Contents:
- Medical Video: 10 Essential Oils For Bug Bites & Stings
- Choice of essential oils as insect bites
- 1. Basil
- 2. Chamomile
- 3. Lavender
- 4. Peppermint
- 5. Tea tree oil
- 6. Lemongrass oil
- 7. Champor oil
Medical Video: 10 Essential Oils For Bug Bites & Stings
Insect stings or bites can cause discomfort in the skin, especially if it causes scars such as itching, irritation, redness, and pain. Even so, you can reduce the effect by using the following types of essential oils which are believed to be effective as insect bites.
Choice of essential oils as insect bites
1. Basil
Basil oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve redness caused by insect bites or bee stings. Not only that, the antimicrobial properties are also effective in preventing infection.
How, dissolve first 2-3 drops of basil oil with 1 tsp of carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil. Then apply directly on the skin.
2. Chamomile
In addition to its fragrant soothing aroma, chamomile oil is also believed to be a powerful insect bite drug because it can help overcome mild allergic reactions such as itchy skin, redness, and irritation.
Chamomile oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that work effectively such as hydrocortisone cream to cure pain, inflammation, and itching in the skin of insect bites. This benefit has been reported by a study in 2011.
How, dissolve first 2-3 drops of chamomile oil with 1 tsp of carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil. Then apply directly on the skin.
3. Lavender
Lavender oil is one of the essential oils that is no less popular as an insect bite drug. Lavender oil is commonly used to treat pain due to the bite of spiders, fire ants, and bees.
A study in 2012 found that the anti-inflammatory effects of lavender oil are useful for repairing damaged skin cells.
Unlike other essential oils that must be mixed with carrier oil before applying to the skin, you can apply lavender oil directly to insect bites.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint oil can be a good choice for treating insect bites. The anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint oil have been proven effective in dealing with itching, irritation, and burning sensations due to insect bites because of the cold effect on the skin.
Peppermint oil should only be used only on insect bites or mild skin irritation, do not apply to open wounds.
How, dissolve first 2-3 drops of peppermint oil with 1 tsp of carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. Then apply directly on the skin. Do not directly apply peppermint oil to the skin because it can cause pain and worsen the condition.
5. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is commonly used as an acne medicine. But make no mistake. Tea tree oil is also a choice of natural insect bites, especially for children who often cannot stand the itching.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help prevent bacteria and other microbes from growing and developing in the area of insect bites. Research also shows that tea tree oil can reduce itching and swelling in the skin due to allergic reactions.
The trick, dissolve 2-3 drops of tea tree oil first with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. Then apply directly on the skin.
6. Lemongrass oil
According to a number of studies, citronella oil has a powerful antimicrobial effect to prevent bacterial infections that may be caused by insect bites. A study published in 2014 also stated that citronella oil was also anti-inflammatory.
This oil can be applied directly to the source of the itch after being bitten or stung by an insect.
7. Champor oil
Although it is less familiar to the ears, champagne turns out to be still a relative with cinnamon. Camphor oil is useful for relieving itching, pain, irritation, and inflammation from insect bites. However, this oil should only be used only on insect bites or mild skin irritation, do not apply to severe injuries because it can make irritation worse.
How, dissolve first 2-3 drops of camphor oil with 1 tsp of carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. Then apply directly on the skin.
It is important to test first to find out if you are allergic to any essential oil, before using it as a treatment. Apply just a little oil to the back of your hand and wait 24 hours. If there are no problems, you may use it as an insect bite drug.
