Essential Oils for Bug Bites: Relief for Itchy Skin

Why do we need essential oils for bug bite relief? When warm weather rolls in, so do the bugs. And with them, the bites, stings, and itches. Even with the best repellent, it’s inevitable that you or your little ones will end up with a few bug bites here and there.

Thankfully, God’s pharmacy offers safe, effective solutions! Essential oils help soothe skin, reduce swelling, and relieve that maddening itch without harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or playing at the park, be prepared with a natural bug bite remedy that really works.

How to Relieve Bug Bites Naturally

No matter how careful you are, you’re bound to get bitten now and then! Everyone’s body reacts differently to bug bites. Some people get a tiny bump, while others have to deal with swelling, itching, redness, and tenderness.

We created this Soothing Bug Bite Balm Roll-On for Itch Relief remedy to relieve irritating symptoms. It contains peppermint, which instantly cools the skin, and lavender oil, which calms and relieves itching. This blend is safe for little ones and adults alike.

Best Essential Oils for Skin-Soothing Relief

Essential oils are powerful plant extracts that offer more than a pleasant scent because they’re packed with healing potential. Our typical blend uses a mix of lavender and peppermint, but there are several essential oils that soothe skin, help heal wounds, or calm inflammation. Feel free to experiment and see what works best for you, depending on personal preferences and your skin’s reaction to the bite or sting.

Here are some of our favorite options for relieving skin irritation from bug bites, stings, or scratching:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender essential oil is one of the most gentle and versatile oils available. Its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and cooling properties make it ideal for calming irritation, insect bites, sunburns, and minor burns. It supports wound healing and reduces itching and pain from bites. Lavender oil is safe for all skin types and is particularly effective for children and sensitive skin.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint oil delivers an instant cooling effect that works wonders on bug bites and stings. Its menthol content helps calm the itching and reduce swelling, providing fast relief from discomfort. This oil is especially helpful when bites become hot, red, or inflamed.

While peppermint essential oil is usually the one we choose to blend with lavender, it’s not recommended to use on broken skin, so there are other options below you can try to see what works best for you.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree oil offers antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce swelling and redness while gently purifying the skin. It’s effective for acne-prone or inflamed skin and useful for preventing infection from scratching. If you’ve been scratching and broken the skin, consider tea tree essential oil as an option.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, Roman chamomile essential oil is gentle and often used to calm eczema, dermatitis, and rashes. Frequently included in baby products, it’s great for allergy-prone or reactive skin.

Note: Chamomile is in the same family as ragweed. There may be cross-sensitivity.

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Rich in chamazulene, German chamomile offers potent anti-inflammatory benefits. Recommended for inflamed skin, acne, burns, and ulcers as it helps relieve inflammation.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Eucalyptus oil offers cooling and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping relieve swelling and discomfort. Its antimicrobial properties help prevent secondary infections.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Geranium oil reduces redness, inflammation, and irritation while supporting healing. It’s especially helpful when bites lead to swelling or histamine-type responses. We know geranium essential oil benefits include wound healing so it’s no surprise it is helpful for this purpose. Plus it’s calming effect can help kids who are feeling irritable from itching.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Traditionally used to soothe bee stings and insect bites, it may calm itching and support healing.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving properties. It can help reduce swelling and ease slow-healing bites.

Other Essential Oil Options for Soothing Skin Irritations

These “runner-up” oils may also relieve swelling and irritation, though less directly studied for bug bites:
1. Frankincense – Known for skin regeneration and healing, this is an essential oil Mama Z often uses in her famous skin healing serum.
2. Helichrysum – Ideal for inflamed or traumatized skin, this essential oil is one we call the fountain of youth.
3. Patchouli – Anti-inflammatory and regenerative, patchouli essential oil reduces swelling. If your bug bites are making welts or bumps, this might help reduce their appearance.
4. Myrrh – Known for antiseptic and wound-healing benefits myrrh essential oil could be a good option if you prefer.

Best Carrier Oils for Bug Bite Blends

Diluting essential oils with carrier oils is important, especially for children and sensitive skin. Some carriers even help relieve itching:

• Coconut Oil (Virgin, unrefined) – Antibacterial, antifungal, and emollient, coconut oil is great for hydrating and protecting the skin. Research has proven that coconut oil can help relieve itching; it’s a great base oil for this remedy.
• Jojoba Oil – Mimics natural sebum. Anti-inflammatory, non-comedogenic, and ideal for sensitive skin.
• Sweet Almond Oil – Rich in vitamins A and E. Softens and soothes inflamed skin.

We want to share a word about the benefits of calendula here, too. Calendula-infused oil is often used for skin inflammation and wound healing. This makes it great for bites, rashes, and diaper irritation. Learn how to infuse your favorite carrier oil with calendula right at home to add its benefits to this natural remedy!

Tip: We like to use a blend of half fractionated coconut oil and half jojoba oil. You can also infuse either with calendula.

Soothing Bug Bite Balm Roll-On for Itch Relief

Author Mama Z

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Quantity

2x4x6x

Ingredients

• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• Carrier oil *

Supplies

• 10ml glass roller bottle

Instructions

 

• Add the peppermint and lavender essential oils to the glass roller bottle.
• Fill the roller bottle the rest of the way with carrier oil, leaving enough room to replace the lid.
• Replace the lid and shake until well blended.
• Apply directly to bug bites.

Notes

*No matter what allergies you may have, there’s a carrier oil that’s right for you. You can use any, or a combination of these: Avocado, Fractionated Coconut, Grapeseed, Jojoba, Sweet Almond. The best carrier oils for this recipe are fractionated coconut oil and jojoba oil because they absorb quickly and work the best. I always do half fractionated coconut oil and organic jojoba oil. These are our favorite carrier oils. Click here to see more options.

Keep It On Hand

Before heading outdoors, toss this roller bottle in your bag or on your keychain, so you’re ready to treat bug bites naturally. A roll-on makes it easy to use your skin-soothing oils on the go.

Looking to prevent bites? Check out our post on natural insect repellent essential oils using oils like citronella and lemongrass.

Need home pest control? Try our essential oil spider spray or bug-repelling floor cleaner to avoid harsh chemicals.

Essential oils are versatile, and with a little trial and error, you can find what works best for your family.

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