As if the insect bite wasn't bad enough, it is usually followed shortly afterwards by a terrible itch. This poses a greater danger, especially for children, because if they scratch the bite, the wound can quickly become infected. That's why it's important to find anti-itching remedies to stop it. But what can you do about itching if you don't necessarily want to use medication right away? Of course, home remedies for itching are a great option. We would like to give you 7essential oilsintroduce ways to relieve itching and explain what you should keep in mind.
Essential oils should be used correctly so that you can relieve the itching but also not cause skin irritation. Then you can also use it against itching in the child. Please note the following rules if you want to use the oils as a home remedy 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 infections.
- Anti-inflammatory essential oils change the way the body responds to insect stings and bites. This way you can relieve itching.
- People with allergies shouldnotUse essential oils as they can cause allergic reactions. For example, asthma sufferers could suffer an asthma attack.
Home remedies for mosquito bites – relieve itching with peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is a fairly strong oil and should therefore not be used on open wounds, despite the carrier oil, as it can cause burning and make the wound worse. 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. Would you likerelieve itchy mosquito bitesor other lighter stings or bitesPeppermint oil is ideal. For more severe cases, it is better to avoid it.
Tea tree oil for itching
Tea tree oil can also be used for children. It has antimicrobial and antibacterial effects, reducing the risk of infections and inflammation. Studies suggest that tea tree oil also acts as a natural antihistamine, which influences the activity of the body's histamine receptors and can therefore reduce allergic reactions as well as itching and swelling.
Lavender oil
This miracle oil can not only relieve itching, but also painful bites and stings. You can use the oil if you are after oneMosquito bite stops the itchingwant, but also in the case of a bee sting or bite from fire ants. So feel free to combine lavender oil with its calming effect if you want to relieve itching.
What to do if you itch – lemongrass oil as a helper
A 2014 study found that lemongrass may have anti-inflammatory properties. This of course makes it ideal for combating inflammation and thus getting rid of the trigger for pain and itching. This makes bites and stings less painful. In addition, thatLemongrass oilhas an antimicrobial effect and can prevent the spread of some diseases from insects.
Relieve itching with the home remedy camphor oil
Camphor oil is also a good home remedy for itching. It has a warming effect on the skin and can thus relieve itching caused by some insects. However, camphor oil really only helps with itching. If the bite or sting site burns instead, avoid using this essential oil as the warming effect can also make the burning worse.
Itching caused by insect bites - chamomile as a remedy
What else helps with itching? Chamomile is a wonderful home remedy for a variety of ailments, including itching caused by insect stings and bites. Its calming effect in combination with theanti-inflammatory properties, which have already been proven in some studies, can mitigate mild allergic reactions and relieve pain and itching caused by some insects.
Witch hazel oil for itching after an insect bite
Although witch hazel oil is not really an oil, we would like to call it a home remedy because it has a positive effect on itching relief. It cleans the through bitescaused woundand 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 obtained from the leaves of the witch hazel. Since it is actually not an essential oil, it does not need to be mixed with a carrier oil.
How to use the oils
After mixing 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 use. This is particularly true forPregnant women and women who are breastfeeding!
Which essential oils should you avoid?
While some essential oils prove effective for itching and other discomfort caused by insect bites and stings, others can do the exact opposite and worsen symptoms. This is why you should avoid them. These are the oils of:
- Benzoin
- Cinnamon cassia
- fennel
- Fichte
- laurel
- cloves
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Pepper
- sage
- Studentenblume
- Pine needles
- Thymian
- Cinnamon
Study on tea tree oilhere.
Study on anti-inflammatory propertiesLavendelöls.
