Essential oils are a natural, effective way to treat various insect bites and plant stings. With just a few versatile essential oils, you can find relief from a wide range of bites and stings. That's why I've developed my Essential Care Set - these are the oils I never go without. They're multi-tasking, incredibly useful, and perfect for treating many ailments. In this post, I'll show you how I use essential oils to soothe insect bites, insect stings, and even plant stings.
Best Essential Oils for Bug Bites
For most insect bites in the UK, I find Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Thyme essential oils to be the most effective. Below are some essential oil remedies I use to treat different types of bites and stings using just three of the oils from my set.
Essential Oil Remedy for Gnat and Midge Bites
- You will need: Thyme essential oil, Cider vinegar or Lemon juice (or Lavender oil).
Living in Scotland, midges were the bane of my summers - until I discovered this remedy. Dilute 3 drops of Thyme in 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar or lemon juice and apply to the bites to stop the irritation. Alternatively, you can apply neat Lavender directly to the bites for instant relief.
Essential Oil Remedy for Bed Bugs and Flea Bites
- You will need: Lavender, Eucalyptus, or Thyme essential oil and Cider vinegar.
With a dog in the house, I'm always vigilant about fleas. If you get bitten, wash the area with soap and water, then apply neat Lavender to each bite. For larger areas, dilute 3 drops of Thyme in cider vinegar and apply it. Eucalyptus is another great option - use it just like Lavender.
Essential Oil Remedy for Mosquito Bites
- You will need: Lavender or Thyme essential oil and Cider vinegar or 2 Lemons.
The buzz of a mosquito is unmistakable and can keep you awake, worrying about bites. Lavender oil is your hero here—apply it neat to the bite for instant itch relief. For larger affected areas, a cool bath works wonders. Mix 250 ml of cider vinegar or the juice of 2 lemons with 10 drops of Lavender and 5 drops of Thyme. Add this mixture to your bath, swish the water around, then soak. Afterward, apply neat Lavender oil to all bites.
Essential Oil Remedy for Insect Stings
- You will need: Lavender oil.
I've only been stung by a bee once, but Lavender oil was a miracle for relieving the pain. First, remove the sting if visible, being careful not to squeeze the venom sac. Apply 1 drop of neat Lavender oil directly to the sting site. Continue to apply Lavender oil, a drop at a time, every five minutes or as soon as the oil is absorbed, up to a total of 10 drops.
Essential Oil Remedy for Plant Stings
- You will need: Eucalyptus, Lavender, or Chamomile oil.
As the weather warms, we spend more time in the garden, sometimes encountering toxic plants like stinging nettles or poison ivy. These can cause urticaria - white blotchy areas on the skin with raised welts - or an unbearable itch.
First, wash the area with soap and water, then apply Eucalyptus, Lavender, or Chamomile oil, either neat or on a compress. To make a compress, wet a cotton cloth so it's damp, add 2 drops of your chosen essential oil, and apply to the affected area. This should stop the irritation within a few hours.
Important Note: If you experience an allergic reaction to a plant or insect sting, visit your doctor immediately.
I hope these aromatherapy recipes help you as much as they've helped me. If you have any additional tips or remedies, I'd love to hear them!
Talk soon, Bella x
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