In the warm seasons, when we spend more time outside, it has happened that we forget to protect ourselves from annoying insects. When a mosquito bites us, it sucks a small amount of our blood while simultaneously injecting some of its own saliva into our skin. This foreign substance causes our body to release histamine. In this way, the body protects us through immunity, which in turn leads to itching and swelling of the bitten place.

In these situations , essential oils come to the rescue , which can be very effective for bites and various skin irritations. Their effectiveness is due to the ability to neutralize bacteria and microorganisms that have entered the skin during the bite. They soothe and protect against infections. Here are a few FACTS about the effects of essential oils on insect bites:

It is extremely important that the essential oil is properly diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin;

Essential oils with strong antimicrobial properties can reduce the risk of developing an infection;

Anti-inflammatory oils can change the way the body reacts to insect bites, reduce itching;

Despite their miraculous properties, we recommend that those of you who suffer from various allergies avoid using essential oils.

What are the appropriate essential oils for insect bites?

There are many essential oils that can help relieve insect bites. We have selected 5 of them that we have personally tried and know work without fail:

Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree essential oil is known for its pain-relieving, swelling- and itching-relieving properties. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it helps prevent the spread of bacteria. Reduces the risk of infection, an excellent choice for children.

Research also shows that tea tree oil may act as a natural antihistamine. Antihistamines reduce the activity of histamine receptors in the body, which play a role in allergic reactions and itching.

Lavender essential oil

Her majesty's lavender is popular for its soothing effect on various skin irritations, bites, wounds, bruises and more. In addition to improving mood and having a calming effect, lavender oil can also help reduce the pain and itching of mosquito bites. Lavender also acts as a pain reliever for insect bites and stings, such as ants and bees.

Basil essential oil

Basil is a gentle anti-inflammatory oil that can help with a variety of irritations. Antimicrobial properties in the plant help prevent infections. A wonderful essential oil for all insect bites, especially bee and wasp stings.

A 2013 study (1) documented remarkable anti-inflammatory properties in basil. Although the study only tested mice, the essential oil was found to help relieve arthritic symptoms of inflammation. Anti-inflammatory properties are found in many varieties, including sweet basil, Thai basil, and holy basil.

Roman or German chamomile essential oil

Chamomile is valued in traditional medicine for its soothing and healing properties. They are useful and can also help with itching associated with insect bites and stings.

Several studies have shown that chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties. This means it can help with mild allergic reactions as well as the itching and burning associated with most insect bites and stings.

Immortelle essential oil

Immortelle essential oil is popular for its ability to support the natural regeneration of the epidermis. The oil is an excellent antioxidant, has high antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

You can apply it to relieve swelling and redness caused by a bite. Combine it with another oil, such as lavender, to relieve itching as well.

In addition

Hamamelis Floral Water

PRIMAVERA Witch Hazel Floral Water is distilled from the leaves and stems of the Hamamelis virginiana plant . Witch Hazel can soothe bites, fight bacteria, and keep the skin clean. Witch Hazel is also used to relieve various inflammations and bruises. In the past, the herb was used by Native Americans in North America, primarily to treat wounds and various types of skin diseases. Due to its tannin content, especially in the leaves, the plant has a hemostatic and astringent effect, helping with swelling and other irritations.

Its minimal alcohol content (14%) allows the addition of essential oils. You can enrich it and use it as a relief spray.

How to use essential oils for insect bites

How you use essential oils for bite relief is entirely up to you. Remember to always dilute properly and follow the manufacturers safety recommendations. Trust only high-quality essential oils, we recommend the German company PRIMAVERA. Common mixtures may be in the form of a spray, ointment or lotion in a roll-on bottle. Here are some easy methods for applying the oils to bites.

Local application

Avoid applying essential oils directly to the skin. It can cause burning on the skin and make the symptoms of the bite even worse. Dilute an essential oil in a carrier/carrier oil – for adults make a 3% solution (6 drops per 10ml of carrier oil). For more convenience, use a roll-on bottle for easy application. For use on children, dilute more, a maximum of 0,5% solution or 1–2 drops per 10 ml of base oil.

Spray yourself with PRIMAVERA floral water

PRIMAVERA hydrosols are produced by careful selection and distillation of aromatic plants. Waters contain less essential oil and water-soluble components of the plant, which is why their aroma is not as strong. The minimum content of organic alcohol (14%) allows the mixing and addition of essential oils to floral waters.

Each of Primavera's floral waters has a specific purpose and helps in skin care. We recommend Lavender water to enrich with tea tree and a few more drops of fine lavender oil. That way you'll have an aromatherapy spray to relieve any itchiness and skin irritations. You can add a maximum of 100 drops of essential oil per 30 ml, the mixture is for adults.

Soothing ointment

You can create your own salve with essential oils and there are several ways to do this. Add a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil such as coconut oil or shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil, almond oil. You can combine with beeswax, but you must first liquefy it in a water bath. Beeswax has antibacterial properties and melts at a temperature of about 65-70 degrees.

In a 30 ml dark glass jar, you can add up to 6 drops of essential oil (this is a 1% solution).

Oils to avoid

Avoid using the following oils after an insect bite or if the skin is broken. They are highly allergenic, must be diluted strongly, and some of them have a warming effect that can worsen the condition of your skin:

spice
Bay leaf
cinnamon
clove
dill
oregano
thyme

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before applying essential oils to their skin.

When oils are not enough

Sometimes essential oils are not enough to treat the pain and itching of insect bites. If the bite becomes very swollen or oozes fluid, this is a sign that you should see your GP immediately. People who experience severe allergic reactions that cause shortness of breath, redness, rash, or vomiting should seek emergency care.

Prevention for the home

Insects can be a real nuisance. They are especially annoying for people who have sensitive or dry skin. Essential oils offer a simple antidote. Some essential oils can help prevent insect bites altogether. Lemon eucalyptus and citronella essential oils have the ability to naturally repel mosquitoes and some other insects.

To protect the room you can diffuse them, and to prevent bites, they need to be mixed with a base oil before applying to the skin.