While many parts of the country are winding down from summer, here in Arizona we still have a couple of months of sun, heat, and mosquitos. And when I say mosquitos, I mean lots of mosquitos.
Oddly enough, until a few weeks ago, the mosquitos have been under control and not too bothersome. But now? Holy moly. I am a one person itching machine from bites on my arms and ankles. That, plus the occasional heat rash have me longing for the cool ocean breezes of Washington State. Okay, kidding.
Anyway, to beat the “itch like crazy” sensation I am feeling, I use a DIY anti-itch spray using essential oils and witch hazel Truly, this stuff really works and is a cinch to make.
How to Beat the Itch Caused by Bug Bites
This recipe is embarrassingly easy and goes together in just a couple of minutes.
Anti-Itch Spray Using Essential Oils
5 drops Lavender
3 drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
2 drops Frankincense
2 ounces Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel
Add the essential oils to a 2 ounce, glass spray bottle. I like cobalt blue bottles (like these) because they protect my spray from sunlight.
Top with witch hazel. Before using, shake well. That’s it. No more itch! Print Recipe
Why Does This Work So Well?
Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is naturally soothing and is also an astringent. It also has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Just be sure you choose an alcohol-free version. Alcohol is a skin irritant which kind of defeats the purpose.
Lavender: There is a reason why lavender is the Swiss army knife of essential oils. It is an analgesic that provides pain relieve, as well as an anti-inflammatory, and an all-around wound healer. This is the one oil I carry with me at all times.
Melaleuca: Also known as tea tree oil, melaleuca adds additional pain relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities to the spray while at the same time, fighting bacteria, viruses, and infection. These qualities are especially valuable when you do not know the source of the dang itch!
Frankincense: Frank, as it is commonly called, is a superb anti-inflammatory and skin healer. Plus, just a couple of drops seems to boost the effectiveness of the other oils, kicking them up a notch.
Alternatives You Can Try
If you prefer a salve, add the oils to a one-ounce jar of DIY Base Carrier Salve. This makes a more concentrated dilution that is good for spot treatments as opposed to a broader area such as your entire upper arm or your ankles.
For a more portable solution, you can combine lavender and witch hazel in a roller ball. This is good to make up in advance and carry with you on hikes or day to day in your pack or handbag. Add 2 to 4 drops of lavender essential oil to a 10ML roller ball bottle and top with witch hazel.
Another blend to try is this one provided by a member of my Essential Oils Facebook Group. To make this blend, mix of equal parts lemongrass, cedarwood, tea tree, and lavender essential oils. Dilute as needed with your favorite carrier oil. I mixed a batch of this blend and took it camping with me this summer and it worked well. I simply added 10 drops of this blend to my spray bottle and again, topped it with witch hazel.
Finally, preventing bites is the very best solution. I have had good luck with this DIY Insect Repellent, that is when I remember to use it!
A Word About My Favorite Essential Oils
Since the beginning of 2019, I have struggled with the fact that I have primarily been using essential oils from a single company. On many levels, it was time for a change.
Alas, this was easier said than done since I needed to assess the performance of various EOs in my tried and true salve and roller ball formulas. In addition, I wanted to find a budget-friendly company that offered 100% free shipping all of the time.
My first successful tests have been with essential oils from Plant Therapy. This was a logical choice since Plant Therapy has always been my preferred source for carrier oils such as Fractionated Coconut oil and Jojoba oil. They carry a huge variety of EOs and are available to purchase directly both on the Plant Therapy website and on Amazon. As a bonus, their web site posts test results individually by oil along with the corresponding batch number. This assures me that the oils are not fake.
While there are many excellent EO companies, I am happy with my choice and hope you will check them out. Wherever you decide to purchase your oils, let your nose guide you. If your essential oil smells like paint thinner, return it. Good oils smell nice.
Suggested reading: The Snarky and Surprising Truth About Essential Oil Companies
Summing It All Up
Regardless of where you live, bug bites happen.
When they do, be prepared by having a non-toxic, natural solution on hand to resolve the incessant itching that is bound to occur. For me, that means this anti-itch spray and a rollerball filled with a few drops of lavender essential oil plus a carrier oil. Having both the spray and the rollerball formula covers me in all types of situations, whether at home or on the go. They smell nice and they work.
Who can ask for more?
Yours for a Joyful Life,
Gaye
Strategic Haul
Back in the day, I would end each article with a list of products related to the post. In all cases, these were products I purchased myself, used, and felt comfortable recommending. Here are today’s suggestions, aptly named, “The Strategic Haul”.
Spark Naturals Essential Oils: With a few exceptions, I purchase all of my essential oils from Spark Naturals. That is not to say that there are not other fine essential oil companies out there, because there are. But these are my favorite oils and over the years, I have learned to trust the company, their products, and their customer service. The oils used in this anti-itch spray are Lavender, Melaleuca (Tea Tree) and Frankincense.
Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel: There are a number of good brands of witch hazel, including Thayers and Spark Naturals. Just be sure that what you are getting is alcohol-free and does not include fillers, parabens or propylene glycol. This is the one I prefer. I especially like that it does not smell medicinal.
Cobalt Blue Spray Bottle: These are the bottles I prefer. I have repeatedly ordered these and have never had a leaker or a defective sprayer. Win win.
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