Natural Remedies For Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes survive by feeding on human and animal blood. They use their thin, sharp and elongated mouthpart to puncture the skin of the host and suck up the blood.

Because the puncture is so small, we often don’t feel the bite when it happens. But the after effects can be very annoying and potentially harmful.

Some of the symptoms of mosquito bites are itchiness, swelling, skin rashes, bruising and occasionally skin infection. Mosquito bites can also lead to fatal diseases like malaria and dengue in some parts of the world.

Ideally, you want to avoid being bitten by wearing long sleeves and long pants or other protective measures. But if you are bitten, there are many natural remedies that can provide symptom relief and help treat the affected area.

Tea Tree Oil :-

• • Tea tree oil has good antiseptic properties that can help treat bacteria-infected wounds like acne and mosquito bites.
  • It also will help reduce swelling and itchiness.
  • Simply use a cotton ball to apply some tea tree oil to the affected area.
  • If you have sensitive skin, do not use tea tree oil as it can cause skin irritation.

• You can try other essential oils like lavender or cedar oil.

Lemon :-

Lemons contain natural anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties that make them very useful in treating mosquito bites.

• Simply cut a lemon into two pieces and rub the inside of one of the halves against your itchy skin for quick relief. You can try rubbing the yellow rind of the lemon over your skin too.
• Apply lemon juice to the bites to help reduce the chance of developing an infection.
• Another option is to add crushed basil leaves to lemon juice and apply the mixture onto the affected area.

Baking Soda :-

Baking soda can effectively stop the itchiness caused by mosquito bites. Being alkaline in nature, it neutralizes the pH of the skin and hence provides relief.

• Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and put the cloth over the affected skin area for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Another option is to make a paste using witch hazel and baking soda. Apply it onto the bite and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Then wash the area with lukewarm water.

Apple Cider Vinegar :-

• • Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV for short) is both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, making it a perfect solution for soothing and disinfecting mosquito bites.
  • For all-over treatment, add 2/3 cup to a warm bath and soak for at least 10 minutes.

• Spot treat single bites by dabbing undiluted ACV on with a cotton ball.
• For the best quality and consistency, I recommend Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar.
• It not only smells great and gets the job done; if you accidentally splash Bragg ACV onto your skin, you can rest easy knowing that it’s good for you, too.

Banana Peel :-

• Have a banana in your lunch box? When you’re done eating it, rub the soft interior of the peel over your mosquito bites.
• The fruit acids, vitamins, and minerals in the peel will not only help to soothe away pain and itching.
• They’re also great for your skin!

Milk + Water :-

• The proteins naturally present in milk are both anti-inflammatory and anti-itch.
• Apply in the same way as ACV (mentioned above in #2) by soaking in a warm milk bath or dabbing on with a cotton ball.
• Wondering which kind of milk to use? As it is the protein and not the fat in milk that soothes mosquito bites, skim milk is generally recommended.
• However, if you already have a jug in your refrigerator, any kind will do.

Peppermint :-

• Apply crushed fresh peppermint leaves over mosquito bites or dab on a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil for fast relief.
• The cooling oils naturally present in peppermint temporarily overload nerves to stop pain and itching.

Rubbing Alcohol :-

• • Rubbing alcohol is a common household antiseptic that can be used to relieve irritation caused by mosquito bites and reduce the chance of developing an infection.
  • Put a small amount of alcohol on a cotton ball and rub it onto the affected skin area.

• Initially it may sting a little, but you will soon feel relief from the itching and swelling.
• If you do not have rubbing alcohol, you can use mouthwash that contains a high amount of alcohol or vodka.

Aloe Vera :-

Aloe vera is a natural antiseptic agent, which makes it a great remedy for mosquito bites. It will reduce pain, swelling and itching, as well as aid in faster healing.

• Cut the meaty portion of an aloe vera leaf to extract the gel. If you do not have an aloe vera plant, you can use aloe vera gel readily available in most stores.
• Chill the aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Rub it directly onto the affected site.

Basil :-

The fragrant basil plant is a key ingredient of many of your favorite Italian recipes, and it does double duty as a mosquito bite remedy.  Studies suggest that this common herb contains chemical compounds, like eugenol, that could relieve itchy skin.

• To make a basil rub, boil two cups of water and add half an ounce of dried basil leaves.
• Leave the mixture to steep until it is cool.
• Then dip a washcloth into it and rub it gently on your mosquito bites.
• Alternately, just chop some fresh basil leaves up until very fine, and rub them on to your skin.
• Of course, the best way to get rid of mosquito bite irritation is to not get bitten at all! Keep in mind that these insects are more active in the evening and at night.
• If you want to enjoy a summer evening outdoors but are scared of being bit, cover your skin and stay away from standing water to reduce the chance of getting bit.