There’s almost nothing better than a balmy summer evening spent outdoors. It’s my favorite time to putz around the yard watering my garden and enjoy the cooler temps after a hot day. What I don’t like are the droves of mosquitos biting my ankles. In fact, I currently have no less than seven extremely itchy bites below the knee that are driving me insane.
In the same boat? Then I’m happy to tell you that there are essential oils for mosquito bites that work like a charm!
Essential Oils for Mosquito Bites That Stop the Itch!
Usually, I’m pretty good about applying bug repellent before going outdoors in the summer months, but oft times I’m running out to do a bit of quick yard maintenance and decide it’s not worth the effort.
How wrong I was! It takes only moments for mosquitos to locate you and feast away before you even notice. Just yesterday I was out for maybe 5 minutes harvesting a few cucumbers, and I now have seven mosquito bites. And here I thought I was being good about paying attention!
Mosquitos are nasty little things, aren’t they?
So, aside from making sure to apply a good bug repellent before heading outdoors, having something on hand for the actual itchy bites themselves will save you some sanity.
While many essential oils fit the bill when it comes to treating insect bites, there are two oils, in particular, that shine above the rest – lavender and tea tree.
Yes, just these two essential oils. Why? Because they both exhibit some rather powerful anti-histamine/anti-inflammatory properties. Just do a Google search and you will see these two powerhouses pop up in all the top search results. There’s a reason they’re good for allergic reactions – they work!
Lavender essential oil is known to help reduce inflammation and the histamine response. (source) (source)
Tea tree essential oil has been shown to reduce histamine-induced skin inflammation in as little as 10 minutes! (source)
This means that they help inhibit the physiological effects of your body’s histamine response in reaction to the mosquito’s saliva when you get bitten. (source)
Histamine is what causes inflammation and the telltale itchiness of mosquito bites.
Anti-itch Mosquito Bite Roll-On Recipe
For this recipe, you will need:
- One 10ml roll-on bottle
- 25 drops lavender essential oil
- 25 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops roman chamomile essential oil (optional, but adds extra anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help inhibit the histamine response)
- 5 drops vetiver essential oil (optional, but helps modulate the histamine response)
- 1 tsp of carrier oil of choice like jojoba oil, sweet almond, or grapeseed
Other essential oils to consider that help reduce inflammation include palo santo and copaiba.
Add all of the ingredients to the roller-bottle and cap closed.
Roll the bottle between your palms to mix thoroughly.
To Use
As soon as you realize you’ve been bitten by a mosquito, apply the roll-on to the bite.
You may need to reapply as needed until the itching stops. Also, try to avoid scratching the bite as this will increase inflammation and the itchiness.
With this simple combo, I have been able to stop the constant itching of mosquito bites in just a few minutes.
What have been your favorite essential oils to use for combating mosquito bites? Please share in the comments below!
You may also enjoy reading:
Essential Oils for Bug Bites and Stings + Recipes!
Homemade Bug Bite Balm
DIY Bug Repellent Gel Recipe
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