Bites and stings can be an unpleasant experience, causing itchy, sore and swollen skin. But never fear, I have a list of natural remedies available from my incredible friend Mother Nature that can soothe, give relief from the symptoms and promote healing.
A number of my clients have messaged me recently asking for advice on bites and stings, which lit the fire for this post!
Here are my favourites, there's something for the whole family:
Nettle Tea
Nettle tea?! You are probably thinking hold on, nettles sting! But in tea form they can be used topically to help alleviate itching and soothe insect bites and stings. The anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties of nettle may help reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
- Make a cup of the tea with a nettle tea bag or loose leaf tea, add some cold water and keep it covered and allow it to cool (you can place it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process).
- Apply it to the affected areas with a cotton pad or muslin for 10-15 minutes at a time, throughout the day.
Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress, such as an ice pack or a cloth soaked in cold water, can help reduce swelling, itching, and pain associated with bites and stings.
- Apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can provide soothing relief.
- Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the bite or sting to alleviate itching and reduce swelling.
Eve Taylor Refining Eye Gel
Yes another strange one! If you know me you know I love a multi-tasking product and Eve Taylor's Refining Eye Gel isn't just amazing for the eye area it's also incredibly effective for reducing inflammation insect bites! It contains the incredible soothing and anti-inflammatory Aloe Vera but also Seaweed which helps soothe inflammation too!
- Simply apply a small amount the affected area throughout the day
- Keep it in fridge for an extra cooling treat!
Honey
Honey has antimicrobial properties and can help reduce inflammation.
- Dab a small amount of honey onto the affected area and cover it with a bandage.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing off.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing swelling and can relieve itching and pain. It's also helpful for repairing scarring.
- Add 2-4 drops to 10ml of carrier oil like my Eve Taylor Safflower Oil
- Children age 3+ 1-2 drops/10ml
- Gently apply it to the affected bite or sting.
Calendula
Calendula has soothing properties and can reduce inflammation.
- Apply calendula cream or ointment to the affected area a few times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help alleviate itching and reduce inflammation.
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water and apply it to the bite or sting using a cotton ball.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can help neutralize the acidity of the sting and reduce inflammation and itching.
- Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.
- Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing off.
Prevention is Better Than Cure - Use a Natural Insect Repellent
Prevention is indeed better than cure when it comes to dealing with insect bites and the potential diseases they may carry. Using a natural insect repellent can be an effective and safer alternative to chemical-based repellents. Natural repellents are typically derived from plant-based ingredients and can help keep insects at bay without exposing you to potentially harmful chemicals
It goes without saying that chemical and deet insect repellents are a no go at Altruis Living. Incognito’s range of products are “100% natural insect repellents that are as effective, if not more, than currently available synthetic chemical alternatives”. Even better it is ethical, sustainable and responsible!
My Spa Recovery Aromatherapy Massage Candle is a must have for the patio or balcony for keeping those pesky bugs at bay. Contains a gorgeous synergy of effective insect deterring essential oils including Citronella, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary, Orange.
- Aside from smelling gorgeous, you can also use the nourishing melted wax on your skin as a natural insect repellent!
- Also available in Spa Recovery essential oil blend
- We never go on holiday without them!
Shop for Spa Recovery essential oil blend
Eve Taylor's Citronella pure essential oil is very effective natural insect repellent, I never go on holiday without it abroad or at home!
Diffuse it in one of my unusual oil burners or pop a couple of drops onto the naturally porous lava stones on my diffuser bracelets
- DIY Topical Insect Repellent mix it with my Eve Taylor Safflower Carrier oil and pop in one of my Crystal Roller Ball Bottles and roll on for a topical insect repellent. I like to mix it with some of my Lavender Blend
- Cleaning - add three to four drops in water to clean surfaces
Make Yourself A Natural First Aid Kit
Stock up on these natural ingredients for your first aid kit, so you can quickly find relief from the irritation caused by bites and stings.
Remember, these remedies may provide temporary relief, but if you experience severe reactions or allergies, it's important to seek medical attention.
Love
Sara x