You Want to Treat Your Bites Naturally, But What Do You Use?There are a variety of different ways to treat bug bites. Some people choose to treat the itch and infection with Benadryl. This isn't a bad option. Benadryl is super useful. However, there is also the option of treating your bite naturally. Believe it or not, there are a couple of different options here as well. Here are just a few to get you started: 1. Essential Oils 2. Apple Cider Vinegar 3. Raw Organic Honey 4. Baking Soda and Witch Hazel Paste Essential OilsI know, I know. Everyone and their mother are using essential oils, and some people don't like to follow the crowd. However, essential oils are VERY useful when used correctly and safely. It isn't just hype, there are actual results to be seen with the use of essential oils. Check out the Essential Oils tab for safety information. If it isn't up yet, it will be soon! The Oils That I Use: These two oils are EXTREMELY useful to have around the house. Personally, I prefer to use Lavender EO for my own bug bites. It's my go-to oil. Melaleuca, or Tea Tree, EO is super useful, though. This oil is anti-bacterial and is great to use on bug bites as well. To Use: When using essential oils, it is strongly recommended that you use them with a 2% dilution. This means that the essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil (almond oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, etc.) in order to dilute it and make it less potent. The essential oils should make up a whopping 2% of the entire mixture. Dilute your choice of oil and apply topically to the bite. It's that simple! I keep a roller bottle with Lavender EO and fractionated coconut oil mixed and ready in my medicine cabinet. *Note* Sometimes, I do cheat and apply Lavender EO neat (without dilution) to a bug bite if it's super itchy. That is just a personal choice, though. Make sure you do what is safe for you and your family. Apple Cider VinegarYou know that maddening itch you experience after being eaten alive by mosquitoes or ants? Yeah, me too. That's where this gem comes in handy. Aside from the other numerous attributes and uses of apple cider vinegar, this stuff cures the itching. The acid in the vinegar reacts with the bite and helps to cool the itch. Whenever using apple cider vinegar, I always recommend using a raw unfiltered one. You want the "Mother" strand that is in it. It helps with healing. Here's what you do: When you have been bitten on almost every available surface on your body (yay, summer!), mix 2-3 cups of apple cider vinegar into your bath and SOAK. Enjoy the feeling of the itch leaving your body. Raw Organic HoneyHoney isn't just a delicious addition to your tea. This stuff is super anti-bacterial and can help to take away the itch and heal the bite. In addition, honey also stimulates the production of a certain type of cell that can repair tissue damaged by infection. Oh, and it's anti-inflammatory properties can help to seriously reduce swelling. Whenever using honey for healing purposes, I always recommend using Manuka Honey. It is more expensive, but well worth it. It is one of the most potent types of honey that you can buy. To Use: Simply apply the honey to the bite and let it sit for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off. Baking Soda and Witch Hazel PasteWhen you mix witch hazel into baking soda, it creates a more potent mix to reduce the swelling. So, by creating a paste with the two, you are combating the itch and the swelling at the same time with two household ingredients. I'd say that this is one of the more thrifty options! How To: Take your baking soda (mix as much as you'd like, a teaspoon would be plenty for just a couple of bites) and mix in enough witch hazel to make a paste. Apply to the bite and let sit until dry and then rinse it off. So, there you have it! These are just a few natural options of many to help healing bug bites and relieving the itch. Do you have any recommendations? Post in the comments below!
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Kate MurphyI love all things natural. I love finding alternative methods. I love to write. Put it all together and you get this blog. Categories
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