Natural itch relief is something that’s always in high demand this time of year. Summer is prime season for flying beasts that bite and sting. They’re out there, waiting to feast on your blood or give you a painful sting if you accidentally make them feel threatened. You can try to avoid this uncomfortable part of summer, but chances are, you’re going to get tagged. So with that in mind, here are some natural itch relief methods that really work.
Natural Itch Relief – 6 Ways to Ease the Itching and Burning
Recently I returned from a travel writer trip, followed by a weekend at camp and my legs were covered in itchy bug bites. SO I had to figure out something that helped with that itchiness. There are several home remedies that can help thankfully.
Rather than reaching for a tube of cream or some other medication, why not use the environment to help relieve itchy, painful bug bites and stings? It’s a better, cheaper option than medications, and it fits perfectly with the green lifestyle.
Cold
Cold is an excellent natural itch relief approach. Ice cube wrapped in a cloth provide much more itch relief than you’d think. The extreme cold works in two ways. Firstly, it numbs the area, helping to dull the itch. Secondly, the cold causes the blood vessels to constrict, which reduces swelling and thus reduces discomfort.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a classic go-to for natural itch relief. While we mostly associate aloe vera with sunburns, it also works wonders on mosquito bites, as well as stings. The chemicals that sooth burn irritation also help relieve the itching and burning of bites and stings.
Tea Bags
Having a stressful day? Did a bit or sting contribute to that stress? Well, whip up a little tea and use the used tea bags as a compress. The tannin found in tea is an astringent which helps to draw out toxins in the bite/sting area.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been called the miracle compound. People use this stuff for all kinds of problems. I’ve even heard of it being used clinically in cleaning the inside of eyelids. In addition to all the many things it does, tea tree oil also provides natural itch relief. Be careful, as some people can be sensitive to essential oils applied to the skin at full strength.
Peppermint
Whether applied as a poultice using fresh peppermint or dabbing a dilution of peppermint essential oil, this plant is excellent for natural itch relief. The peppermint creates a cooling sensation which can help the itching and burning of bites and stings.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You can use apple cider to help ease the itching and burning of bites and stings in the same way you use it to alleviate the sting and burn of sunburns. Simply rub a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water on the affected area to help soothe the itch and pain of your most recent bug attack. Apple cider vinegar is recommended over regular vinegar because it is less harsh.
Natural Itch Relief is So Simple
I’ll bet when you read “natural itch relief” in this post title, you thought there would be a lot of steps involved didn’t you? I get it. Some natural remedies do take some time. Going natural is usually more time consuming than just buying a product at a store. However, these natural itch relief methods are all quick and easy, and that’s really what you want when you’re in the midst of bug bite/sting torment.