If you are a nature enthusiast whose passion doesn’t get compromised by simple mosquito bite, but still want to educate yourself about natural remedies, you are in the right place as this very article will introduce you to the 7 essential oils for bug bites excellent for relieving the pain and inflammation of stings.
Every nature admirer can testify that there is nothing like standing in the middle of an ample meadow taking in the surrounding scenery while the sun rays kiss your cheeks and summer breeze plays with your hair. With that being said, even the most serene outdoors days sometimes get ruined by burning pain of an insect bite.
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Bees, wasps, mosquitoes, bugs and other insects play a major part in every ecosystem; therefore it is not a surprise these little troublemakers get so defensive when they feel like their freedom is put at risk by a simple hiker or a camper that accidently ventured into their territory.
Take precaution
Nature, as the biggest wonder of the planet Earth, is a home to hundreds of thousands of various insect species. Some groups are characterized by the poisonous nature that varies in intensity. In other words, an irritating mosquito bite surely differs from a fatal bite of Asian Hornet or a fire ant.
Although there is a general awareness of dangers that hide in the air on in the grass we still haven’t been introduced to a general insect hazard chart that could apply to all people in the same manner because every individual reacts to insect bites differently.
Being intolerant of being allergic to a certain species is quite common health state.
When feeling dizzy, nauseous or even when having trouble breathing immediately visit a doctor regardless of how small and non-hazardous your enemy may seem
7 Essential oils for bug bites for prevention and treatment
Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is excellent natural bug repellent because its intense fragrance successfully keeps mosquitoes, moths, and midges at bay. When planning on spending a day in nature feel free to apply some lavender oil on exposed areas as an invisible shield that will keep your nature experience as carefree as possible.
Lavender essential oil is one of the best essential oils for mosquito bites because the anti-inflammatory and nerve-calming qualities of every single drop reduce the pain and irritation associated with insect bites.
WARNING: Lavender essential oils for mosquito bites should never be ingested because the intensity of natural components may cause serious health issues characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision and burning eyes.
Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree oil for bug bites is another reliable natural remedy that has been used for centuries for treating different skin conditions including wasp, bee, mosquito and tick bites. The antibacterial and antiviral attributes of tea tree essential oil successfully eradicate the hazardous microbes that insect carry from one specimen to another.
Tea tree oil for mosquito bites is also an efficient insect deterrent that will help you keep mosquitoes, lice, flies and fleas at a great distance.
WARNING: Tea tree essential oil for insect bites should never be ingested because the natural chemicals may cause serious side effects, such as hallucinations, coma, vomiting and weakness.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is because of its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities an excellent natural remedy not only for treating respiratory health conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis but also for healing wounds of insect bites.
The soothing and germicidal nature of every drop of this essential oil help speed up the healing process by eradicating redness, swelling and pus infection that bacteria of polluted air and other outdoor elements may cause.
WARNING: Eucalyptus essential oil becomes toxic when used in large quantities, especially for those who are sensitive or allergic to the eucalyptus. Before the use, it is advisable to consult with a doctor or to do an allergy test.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil has been used for decades, but it is that only recent studies show and prove its healing qualities. Every drop of oil extracted from the peppermint plant contains minerals and nutrients such as iron, manganese, magnesium, folate, calcium Vitamin A and C and surprisingly also omega-3 fatty acids. Such diverse and rich palette of components helps boost immune system even when suffering from the pain and inflammation of an insect bite.
Peppermint essential oil is because of its nutritious as well as pain-relief nature excellent for healing the wounds of bee and wasp stings as the menthol that can also be found in the oil provides a cooling sensation that calms the disturbed nerves in affected tissue.
WARNING: As any other essential oil for wasp sting those made of peppermint also have to be used in moderate quantities to avoid the risks of allergic reactions, possible headaches, and heartburns.
Thyme essential oil
Thyme essential oil can confidently be placed on top of the list of “best oils for bug bites” because the natural components found in every drop of the oil, such as Campene, Caryophyllene, Carvacrol, Linalool, Thymol, Borneol and Alpha Terpinene, help mild the redness, burning pain and swelling of most insect bites.
The antiseptic nature of thyme essential oil helps heal and protect already existing insect wounds from further infections and complications due to the exposure. Campene and Caryophyllene are the two major natural compounds that heal the affected tissue back into its natural state.
Most bug bites essential oils don’t have an ability to repel the insects; gladly thyme essential oil is not one of them.
WARNING: Thyme essential oil is a hypertensive substance because it increases the blood pressure. The oil shouldn’t be used by pregnant women and by those who are suffering from hypertension.
Basil essential oil
Basil essential oil is yet another excellent natural remedy that can be easily found in today’s modern market especially in the Doterra oils for bug bites series. Basil essential oil belongs in such category because of its analgesic and antibacterial qualities that quickly mild the redness, inflammation, and skin irritation when in contact with affected area.
If you are looking for best essential oil for bee sting, thyme oil is surely the right product for you as the natural chemical compounds found in this worthy fluid efficiently reduce the itching sensation caused by honey bee stings.
WARNING: Basil essential oil should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass essential oil is an antiseptic substance, which means it doesn’t allow the internal as well as external wounds, whether they are caused by a cut or a bug bite, go septic. Antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities keep the open insect bites disinfected. When knowing that some insects, especially mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks, are transmitters of dangerous viruses and bacteria, the disinfection nature of lemongrass essential oil surely brings peace to one’s mind.
On top of that, the essential oil extracted from lemongrass is also an efficient natural bug repellent due to the high citral and geraniol content.
WARNING: Lemongrass essential oil can irritate the skin; therefore it should be kept away from the eyes and should be avoided during the pregnancy.
2 natural essential oil blends
- Vinegar press for wasp sting
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp of vinegar
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- Cotton balls
Instructions:
In a small, nonreactive bowl mix vinegar and lavender essential oil together to form one homogenous compound. When ready, soak your cotton ball in the solution and pat the aching area on hourly basis till the pain vanishes away.
- Baking soda bee sting paste
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 drop of lavender essential oil
- 1 drop of chamomile essential oil
- Distilled or filtered water
Instructions:
In a nonreactive bowl combine baking soda, lavender, and chamomile essential oil in exact measures to form one homogenous compound. While stirring, add in enough distilled or filtered water to form a smooth paste consistency.
Before applying this natural remedy onto the wound make sure you firstly remove the stinger with the help of tweezers. Dab the paste on the aching area hourly until the burning pain subsides.
Conclusion
To make sure your treatment is as fruit-bearing as expected here are few last tips you should consider before venturing on the road of self-treatment:
- Before introducing a new essential oil into your routine do a skin test patch first to make sure you are not allergic to the chosen natural remedy.
- If you have been diagnosed with a certain skin condition or have other illness that may get compromised by the chosen essential oil, make sure you firstly pay a visit to your medical specialist that will give you clear instructions on how to approach the given situation.
- If you have been bitten by a tick, snake, spider or any other suspicious animal immediately seek medical attention.
- If you experience a feeling of dizziness, nausea or respiratory dysfunction after the bug bite immediately seek medical attention.
With synthetic medicine at our hands, we tend to neglect and even forget about the simple and yet beneficial essential oils for bug bites that heal the redness, inflammation, and irritation of the skin in a quick and easy manner. Give them a chance to prove their effectiveness!
Sources and References
- Michigan Emerging Disease Issues Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!
- Healthfinde Insect Bites
- MedlinePlus Insect bites and stings
- CDC Avoid bug bites