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Relieve itching from insect bites with home remedies – which essential oils are suitable?

As if the insect bite wasn’t bad enough, a terrible itch usually follows shortly thereafter. This is a greater danger, especially for children, because if they scratch the sting, the wound can quickly become infected. It is therefore important to find anti-itch remedies to stop it. But what can you do against itching if you don’t necessarily want to use medication right away? Home remedies for itching are of course a great option. We would like to introduce you to 7 essential oils that can be used to relieve itching and explain what you should be aware of.

Relieve itching with essential oils – basic rules

Use essential oils to relieve itching after insect bites or bites

Essential oils should be used properly so that you can relieve the itching but also not cause skin irritation. Then you can also use them against itching in the child. Observe the following rules if you want to use the oils as home remedies for itching:

Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin; always mix them with a carrier oil. Vegetable oils are well suited for this.
Antimicrobial essential oils reduce the risk of infection.
Anti-inflammatory essential oils change the way the body reacts to insect stings and bites. This can help relieve itching.
People with allergies should not use essential oils as they can cause allergic reactions. For example, people with asthma could have an asthma attack.

Home remedies for mosquito bites – relieve itching with peppermint oil

Peppermint oil soothes itching thanks to its cooling effect on the skin

Peppermint oil is a very strong oil and should therefore not be used on open wounds despite the carrier oil, as it can cause burning and worsen the wound. Peppermint has a cooling effect, which is great for relieving itching. In addition, the oil has an antimicrobial effect and reduces the risk of infections. If you want to relieve itchy mosquito bites or other lighter bites or bites, peppermint oil is ideal. For more severe cases it is better not to use it.

Tea tree oil for itching

Use tea tree oil to relieve itching and reduce the risk of infection

Tea tree oil can also be used for children. It has antimicrobial and antibacterial effects, reducing the risk of infection and inflammation. As studies suggest, tea tree oil also acts like a natural antihistamine, which influences the activity of the body’s histamine receptors and can thus reduce allergic reactions, itching and swelling.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil can relieve itching and soothe puffy skin

This miracle oil can not only relieve itching but also painful bites and stings. You can use the oil when you want to stop the itching after a mosquito bite, but also with a bee sting or fire ants bite. Combine lavender oil with its calming effect if you want to relieve itching.

What to do with itching – lemongrass oil as a helper

Lemongrass oil can prevent insect disease from spreading in the body

A 2014 study found that lemongrass might have anti-inflammatory properties. This, of course, makes it ideal for fighting inflammation and that way getting rid of the trigger for pain and itching. This makes bites and stings less painful. In addition, the lemongrass oil has an antimicrobial effect and can thus prevent the spread of some diseases from the insects.

Use the home remedy camphor oil to relieve itching

Camphor oil has a warming effect and is only suitable for itching, but not for burning

Camphor oil is also a good home remedy for itching. It has a warming effect on the skin and in this way can relieve the itching caused by some insects. However, camphor oil really only helps with itching. If the bite or sting point burns instead, do not use this essential oil, because the warming effect can also worsen the burning sensation.

Itching from insect bites – chamomile as a remedy

Chamomile oil is anti-inflammatory and will stop itching and burning

What else helps with itching? Chamomile is a wonderful home remedy for a wide variety of ailments, including itching caused by insect bites and bites. Its calming effects, combined with the anti-inflammatory properties already proven in some studies, can reduce mild allergic reactions and relieve pain and itching caused by some insects.

Witch hazel oil against itching after an insect bite

Witch hazel oil from the witch hazel has an antibacterial effect and prevents infections

Although witch hazel oil isn’t actually an oil, we’d like to name it because it has beneficial itch relief effects as a home remedy. It cleanses the wound caused by bites and has an antibacterial effect, reducing the risk of infection. In addition, the oil is anti-inflammatory and is often used against bruises.

Witch hazel oil is a water that is extracted from the leaves of the witch hazel. So since it’s actually not an essential oil, it doesn’t need to be mixed with a carrier oil either.

How you use the oils

Relieve itching with home remedies - What to do against itchy insect bites

After you’ve mixed the essential oils with a carrier oil, you can apply it directly to the affected area and let it work. Use the oils as described by the manufacturer and it is best to always seek advice from your doctor or other expert before using them. This is especially true for Pregnant and breastfeeding women!

Which essential oils should one avoid??

Which essential oils are not suitable for insect stings and bites?

While some essential oils are effective for relieving itching and other ailments caused by insect bites and stings, others can do just the opposite and make symptoms worse. Because of this, you should avoid them. Such are the oils of:

Benzoin
Cinnamon cassia
fennel
Spruce
laurel
Cloves
oregano
parsley
pimento
sage
Marigold
Pine needles
thyme
cinammon

Treat mosquito bites with essential oils as home remedies in children and adults

Study on Tea Tree Oil here.

Study of anti-inflammatory properties of lavender oil.