12 Ways to Treat Bug Bites Naturally

This is a guest post by Aradhana Pandey.

Watching the ugly red swelling of a bug bite is not something you want to witness on your child’s body. Those nasty, itchy bites require immediate relief, and you’d prefer to do it without chemicals. Fortunately, there are natural remedies easily accessible at home that do not have the side effects of market drugs and ointments.

Here are a few natural treatments to aid your family in recovery from seasonal bug bites.

Photo: Dr Relling/Flickr

1. Ice

   An immediate cooling of the inflamed area is a good first step. Ice numbs the area, reducing itchiness and easing the skin into normalcy.

2. Tea Tree and Lavender Essential Oils

   The antimicrobial properties of tea tree and lavender make them natural healers of various skin ailments. Whereas chemical ointments may burn the skin, essential oils — especially lavender — soothe it. Tea tree also fights cuts, burns and infections. Both essential oils can help reduce the swelling of a bite.
   

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

   A household staple with a multitude of uses, apple cider vinegar has an acetic nature that counters the venom of bug bites and prevents it from spreading. Dabbing a 50/50 mixture of water and apple cider vinegar to the bite can help reduce pain.

4. Raw Honey

   The antimicrobial properties of honey work wondrously in relieving the itch of bug bites. A natural antibiotic, honey also helps prevent infection. Use raw (unprocessed) honey to reap more of its benefits.

5. Tea Bags

   The tannins in tea help relieve inflammation. A steeped tea bag placed on the bite will eliminate the itchiness (or you can use the tea itself, applied with a cloth).

6. Baking Soda

   Another kitchen remedy, a baking soda paste mixed with water relieves itching. Leave the paste on the bite for 10-20 minutes.

7. Basil

   This sacred plant in the Indian culture, known by the name of Tulsi, has a history of medicinal value. Basil contains camphor and thymol, which are anti-itching compounds. Rub a few fresh basil leaves on the bug bite or grind it into a paste as advised by Ayurveda medics. You can also use basil essential oil.

8. Lemon

   Lemon has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties that act against the bacteria and prevent possible infection from bug bites. Rub a lemon directly onto the bite to reduce itching and redness. You can also try mixing lemon with basil for extra power.
   

9. Milk and Water

   Bathing the bug bite with a mixture of milk and water soothes the redness and reduces itchiness.

10. Aloe Vera

    With 130 active compounds beneficial to your skin, aloe vera’s healing benefits are many. Rubbing the leaves directly or in paste form gives tremendous relief from the itchiness and eliminates swelling.
    

11. Peppermint Toothpaste

    Mint toothpaste can also provide instant relief from bug bites. The cool menthol effect of the mint blocks the itching and burning of the skin. Peppermint essential oil works well too.

12. Banana Peel

    Banana peel is perhaps the most unorthodox treatment for bug bites. However, rubbing the peel on the bitten area can provide some immediate relief from itching.

Try any of these natural remedies the next time your little one complains about a bug bite.

About the Author: Aradhana Pandey is a passionate writer on topics of yoga, wellness, health and lifestyle. She is a contributor for Natural News, Elephant Journal, Naturally Savvy, Curejoy and Stylecraze.com, through which she hopes to motivate people to develop healthy habits.

This post has been shared at Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Blog Hop and Natural Family Friday.