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Lemon/lime juice -

These citrus fruits are both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, so they’re great for bug bites. Get a slice and rub it on your skin. Just make sure you’re inside the house, as the juice can burn you if you’re out in the sun.

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Aloe vera -

Many of us have aloe vera in the house for another summer danger: sunburn. However, it can also be used for bug bites. It will not only reduce the itching and swelling, but will also help the bite to heal faster.

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Baking soda -

Combine water and baking soda into a paste and put it on the bite. It will neutralize the pH of the area, making it less itchy.

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Ice -

We all know that ice helps with inflammation, so it can also help with the swelling from bug bites. Don’t put the ice directly on your skin, but instead use an ice pack or wrap it in a washcloth and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.

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Apple cider vinegar -

Less acidic than standard vinegar, you can apply apple cider vinegar directly to your skin. If you have several bug bites in different areas (especially if they’re hard to reach), you can dilute some in a bath.

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Onion -

This pungent veggie is great for bug bites. Just cut off a slice and press it onto the skin. It will reduce the irritation, and the smell actually serves as bug repellant!

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Basil -

Basil leaves contain camphor, which can act as a cooling agent for the skin. Crush the leaves and put them on the bite until the itching subsides.

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Garlic -

A natural remedy for a variety of conditions, garlic can also help with bug bites. However, instead of applying a newly cut bulb directly to the skin (which can sting), mince it and combine it with coconut oil or an unscented lotion. Then just apply it to the skin and wipe it off after 10 minutes or so.

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Lavender oil -

An exception to standard essential oils, lavender oil can be applied directly to the skin. It’s both soothing and pain-relieving.

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Salt -

Salt is both an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Apply some salt water to help the bite, or, if you’re near the beach, take this opportunity to go for a swim.

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Tea tree oil -

You can use this oil with virtually any type of bug bite, from mosquito to spider (and even bed bug). It will help with the pain, swelling, and itching.

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Honey -

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, honey is a good solution for a pesky bite. The sticky substance also makes it less appealing to itch.

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Oatmeal - One of the best ingredients to calm the itching from chicken pox, it makes sense that oatmeal can be used for bug bites. Make an oatmeal paste using water and scoop it onto a washcloth, before pressing it onto the skin. Hold it there for 10 minutes.

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Thyme -

A delicious addition to any meal, thyme leaves also have antibacterial and antifungal properties to reduce the risk of infection as well as easing itch. Just finely mince the leaves and hold them to the bite for 10 minutes.

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Chamomile tea -

The tannins in tea can actually draw the toxins out of your skin. Press a chilled steeped tea bag to the bite until the itching stops.

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Lemon balm -

Also known as Melissa, lemon balm is a natural antihistamine. Crush the leaves into a paste and hold it on the bite with a bandage or wrap.

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Milk -

This common household beverage will soothe your bug bite and can also reduce unsightly redness. Just dab it onto the affected area.

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Witch hazel -

A natural astringent, meaning that it can draw toxins from the skin, witch hazel helps reduce inflammation and irritation from a variety of different skin conditions.

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Green tea -

Green tea, as many of us know, is great for reducing inflammation. Similar to chamomile tea, you can keep the chilled steeped tea bags in the fridge for just this occasion.

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Rosemary oil -

An anti-inflammatory and antibacterial oil, rosemary oil should be combined with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) before being applied to the skin.

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Toothpaste -

The menthol element of toothpaste, in addition to a mint/peppermint flavor, cools the skin, so you’re less likely to scratch.

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Coconut oil -

Coconut oil is an all-around bug bite healer. It can soothe the skin, protect it from dirt that would irritate it, and help it heal quicker. It can even repel mosquitoes!

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Peppermint leaves -

Much like with basil leaves, mash the peppermint leaves into a paste. If you don’t have anything to mash them with, chewing them will work just fine. Then apply the paste to the bite to cool the skin.

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Deodorant -

Deodorants are made with skin irritation in mind, so they often have calming components. The aluminum salts can actually reduce irritation and swelling, therefore reducing the itching.

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Heat -

The histamines from a bug bite are what cause the body to itch, so heat can disperse them. However, be warned: this is only a temporary fix, as they will come back quickly the moment you take the heat off the bite.

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Mud -

If you’re not at home or your kitchen isn’t very stocked, you can always just use mud. It will help to reduce the itching and swelling by just swiping a bit over the bite.

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Rubbing alcohol -

Put a little bit of your basic rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip or cotton swab and swipe it over the bite. It will ensure the bite is clean and can dull the itching sensation for a while.

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Make an X with your fingernails -

This is a temporary fix, but pressing your fingernails into the bite to form an X will give you relief until you can find another solution. It’s still better than scratching.

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Camphor oil -

A relative of cinnamon, this oil has many medicinal purposes. It can reduce pain in the bug bite, but much like other oils, don’t apply it directly to the skin.

Now find out which essential oil is right for you!

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