Women Survivors in Nashville and Rwanda Create Successful Bug Free Natural Repellent

Women Survivors in Nashville and Rwanda Create Successful Bug Free Natural Repellent

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Newly improved natural repellent scores higher than leading natural spray in lab testing.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — June 2, 2016 — Thistle Farms, a social enterprise of women healing from trafficking, prostitution and addiction, launches its improved natural insect repellent for spring on the news of independent testing confirming its efficacy.

“Last year we sold over 8,000 bottles – each bottle bringing opportunities and jobs to women survivors of violence, trafficking and trauma in Nashville and Rwanda,” said Founder and President, Becca Stevens, who was named a CNN Hero earlier today.

“Our Thistle Farms Bug Free Repellent has become a remarkable success story for us,” Stevens said. “We know it’s a favorite of moms and nature-lovers, but we wanted to take the next step and confirm its effectiveness in the lab. We spent time fine-tuning and retooling this winter, and then had it tested this spring at an independent lab. It not only held up against the leading natural brand in the U.S., it surpassed it!”

Thistle Farms Bug Free Repellent utilizes organic rose geranium oil, grown and pressed by the farmers of Ikirezi, survivors of the Rwandan genocide. “When we visited Rwanda in 2008, we weren’t familiar with rose geranium and that it has been used as an anti-malarial in Africa for centuries. We decided then to partner with them – with the women of Ikirezi growing and harvesting the geranium and the women of Thistle Farms blending it with other natural ingredients and preparing it for the U.S. market. The product empowers women in both communities to become economically independent and gives consumers everywhere an earth-friendly solution for mosquitoes.”

Testing was provided by Snell Scientifics LLC. of Meansville, GA, an independent research lab specializing in scientific development and efficacy testing for pesticides and repellents. Thistle Farms Bug Free Repellent was tested against skin that was untreated as well as skin sprayed with the leading natural brand, proving to be 100% effective after 15 minutes, and performing 2% above the leading brand.

Thistle Farms Bug Free Repellent is available in 2 oz and 4 oz sizes, $8.99 and $14.99 respectively. A companion product, the Bug Free Outdoor Candle, retails for $28.99. Products are available onThistleFarms.org and at participating Thistle Farms retailers.

About Thistle Farms

Thistle Farms is a community of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction. It includes a two-year residential program, called Magdalene, a Home & Body line, Thistle Stop Café and Thistle Farms Global. Thistle Farms stands as a witness to the truth that in the end love is the most powerful force for change.

@thistlefarms | @thistlestopcafe | @revbeccastevens | @thistleglobal