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In summer, nothing beats spending time outdoors until your fun gets ruined by pesky critters that leave your skin feeling itchy, uncomfortable, and even painful.
Using essential oils for bug bites is a natural, nontoxic, and effective way to soothe the itching and promote healing.
Knowing how to use essential oils to soothe bug bites can help you make the most of summer without bugs dampening your fun.
Benefits of Essential Oils for Bug Bites
Certain essential oils possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate the discomfort caused by bug bites.
These properties can:
- Reduce swelling and redness
- Relieve itching
- Promote healing
- Minimize the risk of infection
These four effects are exactly what you need after a bug bite.
Best Essential Oils for Bug Bites
These are the best essential oils for soothing bug bites:
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea tree essential oil is renowned for its germ-fighting properties, which is attributed to terpinen-4-ol, a compound with antimicrobial activity. When applied topically, this compound can help reduce swelling and itching associated with bug bites.
Lavender Essential Oil
Well-known for its soothing and calming effects, lavender oil can also help soothe bug bites. The oil contains linalool, a compound with anti-inflammatory, and disinfectant properties.
When applied to the site of the bug bite, lavender essential oil helps to reduce swelling. It also acts as a natural disinfectant and promotes healing while its analgesic properties alleviate the pain.
Peppermint Essential Oil
The cooling sensation of peppermint essential oil, attributed to its rich menthol content, provides quick relief from itchy bug bites. Additionally, its invigorating scent can boost alertness and act as a natural pick-me-up.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Like peppermint, eucalyptus essential oil too has a cooling effect due to its high eucalyptol content. It possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular choice for bug bite relief.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oil has been used for centuries to soothe various skin conditions. It contains alpha-bisabolol, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the skin, making it an excellent choice for relieving bug bites.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil has strong antimicrobial and an anti-inflammatory properties. These properties work together to soothe the sting of the bite while also reducing the risk for infection.
Basil Essential Oil
Basil oil may not be the first oil that comes to mind for bug bites, but it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent and treat bug bites. Basil essential oil is known to be a natural insecticide, making it useful for repelling bugs and alleviating skin irritation.
Best Pre-Diluted Essential Oil Blend For Bug Bite Relief
Say goodbye to pesky bug bites and minor skin woes with Plant Therapy’s KidSafe Itch Away! This is the best pre-diluted essential oil blend for bug bite relief.
This convenient roll-on pre-diluted in gentle Fractionated Coconut Oil offers a natural solution for the whole family and is gentle enough for kids. Because it’s pre-diluted, all you need to do is twist the cap to open the bottle and apply the blend directly to the affected area.
The bottled blend is not pre-diluted. If you buy the blend, you must dilute it before applying it to the skin.
Its sweet, floral aroma is calming and pleasant, while the powerful blend of essential oils tackles discomfort head-on.
Copaiba and Lavender soothe irritated skin, while Spearmint provides a cooling sensation.
Palmarosa and Patchouli work together to balance and restore your skin’s natural defenses.
Finally, Turmeric and Rose Absolute team up to reduce puffiness and swelling, leaving you feeling comfortable and happy.
KidSafe Itch Away is perfect for:
- Camping adventures: Keep it handy for unexpected bug bites under the stars
- Outdoor fun: Enjoy backyard barbecues and picnics worry-free
- Soothing minor skin irritations: Use it to soothe skin issues quickly and naturally
The KidSafe advantage: Plant Therapy’s Itch Away Roll-on is pre-diluted for safe and easy use. The blend is gentle on young and sensitive skin.
Avoid Using These Essential Oils For Bug Bites
Steer clear of cinnamon, black pepper, oregano, fennel, sage, and ginger essential oils for bug bites. These are are heat-inducing oils. When applied to the affected area, they can worsen itching and swelling.
How To Use Essential Oils To Soothe Bug Bites
Pour a few drops of the diluted essential oil blend on to a cotton swab or cotton ball and dab it gently over the bite and the surrounding area.
Alternately, soak a clean washcloth in cool water, add a few drops of the diluted oil blend, and wring it out slightly. Apply the compress to the bite for 10-15 minutes. Repeat a few times a day as needed.
For convenient application, consider creating a bug bite roll-on. Fill a roller bottle with the diluted essential oil blend. Apply directly to the area of concern.
You can reapply the diluted essential oil blend to the bug bite several times a day, especially if the itching is persistent. Discontinue use if you experience any irritation.
Power Tip For Using Essential Oils To Soothe Bug Bites
If you or your family spend a lot of time outdoors in summer, blend your selected essential oil and carrier oil in a bottle and keep it handy with you. Also keep clean cotton swabs along with the bottle.
This way you’ll be able to apply immediate first-aid within seconds of getting bitten instead of wasting time diluting the essential oil after the incident.
Use these dilution guidelines
- 2% dilution – 6 drops essential oil in 2 teaspoons carrier oil – recommended for most applications
- 3% dilution – 9 drops essential oil in 2 teaspoons carrier oil
Essential Oil Blends That Keep Bugs Away
Why wait for the bugs to bite? These pre-diluted essential oil blends and roll-ons act as effective bug repellents.
