If a mosquito or insect has ever bitten you, you know how painful it can be. Itchy skin and red, raised bumps can last for days after the initial sting. But that doesn’t mean you must suffer through it all summer. With these easy home remedies for bug bites, you can relieve your skin from the discomfort of an insect bite in just a few minutes.
Ice Cubes:
The first step to treating insect bites is to cool down the area. Then, if you have a rash or swelling, place ice cubes on the area for 5-10 minutes. You can also try rubbing ice on the bite for 10 minutes or putting baking soda on it for half an hour. You may also want to drink some tea with honey to relieve pain and swelling.
Chamomile tea:
Chamomile tea is a calming drink for colds and allergies, but this soothing herb also works wonders for treating bug bites. The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile have been shown to help reduce swelling and itching caused by insect bites. To make a cup of this soothing tea blend, place 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers into a mug and add 2 cups of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, and then strain out the flowers before drinking.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera is an herb that has been used to treat skin conditions and wounds since ancient times. It’s also rich in vitamins A and C, making it an excellent choice for soothing irritated skin. For example, to use aloe vera as a home remedy for bug bites, squeeze the gel from the leafy part of the plant onto the affected area.
Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is another natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of skin conditions, including insect bites and wounds. You can add it directly to your bath water to help soothe your skin and reduce inflammation caused by insect bites. For best results, apply undiluted oil directly to the affected area 2-3 times daily until symptoms subside entirely.
Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which has powerful antiseptic properties that kill off parasites that cause itching or irritation. You can use lemon juice in various ways to help relieve bug bites:
- Pour a small amount on a cotton ball and dab gently over the affected area,
- Squeeze out two tablespoons of lemon juice into a glass bowl.
- Dip a cotton ball in the juice and gently pat the wound.
Basil Leaves:
Basil leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing pain and itching. Basil leaves can be mixed with a bit of water to make a paste and applied to the affected area. This home remedy should be left on for at least an hour before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Basil should not be used on people with sensitive skin because they contain some chemicals that may irritate.
Green Tea:
Green tea is an excellent natural remedy for insect bites because it contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation caused by insect stings. Make a cup of green tea by adding one teaspoon of green tea leaves to two cups of boiling water and leave it to steep for five minutes before drinking it up through a strainer lined with cheesecloth (or muslin cloth). Green tea can be taken internally or externally as a topical remedy for insect bites. It is advisable to drink at least three cups of green tea daily if you want this remedy to work effectively. You can also mix some honey into your tea for added benefits such as healing and soothing properties.
Vinegar:
Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl; add honey to it if you like sweetness in your drink; dip a clean cloth into this mixture and apply it over your insect bite to relieve pain caused by an insect bite or bug bite infection.
Eucalyptus essential oil:
Eucalyptus essential oil is an excellent home remedy for insect bites. This oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that help to relieve itching and swelling. You can apply eucalyptus essential oil directly to the affected area, mix it with water, and apply it as a spray. TheBetterHome's natural mosquito repellant contains peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oil because the fragrance of essential oil repels insects. This insect repellant contains no sulphates or parabens, so it has no side effects on your skin.
Other ways to use Eucalyptus oil:
- Take a small amount of Eucalyptus essential oil and massage it into the affected area. This will help to relieve the itching and also reduce swelling.
- You can also put some Eucalyptus essential oil on cotton balls and apply this directly to the insect bite.
- Add some eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for about 15 minutes. This will help loosen any dead skin cells that may be stuck to your skin, making it easier to wash away the dead skin cells without further damaging your skin.
Milk:
Milk is another excellent home remedy for insect bites. It will help to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. Pour half a glass of milk into a bowl and add a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil (optional). Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and apply it to the affected area every two hours until you get relief from itching, redness and swelling. If you have sensitive skin, you can use plain milk instead of adding other spices or herbs.
Oatmeal:
Oatmeal is very effective in treating rashes caused by insect bites because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling around the bite area. Soak two tablespoons of oatmeal in 1 cup water for 15 minutes daily until your rash heals completely.