Wow, I didn’t know that catalpa could be used as a phytotherapeutic remedy! It’s interesting to learn that the extract from its fruits was once used for asthma, but it was stopped because it’s so toxic. The idea that catalpol, the active ingredient, can act as a repellent for mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks is pretty cool. I guess that means it’s really strong! 🌿
But it’s also a little scary to think that catalpa is so toxic that it’s not allowed in food supplements. I had no idea that the fruit looks like Virginia cigars, and I wonder if that’s why it has such a unique smell. It’s good to know about its uses, but I would be careful when handling it.
Do you think there’s a safer way to use catalpa for its repellent effects, or is it best to just avoid it completely?
for human use it is better to avoid using catalpa as a repellent.
However, macerating the fruits and leaves in water for two weeks, filtering and spraying on plants grown in the garden is an excellent remedy for fighting the most common parasites such as aphids, cochineal, etc.
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