Despite using bug-repelling sprays, citronella candles, and swatting away pesky mosquitoes, the bug bites are inevitable part of summer when enjoying the great outdoors. This natural bug bite relief balm, made with a few simple ingredients, provides soothing relief for the redness and swelling that comes along with insect bites.
With the wonderful rain we’ve been having this summer, our local ecosystem has been alive with life. I love gardening and hiking, but these activities come with a lot of insects.
I’ve been using my homemade insect repellent to deter biting insects, however, it’s only natural that some of them still get through. So, I end up coming back home with a few bites here and there.
This balm helps to soothe itchy, red bites, taking the sting out and calming inflammation.
Recipe Tutorial Video
The Soothing Properties of This All-Natural Bug Bite Balm
The reason bug bites or mosquito bites itch is due to the production of histamine triggered by mosquito salvia which causes itchiness and swelling.
The reason a mosquito bite becomes more itchy when you scratch it is because the act of scratching causes the skin to become more inflamed, which causes even more of an itchy sensation. Scratching repeatedly can also break open the skin, which can lead to an infection.
Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, helichrysum and peppermint can help stop the itching sensation, reduce histamine responses in the skin, soothe skin inflammation and promote healing.
Before we get started in learning how to make this soothing bug bite relief balm, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!
Homemade Soothing Bug Bite Relief Balm
This recipe is for three one-ounce containers or two five-gram lip balm tubes with a 2% dilution. This balm is safe for ages 3 and up. For children who are younger than 3, omit the peppermint oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp (1/2 oz or 14 g) pure beeswax, either in pellets or as a block
- 2 tbsp (1 oz or 28 g) organic coconut oil
- 1 tbsp (1/2 oz or 14 g) calendula infused oil
- 3 drops vitamin E oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops Helichrysum essential oil
- 6 drops German chamomile essential oil
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3- 30 ml or 1 oz containers or 10- 5 gram lip balm tubes
To make:
- Add the beeswax and coconut oil to a medium size glass jar and place the container into a saucepan filled with a small amount of water. This will create a double boiler. Melt the ingredients slowly. Do not allow it to boil.
- Once almost liquified, add calendula oil and vitamin E oil, then stir well to combine.
- Remove the jar from heat and allow it cool slightly before adding in the essential oils. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or containers, then allow them to cool and set at room temperature for a few hours until the balm has hardened.
- To use, apply the relief balm to areas affected by bug bites, or to irritated skin or areas of the body needing extra moisture.
- Apply as often as needed to soothe irritation or inflammation.
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
Have you made a bug bite relief balm before? Was it helpful? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
Vanessa
