Bug bites are an inevitable part of summer, and despite using bug-repelling sprays, citronella candles, and swatting away pesky mosquitoes, I still seem to get bitten! This 100% natural bug bite 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 (a lot of that life being bugs). I love gardening and hiking, but with these comes a lot of insects.
I’ve been using my homemade ultimate 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.
The Soothing Properties of This All-Natural Bug Bite Balm
The ingredients used have been selectively chosen for their soothing and healing properties:
- Coconut oil: A natural antibacterial and very moisturising.
- Calendula oil: A powerful anti-inflammatory that’s been used for centuries for its healing properties. I love to make my own, but you can also buy some online or in store.
- Shea butter: Contains skin-loving vitamin A and E, which may help soothe and calm bites.
- Beeswax or candelilla wax: Contains healing and moisturising qualities, and creates a protective, breathable barrier over skin, helping the bug bite balm to stay on for longer.
- Rosemary oil: Eases redness and may help to calm angry-red bites.
- Peppermint oil: A natural antiseptic, which may help to sanitise and prevent infection.
- Tea tree oil: Contains antibacterial and antifungal properties to help prevent those bug bites from becoming infected.
- Lemon juice or lemon essential oil: Contains insect-repelling properties and is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which can help to soothe bites and reduce the chance of infection.
- Lavender oil: Contains soothing properties similar to chamomile, which can help relieve pain.
- Eucalyptus oil: A great disinfectant and may help in preventing infection.
Before we get started in learning how to make this soothing bug bite 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 Balm
This simple ointment is an easy concoction made from oil and wax, so it stays on the skin for longer, providing soothing benefits.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 2 tbsp beeswax or candelilla wax
- 1-2 tsp calendula oil
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice or 5 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus oil
- 10 drops rosemary essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
To make:
- Add the beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil to a medium size glass jar and place the container into a saucepan filled with a small amount of water (just enough to reach above the level of the oil line inside the jar). This will create a double boiler.
- Heat the pan on medium heat until the wax has completely melted. While on the stovetop, stir in the lemon juice (this is so the beeswax doesn’t harden when you do this), then remove from heat.
- Remove the jar from the pan and add in the essential oils, stirring to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar for storage and allow it to set for a couple of hours at room temperature.
- This balm should last for at least 9-12 months without going off. If you notice an off smell, the oils may have gone rancid so you’ll need to discard the balm and make a fresh batch.
To use:
- Apply directly onto any bug bites two to three times a day, or as often as needed to soothe irritation.
Homemade bug bite balm tutorial
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post. Make sure to do a tester beforehand of this bug balm by applying a tiny amount to skin to make sure there is no adverse reaction (as some people can be sensitive to essential oils).
Have you made a bug balm before? How did it go? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
🖤 Vanessa