Shield Me KidSafe: Your Family’s Natural Outdoor Defense
Plant Therapy’s KidSafe Shield Me is your family’s secret weapon for a fun and frustration-free time in nature. This 100% pure, undiluted essential oil blend uses the power of plants to create a natural, protective barrier against outdoor annoyances.
Remember, the rollon can be applied directly to the skin as it is pre-diluted. The blend in the bottle is not diluted with carrier oil. You must dilute it before application.
Here’s what makes Shield Me KidSafe unique:
- KidSafe Formula: Made with gentle, yet effective essential oils like Citronella, Pink Grapefruit, and Patchouli, it’s safe for the whole family, even the little ones.
- Long-lasting Protection: Apply Shield Me before heading outdoors and enjoy hours of worry-free fun.
- Refreshing Citronella Scent: Enjoy a pleasant, herbal aroma with a hint of citrus that’s more invigorating than overpowering.
KidSafe Shield Me from Plant Therapy is perfect for:
- Camping trips: Shield Me keeps those campfire companions at bay.
- Park picnics: Relax and enjoy the sunshine without unwanted guests.
- Backyard barbecues: Host a bug-free gathering for the whole neighborhood.
Shield Me KidSafe lets you and your family focus on creating lasting memories, not swatting away pests.
TerraShield: Embrace Nature, Naturally Protected!
TerraShield Essential Oil for bug bites by doTERRA is a powerful, plant-based solution to enjoying the outdoors without unwanted pests.
The unique formula of this blend harnesses the repellent properties of these essential oils:
Lemon Eucalyptus and Cedarwood: Create a natural barrier to deter insects
Tamanu Oil (Sustainably Sourced): Provides additional support for healthy skin, while empowering harvesters in Madagascar
Ylang Ylang and Litsea: Give the blend a refreshing, calming aroma
TerraShield is perfect for:
- Hiking and Camping: Keep pesky bugs at bay on your next adventure
- Backyard BBQs: Enjoy a peaceful gathering without buzzing interruptions.
- Families with Kids: Safe and effective protection for all ages
Here’s how to use TerraShield:
- Topical Application: Apply to arms, legs, and neck before heading outdoors.
- Diffusion: Diffuse on your patio or campsite for an aromatic insect defense.
- Targeted Spray: Use around doors, windows, and tent openings for added protection.
- TerraShield lets you experience the outdoors with confidence, naturally!
Precautions When Using Essential Oils To Soothe Bug Bites
Always dilute essential oils before applying to your skin: Essential oils are highly concentrated botanical extracts. They can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. Whichever essential oil you choose to use for bug-bite relief, you must first dilute it in a carrier oil like jojoba, argan, or sweet almond oil.
Do a patch test before applying any essential oil blend to a larger area: If this is the first time you are applying an essential oil, it’s a good idea to check for allergic reaction. Apply a small amount of diluted oil to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction.
Keep essential oils away from children and pets.
Easy Bug Bite Skin Soother Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons Jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera gel
- 15 drops Lavender essential oil
- 5 drops Peppermind essential oil
- 4 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
Instructions:
In a 2-oz. glass jar, combine the aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, peppermint essential oil, chamomile essential oil, and lavender essential oil.
Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Apply a small amount of the mixture to bug bites as needed, gently massaging it into the skin.
Store the remaining mixture in a cool, dry place for future use.
Add any of the essential oils above to this homemade arnica salve recipe for a powerful soothing salve.
Other Natural Remedies for Bug Bites
If you don’t have essential oils on hand, use these natural remedies to soothe bug bites:
Chamomile tea: Brew a cup of chamomile tea and apply the cooled tea bags directly to the bug bites for relief. Or, Soak a washcloth in cooled chamomile tea and apply it to the bite for itch relief.
Honey: Apply a small amount of honey to the affected area to soothe itching and promote healing. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which are very effective for the purpose.
Aloe vera: Pure aloe vera gel is very cooling and can help soothe itchiness and reduce inflammation when applied to the affected area.
Oatmeal: Create an oatmeal paste by mixing ground oats with water and apply it to the bug bites to soothe the skin.
Ice cube: Applying an ice cube wrapped in a cloth to a new bite can reduce redness and swelling.
Essential oils are a natural and effective way to soothe bug bites. Lavender, tea tree, peppermint, chamomile, eucalyptus, and basil essential oils all have properties that can minimize itching, reduce swelling, and provide relief. Remember to dilute essential oils properly and consider alternative natural remedies if essential oils are not available.
While essential oils and other remedies can provide relief, consult a doctor if the bite worsens, becomes infected, or doesn’t improve within a few days.
Related reads:
Guide to using essential oils topically: benefits & precautions
Guide to diluting essential oils with carrier oils
Best essential oils for your camping first-aid kit
DIY non-toxic bug spray with essential oils
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
