Bug bites are itchy and cause some serious discomfort. Common pests like chiggers, mosquitoes, horse flies, ticks, and bees can bite and sting and cause days of discomfort. It is therefore important to do something to manage your symptoms as quickly as possible. While you can try several products, you may find relief by using essential oils. Essential oils usually work great for most types of bug bites. They reduce pain as well as itching and prevent any further symptoms.
10 Essential Oils That Work Wonders for Bug Bites
Essential oils offer a number of benefits, and they are equally effective against the itching and swelling caused by bug bites. You just need to select the best essential oils for bug bites. Here are some recommendations.
1. Rosemary Essential Oil
You can use rosemary essential oil to deal with bug bites and it proves effective because it has an anti-inflammatory effect on your body. You can use it to repel bug bites or treat irritation caused by bug bites.
How to apply: You can mix rosemary oil with lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil to make it more effective. Be sure to dilute it properly to avoid damaging your skin.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
You can rely on peppermint essential oil to deal with digestive problems and respiratory issues. When applied to the skin, it helps relieve itching caused by bug bites.
How to apply: Take some peppermint oil and dilute it with carrier oil, such as olive oil. Apply it directly on the affected area of your skin to relieve discomfort.
3. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender helps relax you nerves and produces a calming effect on your body. It is one of the best essential oils for bug bites and relieves itching quickly. You can also use lavender essential oil to keep bugs out of your home – it is especially beneficial against ticks and mosquitoes.
How to apply: Add a few drops of some carrier oil to lavender oil and apply it directly to the affected area of your skin.
4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
You can use eucalyptus oil to deal with several skin problems. It has been used to soothe skin issues, such as small cuts, scrapes, and bug bites for decades now.
How to apply: Get therapeutic grade eucalyptus essential oil and apply it on your skin to reduce the effects of bug bites. You can also use it to keep outdoor pets from entering your house.
5. Tea Tree Essential Oil
The next on the list of best essential oils for bug bites is tea tree oil. It boosts your immune system and promotes skin health at the same time. You just need to ensure that you are using unadulterated form of tea tree essential oil to deal with the negative effects bug bites.
How to apply: Take some tea tree oil and apply it on the bite with the help of a cotton ball. Ensure that you are using high quality oil or else it may aggravate the issue.
6. Basil Essential Oil
Not only does basil taste great, it smells great as well. Its strong scent relieves muscular tension and relaxes your body. It is effective against bug bites and is equally useful for respiratory and digestive ailments.
How to apply: Get some basil essential oil and dilute it with olive oil. You should not apply it directly to your skin, especially when you have sensitive skin. Diluted basil oil works great to relieve irritation and itching caused by bug bites.
7. Thyme Essential Oil
Try thyme essential oil if you do not want your but bites to become infected. The presence of thymol gives thyme antiseptic properties. It eliminates infection and produces a soothing effect on your skin.
How to apply: Take some thyme essential oil and add some eucalyptus oil to it. Now, apply it on your skin for relief. Be sure to dilute it properly in case you have sensitive skin.
8. Melissa (Lemon Balm)
Also called lemon balm, Melissa has an uplifting and calming effect on your body. Thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, it serves as one of the most effective essential oils for bug bites, scrapes, cuts, and stings. It is also beneficial because it has antispasmodic, antidepressant, carminative, sedative, hypotensive, emmenagogue, and nervine effects on your system.
9. Chamomile (German and Roman)
Not many oils are more relaxing than chamomile. Not only does it relaxes your nerves it also works great to soothe inflammation and pain. It proves effective because it has antiseptic, analgesic, sedative, carminative, and antispasmodic properties. Many people use it for its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects.
10. Coconut Oil
When you do not have other oils available, you can always treat your bug bite with coconut oil. With its antibacterial properties, it helps reduce itching and inflammation caused by bug bites or stings.
You can make it much more effective by mixing it with lavender or tea tree oil.