Natural Ways To Treat Bug Bites

What’s the first thing that you want to do following a mosquito bite? Scratch. Scratch, scratch and scratch! Yes, that itching is a real torture, and even though scratching is not the best thing to do, from you to me, all you want at that point is to get that itching out of the way! But instead of scratching your skin and causing further irritation and damage, here are few things that you can use to treat itchy and discomforting insect bites.

Aloe Vera, Nature’s Wonder Plant

Aloe Vera is particularly known for its soothing effects. There are many species of this plant all over the world, but the most common one is Aloe Barbadensis. The inner leaf gel of the plant is what we are really interested in when it comes to healing insect bites. If you have some Aloe growing in your garden, cut a leaf and wash it, then open it to expose the inner area. You will notice the translucent gel dripping from the inside of the plant. Collect it and rub it on the skin surfaces where affected. You will instantly experience relief. Repeat as needed.

Honey, Sweet to You But Not to the Insects

Honey also works wonders when it comes to treating topical insect bites. Apply honey to all the red bumps you got as a result of the insect bites. It will not only stop the itching, but also prevent further infection (as honey is a natural antibiotic). The reason why honey’s antibiotic function is important is because when you scratch your insect bites sites, you are opening those tiny lesions more and this increase the possibility of letting opportunistic bacteria penetrate the skin at the site of the insect bite. Thus, honey plays a double action: stop the itching and prevent bacteria from entering.

Apple Cider Vinegar

With a cotton ball, apply Apple Cider Vinegar on the insect bite. This works as an antiseptic, and will have the same effect as alcohol. Beware, it could sting a little!

Cool like a Cucumber

Cut some slices of cucumber and put them – not on top of your eyes! – But at the bite sites. It will help cool down the area and reduce your need for scratching.

Garlic

Garlic doesn’t only work to ward off witches and wizards; it is also very effective in getting rid of the itch following an insect bite. Cut a clove of garlic and rub it in the area. You can also blend garlic with some water and use it as a potent mosquito repellent. The only problem you would encounter with that is the smell, and to overcome that you could add some essential oils to the mix.

Essential Oils

Essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus are the most potent, in this case. With their richness in Camphor and their minty flavor, they can help soothing the area and decrease the itchy sensation.
So stop scratching, start healing!