Posts Tagged ‘insect bite remedies’

Essential Oils To Reduce Insect Bite Swelling

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Insect bites are caused when agitated or threatened insects seek to defend themselves or when insects attempt to feed on a person. When insects bite, they secrete formic acid which prevents instant blood coagulation, thereby allowing the insect to feed on the victim. This formic acid causes redness, inflammation and itching. Sometimes, insect bites can also cause pain and swelling. The impact of insect bites normally lasts for 3 to 5 days, but in certain cases may last longer, even up to 2 years.

Home Remedies For Insect Bite Relief

There are various methods to cure insect bite swelling. Some insect bite remedies are listed as under:

  • You can extract the juice of Plantain leaves and apply it on the area where you have been stung. This will help relieve itching and swelling on the insect-bitten area.
  • Mix baking soda in water and apply it on the sting. The alkalinity of baking soda will neutralize the acidity of formic acid released by the insect.
  • The application of honey on insect stings also helps reduce swelling and pain.
  • You can also apply ice on the stink to relieve inflammation and swelling.
  • Dab some alcohol on the insect sting for its cooling effect.
  • Rubbing of a banana peel on the insect bite is an excellent remedy to reduce swelling.

Other than these home remedies, there are other insect bite treatments. You can use aromatherapy to treat insect bite rash, irritation, pain and swelling. The specific essential oils that help to reduce insect bite swelling are:

  • You can use a citrus oil like lemon essential oil mixed with honey and apply it on and around the insect bite to alleviate swelling and pain.
  • Peppermint essential oil is known for its cooling effects. When applied on insect bite, it reduces inflammation, thereby averting scratching as well as swelling.
  • Tea tree oil is highly effective against insect bites. It is a potent antiseptic, which serves to disinfect the insect sting, thereby reducing swelling, pain and inflammation. You can also use a blend of tea tree and rosemary essential oils to relieve swelling caused by insect bites.
  • You can also use German Chamomile essential oil for its anti-inflammatory action.
  • Application of lavender essential oil is also recommended to cure insect bites. You can mix it with vegetable oil and apply on the afflicted area to reduce swelling and itching.

You are advised to consult your aromatherapy specialist before you use essential oils to treat afflictions caused by insect bite.

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Aromatherapy Oil for Insect Bite Relief

Friday, August 7th, 2009

We all have different definitions of discomfort. For some people, mosquito bites are simply an everyday thing which should not be paid much attention and for some, a small bite can be very bothersome. Mosquito bites are generally itchy and it is quite understandable why some would find it rather uncomfortable when they are bitten.

Essential Oil for Insect Bite Treatment

Though there are several remedies that can be used for relieving the itch and discomfort of a mosquito bite, essential oils work well too. In fact you can get instant relief from all the itching by simply dabbing on some lavender essential oil on the affected area. You may even use tea tree essential oil instead of lavender. If there are several bites and the skin has swollen and become sore, chamomile essential oil can help reduce the inflammation and promote quicker healing.

Allergies to mosquito bites are relatively rare but if you are unfortunate enough to get an allergic reaction because of the mosquito bites, it is best to call a medical practitioner and seek assistance.

Several oils like lavender, peppermint, chamomile, and tea tree essential oils can help reduce the stinging and the itching. There are other oils that act as insect repellants and should be used on the skin if you anticipate an insect attack. Cedarwood, bitter orange, lavender, sandalwood, lemongrass, clove, eucalyptus, peppermint, cinnamon, and patchouli are some of the oils that work best as insect repellants.

To make a good insect repellant, mix about 12 parts of citronella essential oil with an equal amount of eucalyptus oil. Add to this, 6 parts of cedarwood and geranium essential oils. Temper it with a small amount of rubbing alcohol and mix well. This solution can be applied anywhere on your exposed skin. However, since this oil is very concentrated and has several oils, it is best to use it sparingly. If you have sensitive or dry skin, it is advisable to mix this blend of oils with an equal amount of olive oil before using it.  The mixture is poisonous if ingested therefore it is best to keep it out of the reach of children. It is best to use this on your clothes if your skin is extremely sensitive.

To relieve yourself of the stings, mix together 12 parts of lavender oil and 5 parts of chamomile oil. Add about a tablespoon of bentonite clay and a half tablespoon mixture of water (preferably distilled) and tincture. This will make a thick paste that you can apply on the affected areas to get relief from the mosquito

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