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Do essential oils for bug bites really work to soothe the itching and burning sensation? Yes, they do! In fact, essential oils work really well to calm down the angry reactions that result from getting bitten by any insect or bug.
Itching is a common but mild reaction to a bug bite but not all bites cause mild reactions. Sometimes, bug bites can cause more severe reactions such as stinging, burning and redness around the area of the bite. A topical application of essential oils can help relieve many of the symptoms of bug bites and speed up the healing process.
During warm summer days when you want to spend as much time outdoors, it is a good idea to create a pre-made blend of essential oils for bug bites and have it handy to apply when the inevitable happens.
Getting bitten or stung by insects and bugs is almost inevitable when you spend a lot of time outdoors. This can result in days of discomfort. But the alternative, which is to stay indoors all through summer, is simply not an option. Would you really waste all that beautiful sunshine because of a few bees and bugs?
A better solution would be to pack a small spray bottle containing a blend of essential oils for insect bites so you can soothe any strings if and when they happen. It’s also something you MUST pack when you are heading out on a vacation to any tropical country.
If you do not want to invest in a blend, my number one alternative would be to carry a bottle of lavender essential oil, which works well for soothing bug bites and can also be used for several other purposes.
Few Things You Should Know Before You Use Essential Oils for Bug Bites
Topical application is the only way to get relief from a bug bite or sting. However, not all essential oils can be applied directly to the skin in their concentrated form. Some oils are very strong and can irritate the skin even more. It is important to dilute any essential oil for bug bites before applying it to your skin.
All essential oil bottles from reputed companies carry the dilution instructions on the label. Read these instructions to ensure that you are using the correct dilution ratio of the essential oil and the carrier oil.
There are several carrier oil options that you will be able to use for the purpose. Olive oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil are most commonly used because they work to nourish the skin, while the essential oil component works to soothe the itchiness and burning sensations caused by the bite.
If you are using a blend of more than one essential oil for bug bites, it is important to first dilute each oil with the carrier oil separately to ensure that the dilution ratio is correct. Wrong dilution ratios may cause other adverse effects.
These Essential Oils for Bug Bites Work Really Well
#1 Lavender
You already know that lavender essential oil has powerful calming and relaxing properties, but did you know it can be really effective for soothing bug and insect bites as well? Apply a few drops of lavender oil diluted in a carrier oil directly to the itchy area for immediate relief.
Not all insect bites make themselves known right away. If you have a spot on your body that starts to itch and burn after you’ve gone indoors, it is very likely due to a bug bite of some kind.
A topical application of lavender essential oil blended with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil will work wonderfully to soothe the itching.
#2 Eucalyptus
The Aborigines in Australia have been using eucalyptus essential oil to soothe bug bites for hundreds of years. The antiseptic ingredients in this oil work to soothe the bite so that the itching and burning do not get worse. It is one of the best oils to use for preventing infection.
Eucalyptus oil also works great as a great preventive measure by repelling insects when applied to the skin with a carrier oil before going outside. In addition, this oil is excellent for applying over burns, cuts and scrapes.
#3 Tea Tree
Its antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibacterial and stimulant properties, makes tea tree oil one of the best essential oils for the skin. It is commonly used to boost skin health, get rid of acne scars and to strengthen the immune system.
Tea tree essential oil also works very well to clean wounds and reduce the severity of the inflammation, itching and stinging that result from bug or insect bites.
This is a great oil to bring with you on hiking or camping trips or when you are traveling to a tropical country. You want to make sure you use a carrier oil or dilute tea tree oil before applying it to your skin.
#4 Basil
Basil essential oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the irritation and swelling in the area of the bug bites.
Diluting it correctly before use is important in order to get the benefits without any adverse reaction. Olive oil is the best carrier oil for basil.
#5 Chamomile
Chamomile essential oil is known for its antiseptic, analgesic, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which make it an excellent soothing and relaxing oil.
It works very well to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and calm the angry area around the bug bite.
#6 Peppermint
When applied directly to the skin peppermint essential oil has been known to take the sting out of nasty bug bites. Make sure you dilute it properly according to the instructions on the bottle before applying on your skin.
Peppermint oil has a very strong and distinctive aroma. It is usually mixed with a carrier oil that is odorless or has a very mild aroma so that it does not interfere with the original peppermint scent.
Check other uses of peppermint essential oil here.
#7 Thyme
Thyme essential oil repels pests and microorganisms and keeps cuts, scratches, and wounds clean and infection-free. It also soothes insect bites and stings. When applied topically over the area of the bite, it helps stave off infection keeping the wound clean.
#8 Citronella
Citronella is a gentle but very effective insect repellant. Studies have shown that citronella aroma is excellent for repelling the dangerous Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread dengue fever.
Citronella essential oil for bug bites can be used several different ways. You can spray it on your clothes before stepping out or blend it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply like a lotion to the exposed areas of skin.
If you are having a pool party, put a few drops in a diffuser or light a few citronella candles around the area to keep insects away.
Using Essential Oil for Bug Bites in Children
While all of the above essential oils for insect bites are safe to use, it is important to always keep in mind all precautions pertaining to their use. It is usually children who get bitten while playing outdoors.
You must pay particular attention when using essential oils for bug bites on younger children. The oil must be properly diluted to prevent issues like skin irritation, especially since their skin is so delicate.
Read all precautions about using essential oils for children here.
Have you tried any blend of essential oils for bug bites? Was it effective? Which carrier oil did you use for dilution?
Sometimes you need to experiment a bit to identify which essential oil for insect bites works best for you so it is good to know what others have tried and how it worked for them.
Do let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your physician before using essential oils. See Full Disclaimer here.
