One of the common summer nuisances is itching and scratching like mad due to mosquito bites. While mosquito bites are usually harmless, occasionally they can cause redness, soreness, itching and swelling. Mosquito bites are caused by female mosquitoes that inject saliva into your skin. The proteins in the saliva trigger a mild immune system reaction which results in itchy bumps on your skin.

In this article you can find some of the common and most-effective natural ways for relieve and treat mosquito bites, and some of them can be easily found at your home.

 

1. Baking soda

Baking soda is alkaline and as a result it can ease insect itching caused by mosquito bites. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to get a thick paste and apply to the affected skin area. Leave for a few minutes and then rinse with warm water. You can also find more information in my post on how to use baking soda as a kitchen medicine.

2. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

ACV (as well as other types of vinegar) is acidic and helps to stop itching and relieve swelling caused by mosquito bites. Soak a cotton ball in ACV and apply to the affected skin area for a few minutes. Then rinse. Find here more ways ACV can revolutionize your health. Using ACV is also one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health.

3. Oatmeal paste

Oatmeal helps to relieve itching so use ground oatmeal mixed with a little bit of water to create a paste and apply to the affected skin area. Leave it to dry and then rinse. Oatmeal paste is also a great home remedy to get rid of bed bug bites.

4. Sea salt or Epsom Salt

Create a paste by mixing sea salt or Epsom salt with water and apply to the itchy skin area, or make a compress by soaking a washcloth in water that has been mixed with salt (2 tablespoons per cup of water). Find here more information on how to use sea salt for your skin and the various uses of Epsom salt.

5. Raw Honey

Honey can prevent infection due to its antiseptic properties. Simply apply a little bit of honey to the itchy mosquito bite to soothe the skin. Find here more ways to use honey for your health.

6. Ice Pack

Applying ice pack or ice cubes to the affected skin area can reduce swelling and relieve itching caused by mosquito bites as well as flea bites. Leave it for about 15 minutes.

7. Essential oils

Due to their antiseptic properties, tea tree and lavender essential oils are commonly used to treat insect bites. Apply topically, directly onto to the mosquito bite or dilute in a carrier if you have a sensitive skin. You could use a carrier oil or Aloe vera gel to dilute the essential oils.

Find here more uses for tea tree and lavender essential oils. Oregano oil is also used topically to treat insect bites, but since it is strong, you must dilute it with a carrier oil.

Neem oil is a strong antiseptic and is loaded with nutrients. When applied directly to the skin, neem oil helps to reduce pain, inflammation and itching that result from bug bites or other skin abrasions. If you are interested to learn more about essential oils you can find useful information in my e-book Magical Aromatherapy. This e-book will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them.

8. Witch hazel

Witch hazel water (also called Hamamelis water or distilled witch hazel extract) is a liquid that is distilled from Hamamelis virginiana plant. Witch hazel helps to reduce skin irritation and has anti-inflammatory properties. Just dab a little on the affected area.

9. Aloe vera

Due to its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects, various skin problems can be treated by using aloe vera. The application of Aloe Vera to your skin, cools the affected area, lessens the pain or itchiness and also aids in the healing process. Get more information in my post about the best uses of aloe vera for healthy skin.

10. Lemon or lime juice

All types of lemons are so versatile and can be used in many ways to enhance your health. Lemons have been used for medicinal properties since ancient times. The acidity from the lemon juice will quickly help to treat insect bites and stings and will relieve the itching associated with them.

Apply generous amount of fresh lemon juice to the insect bite and make sure the whole area is completely covered. It may sting a little bit, but the lemon juice will help with the healing process and help fight off infection.

You can find more incredible uses for lemon in my post on how to use lemon as a medicine.

11. Potato, onion or garlic Slices

Potato, onion or garlic slices are a commonly used method for reducing the swelling and itching. Simply place a fresh slice on the affected area for a few minutes until the itching subsides. Then rinse with water.

 12. Banana Peel

Rubbing the bites with the inside of a banana peel for a few minutes can relieve the itching.

13. Herbs

Plantain is typically considered to be a weed but has been used in skincare for centuries. It is one of the most widespread weeds in the world, and is a first-choice remedy for many skin irritations.

The leaf has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which make it great for healing wounds, and for itching or pain associated with skin irritations.

A tea made from plantain leaf can be applied to mosquito bites to relieve the itch. Another great option is to prepare your own salve to treat skin irritations which contains only 3 ingredients and is a very good general purpose remedy for many skin irritations.

Healing Plantain Salve Recipe to Treat Skin Irritations

Carrier oil, such as almond oil, jojoba oil or olive oil
1 cup fresh plantain leaves (or 1/3 cup dried leaves) crushed with pestle and mortar
15 g (1/2 ounce) beeswax

Place the plantain leaves in a jar and cover with the oil, close the lid and leave for 2 weeks, stirring constantly. Then strain the herbs trough a muslin cloth. Melt the beeswax over low heat in a glass bowl over a pan of boiling water (bain marie). Once the beeswax has begun to melt, add the infused oil and stir to combine. Once the beeswax is completely melted, pour into a clean jar. Allow to cool completely before adding the lid. Use as needed to treat irritated skin.

Basil not only repels mosquitoes, but it has also anti-inflammatory properties. You can use a pestle and mortar to crush the basil and apply the paste to your skin or you can rub the leaves between your fingers and apply directly to the affected area, or use diluted basil essential oil.

Calendula flowers have soothing and rejuvenating properties and can help reduce pain and swelling. Simply rub them to the affected area.

Comfrey reduces inflammation and keeps the skin healthy. You can use comfrey tea as a skin wash or compress to speed up the healing process or prepare your own comfrey ointment.

Echinacea helps to cleanse the affected area. Use echinacea tea as a skin wash or compress or a tincture of echinacea.

Chamomile is a soothing herb which can be used in a tea or applied to the skin as an essential oil.

Peppermint has a cooling effect and helps to relieve itching. Use either the essential oil or crush fresh leaves and apply them to the affected area.

If you are interested in herbs and herbal remedies, you can find more useful information in my e-book the Herbal Remedies Guide. This e-book will teach you how to treat common ailments using herbs.

14. Soap

Rub a bar of dry or wet soap over the itchy area and leave for a few minutes until the itch goes away, or just wash the affected area using soap and water. You can use natural soap bar such as Castile soap or other natural soap. You can also make your own Homemade Antiseptic Soap.

15. Toothpaste

Apply toothpaste to the affected area and let it dry. The toothpaste will eventually fall off by itself. Then wash the remaining toothpaste. You can use all-natural toothpaste such as aloe vera based toothpaste.