What are the best essential oils for bug bites?

For most insect bites in the UK I find Lavender, Eucalyptus, Thyme essential oils to be the best to help find relief from bites.  Below I have collected together a few essential oil recipes I use to treat different types of bites and stings with just three of the oils in my set.

Essential oil remedy for Gnats and Midge bites:

You will need - Thyme essential oil, Cider vinegar or Lemon juice. (Or Lavender Oil). 
Having lived in Scotland - Midges used to be the bane of my summer.  Until I discovered this essential oil remedy. Begin by diluting 3 drops of thyme in 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar or lemon juice and apply to the bites.  This will stop the irritation.  As an alternative, apply neat Lavender directly to the bites.

Essential oil remedy for Bed Bugs and Flea bites:

You will need - Lavender or Eucalyptus or Thyme essential oil & Cider vinegar.
With a dog in the house I am very aware of Fleas - if you are unfortunate enough to get bitten. First wash the bite with soap and water - once dry apply neat lavender to each bite.  Alternatively, if you have a large area - dilute 3 drops of thyme in cider vinegar and apply over.  Eucalyptus is another option - use as you would lavender.

Essential oil remedy for Mosquito bites.

You will need - Lavender or Thyme and Cider vinegar or 2 Lemons.
The buzz of a Mosquito by your ear is unmistakable and the sound that keeps me awake at night for fear of being bitten.  If this is you too, your hero will be Lavender oil - once bitten use neat lavender oil on the bite - it instantly quells the itch.  If however you’ve been bitten over a large area, it’s better to bathe in a cool bath.  First however, take 250ml of cider vinegar or the juice of 2 lemons and add to it 10 drops of lavender and 5 of thyme.  Put this mixture in a bath, swishing the water around before you get in.  Afterwards, apply neat lavender oil to all the bites.  

Essential oil remedy for Insect stings:

You will need - Lavender oil
Luckily I’ve only ever been stung by a bee once - Lavender oil is a miracle worker for relieving the pain.  
Firstly - if you can see a visible sting, remove it but try not to squeeze and break the venom bag which may be attached.  Now apply 1 drop of neat lavender oil directly to the site of the sting.  Continue to apply neat lavender, a drop at a time, every five minutes or as soon as the drop can be seen to be absorbed, until a total of 10 drops has been reached.

Essential oil remedy for Plant stings:

You will need - Eucalyptus, Lavender or Chamomile oil
As the weather warms up we are outside in the garden more, clearing nettles and touching greenery we might not usually.  Unfortunately plenty of these plants can be toxic and have stings.  Stinging nettles and poison ivy are some of the biggest problems I have in my garden.  Unfortunately these can cause urticaria - white blotchy areas on the skin with raised wheals of flesh - or an insane need to itch.
First thing to do is apply soap and water as soon as possible to wash the area and then apply eucalyptus, lavender or chamomile, either neat or on a compress.  (To make a compress, simply wet a cotton cloth so it is damp - a handkerchief will do nicely).  Then apply your cold compress with 2 drops of one of the essential oils mentioned - and you will find it stops the irritation within a few hours.

If you have an allergic reaction to a plant or insect sting visit your doctor as soon as possible.

I do hope these aromatherapy recipes help you just as much as they have me. Equally - if you have anymore I have missed I would love to know! 
Talk soon,

Bella x

 

P.s if you would like to see all of our pure essential oils, including my essential care set (with recipes included) click here.