you should consider other measures. In nature, long, light-colored clothing protects against ticks being able to settle on uncovered skin. After the walk, you should search your body thoroughly, this is especially true for children who play outside a lot. Ticks are easier to spot on light-colored clothing.
Chemical agents must be applied or sprayed on before the walk. However, they are not always compatible with children. For pets, there are appropriate remedies at the veterinarian. These are either given orally as a tablet or dripped on the back of the neck. The protection then lasts for a long time. You should also check pets after a walk, as a tick can also be transmitted from the dog to its owner if it comes into close contact.