We’re entering the season of camping, cottages, and backyard barbecues. Nothing could ruin your summer vacation, right?
Wrong. Mosquitos and other blood-thirsty bugs can terrorize your summer.
When these pesky critters bite, they inject the skin with some of their saliva. This triggers the body to go into healing mode. Unfortunately, for most people, that means inflammation, swelling, and itchiness.
Luckily, you can conquer your bug bites this summer with natural remedies. Keep reading for the top at-home bug bite treatments.
1. Ice
Your bug bites swell because the body is trying to heal the wound. No matter where the swelling is in the body, you can tame it with ice.
Ice reduces inflammation and temporarily numbs the area. You can use it to relieve some of the itchiness and pain.
The best way to use ice for bug bites is to place it in a baggie and wrap it with a cloth. Hold it on the bite for 5-10 minutes to feel and see relief.
Itchiness and swelling aren’t the only symptoms of big bites. There are other secondary symptoms you can read more about and learn how to treat.
2. Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant has been used for centuries in natural medicine. It has many healing and anti-inflammatory properties, like glutathione.
Consider growing this plant in your backyard or windowsill.
When you have a bug bite or sunburn, break open one of the stems. You may need a sharp knife to do this. Then, place the gel directly on your bites and burns to help heal them.
3. Basil
You may be surprised to see this delicious ingredient on the list. Basil contains many healing chemicals that help treat bug bites.
One is camphor, a chemical that creates a cooling sensation on the skin. This can relieve the itchiness of your bites. Another is eugenol, which also decreases itchiness in the skin.
To use basil, mash it up with a mortar and pestle and apply directly to bites. Or, boil some leaves in water and add that water to a warm bath.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a superhero in the natural healing world. You can use it for everything from treating acne to healing bites.
If you’re someone who picks at their bug bites, you’ve like broken the skin once or twice. You should use tea tree oil because it’s an astringent and will reduce your risk of infection.
All you have to do is dip a cotton swab into some tea tree essential oil. Dab the swab onto your bites and allow them to dry.
Interested in Learning More Natural Remedies for Bug Bites?
It’s a given that you will get at least a couple of bug bites this summer. Your children could be prone to getting more because they spend more time outdoors.
Learn about all the different natural remedies for treating bug bites above. And for more tips on staying healthy this summer, check out our latest blog posts.