Got bit? Ouch! Get immediate relief with natural remedies and carrier oils for insect bites
Bug Bites and Stings
Not all bug bites are the same. You’ll need immediate medical attention if you got stung or bitten by lethal creatures such as the deadly black widow spider, ticks and scorpions. Even bee stings can be fatal for those who are allergic to them, so take extra precaution.
For common bug bites, natural home remedies are more than enough to grant easy and immediate relief. Most bug bites are characterized by:
- Itching in the area of bite
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling
- Redness
- Heat-like effect on bite area
Carrier Oils for Insect Bites
Carrier oils are usually extracted from nuts and seeds. They can be extracted through roasting and pressing or can be cold-pressed. It makes a world of a difference when you use natural, adulterant-free, organic carrier oils from trusted sources.
The main purpose of carrier oils is to act as a vehicle for essential oils and other medicinal, herbal extracts. Carrier oils have potent benefits on their own, as well.
For insect bites, you’ll notice the best carrier oils are ones that are on the thicker side. These carrier oils contain more fatty acids and wax content. As a result, they are more soothing, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, protective and act as a natural sealant.
Top 5 Carrier Oils for Insect Bites
There are many carrier oils that you can use to treat bug bites. These are my top 5 oils for insect bites:
- Coconut Oil (where to get it)
- Castor Oil (where to get it)
- Avocado Oil (where to get it)
- Neem Oil (where to get it)
- Shea Oil (where to get it)
How to Use Carrier Oils for Insect Bites?
As I mentioned before, carrier oils are mainly used as a vehicle for essential oils. This is especially true when it comes to treating specific issues such as insect bites.
The best way to use carrier oils for bug bite relief is to combine them appropriately with essential oils for insect bites.
These include:
- Lavender (where to get it)
- Tea tree (where to get it)
- Chamomile (where to get it)
- Peppermint (where to get it)
- Calendula (where to get it)
Since we will be applying these oils to a small spot, that is, the spot of the insect bite, we shall be using a potent oil mix with a high concentration.
For my bug bite serum, we will be using equal quantities of essential oil to carrier oil. This is a 50% concentration. You can use any amount of oil, as long as you keep the ratios equal.
DIY Bug Bite Serum
Here is my go-to recipe for common bug bites. It is a DIY Bug Bite Serum and it comes in handy especially during outdoor activities and camping.
What you need:
- 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil (where to get it)
- 1 teaspoon of shea oil (where to get it)
- 10 ml roller bottle (where to get it)
Directions:
- In a small glass roller bottle (10ml or more), carefully drop in the required quantity of carrier oil and essential oil.
- Now screw on the lid securely and shake to mix the contents evenly.
- Your bug bite serum is ready for use. Apply on the area of the bug bite up to 5 times a day for 2 – 3 days.
- Feel free to use any of the suggested carrier oils and essential oils for insect bites, depending on what you have available at home.
Other Natural Remedies for Bug Bites
- For bee stings, wasp stings and other bug stings, please do not use a tweezer to remove the stinger. This might cause more of the venom to be released into the skin. Instead just use a plastic card to gently scrape off the stinger.
- Gently wash the area with cold water and soap.
- If you have fresh herbs available, make a paste of peppermint or basil leaves and apply over the bite.
- Avoid scratching the area of bug bite.
What are your favorite carrier oils for insect bites? Share your remedies with us!