If you are a fan of adventurous outdoor activities like trekking, camping, or picnics, you must know mosquito bites go hand-in-hand with all these activities. These tiny menacing creatures can harm you right at your home; forget travelling or camping. Although you can take preventive remedies to deal with the mosquito problem, there are always mosquito bites.
This article presents you with the best home remedies for mosquito bites you can follow with ingredients available quickly and without burning a hole through your pocket. Read on!
Best Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites:
The bright morning rays of the sun make the mosquitoes less active. However, once the sun goes down, they start hunting for our blood. Let us go through this article to know the simple yet effective home remedies to deal with mosquito bites efficiently.
1. Onion:
We all must have experience tears while slicing onions. However, the natural antifungal properties in freshly cut onion bulbs in the juices reduce the risk of infection, making it an effective home remedy for mosquito bites.
Ingredients:
- A slice of onion.
How to Apply:
- Apply the sliced onion to the site of the mosquito bite for few minutes.
- Gently remove the onion juice by using water.
2. Garlic:
Garlic exhibits an intense repelling action against mosquitoes because of a compound called allicin. It also helps repel mosquitoes with its intense aroma (1). In addition, lemon juice enhances the repelling properties of garlic with its acidic nature, making it a perfect DIY mosquito bite relief.
Ingredients:
- Five garlic cloves.
- One tbsp of mineral oil.
- Two cups of water.
- One tbsp of lime juice.
How to Apply:
- Use garlic cloves and mineral oil and mince them together.
- Let the garlic soak overnight.
- Strain the garlic and colled the infused oil into a bowl.
- Now, add lime juice and water to the garlic-infused oil.
- Combine the solution thoroughly and place the liquid in a sprayer.
- Spray the liquid on the exposed areas of your body.
3. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera has many uses beyond shelf decoration and is not just a common household plant. Aloe vera helps heal minor wounds or calm down infections with its anti-inflammatory properties (2).
Ingredients:
- One fresh aloe vera leaf.
How to Apply:
- Slice a small part of the ale vera leaf and extract the fresh gel.
- Gently apply the fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area and let it dry.
- Reapply until the mosquito bite disappears.
See Also: What are the Different Types of Mosquitoes
4. Ice:
Ice can be an effective and instant mosquito bite relief since the cold temperature helps reduce inflammation for a short period. The coldness of the ice helps numb the affected area, thereby providing relief (3). Although ice is effective, make sure to use a barrier such as a cloth since applying ice directly on your skin might damage your surface. And by using a barrier, you will be able to place the ice for a longer time.
What You Need:
- A bag filled with crushed ice.
How to Apply:
- Fill a bag with crushed ice.
- Now apply the bag to the area affected by the mosquito bite to reduce itching.
5. Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil has medicinal properties, which makes it a widely used essential oil. In addition, it helps prevent and heal mosquito bites with its powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties (4). Using this remedy keeps the mosquitoes at bay with the pungent aroma of tea tree oil. But make sure you combine this essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil to avoid reactions.
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil- 30 ml.
- Tea tree oil- 10 drops.
How to Apply:
- Take a bowl and add the tea tree oil and coconut oil.
- Combine them thoroughly.
- Apply the mixture to the areas affected by mosquito bites.
6. Honey:
Honey is a common ingredient we can find in any household. The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties of honey promote improved and rapid healing of mosquito bites (5). In addition, honey helps soothe the affected area, similar to aloe.
Ingredients:
- One tbsp of honey.
- A cotton ball.
How to Apply:
- Use a cotton ball to apply honey to the affected area.
- Let it remain for a few minutes and wash it with cold water.
- Repeat this remedy twice or thrice a day.
7. Banana Peel:
We all eat the fruit and throw away the banana peel, don’t we? But banana peel is a natural mosquito bite relief as it contains natural oils that can soothe the affected area. So, think twice before throwing away the banana peel.
Ingredients:
- One banana peel.
How to Apply:
- Use the flesh side of the banana peel on the mosquito-bitten area.
- Use this remedy twice or thrice a day till the bite fades away.
See Also: Natural Ways to Treat Malaria at Home
8. Oatmeal:
We all know oatmeal to be a much-loved and healthy breakfast option. But oatmeal has unique compounds with anti-irritant qualities that help relieve itching and swelling associated with mosquito bites, making it an itch-relief mosquito bite remedy (6).
Ingredients:
- Two tbsp of oatmeal.
- Two tbsp of water.
How to Apply:
- Combine equal amounts of water and oatmeal in a bowl to form a paste.
- Use a spoon to place the mixture on the washcloth.
- Hold the washcloth to the affected area for about ten minutes.
- Use water to clean the area.
- Use this remedy twice a day.
9. Baking Soda:
Baking soda is an ingredient found in every kitchen and has many uses. It helps reduce the spreading and irritation caused by the mosquito bite by neutralizing the reaction. Using baking soda counteracts the acidic response between the mosquito saliva and your body, making it one of the best remedies for mosquito bites.
Ingredients:
- One tbsp of baking soda.
- Enough water to form a paste.
How to Apply:
- Take a bowl and add baking soda and water to it.
- Combine the ingredients to form a smooth mixture.
- Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it for about 10 minutes.
- Use water to wash the area.
Caution: Baking soda can cause skin irritation in few people; if you are one of them, stop using this remedy.
10. Chamomile:
Chamomile is known for its soothing emollient effects, making it an excellent addition to many skin products and lotions (7). In addition, it helps reduce redness, itching, and irritation associated with mosquito bites and speeds up the healing process.
Ingredients:
- Chamomile tea bag.
- One cup of boiling water.
How to Apply:
- Steep the teabag in boiling water and let it cool down.
- Freeze the mixture to form ice cubes.
- Place the ice cube in a thin cloth and apply it to the affected area.
- Use this remedy frequently for effective results.
11. Basil:
Holy basil is revered in our country, but it is also a famous Italian cuisine ingredient. Basil also acts as a natural remedy for mosquito bites and the itchy skin associated with it as it has a chemical compound called eugenol (8).
Ingredients:
- Half an ounce of dried basil leaves.
- Two cups of water.
How to Use:
- Boil two cups of water after adding the dried basil leaves.
- Steep the mixture for about 10 minutes and let it cool down.
- Use a washcloth to rub the liquid to the affected area.
- You can also rub few basil leaves onto your mosquito-bitten area.
See Also: Simple Home Remedies for Dengue Fever
12. Peppermint Oil:
Peppermint oil has antimicrobial properties that reduce the risk of infection associated with mosquito bites and provide your skin with a cooling sensation. It also reduces the itching, burning, and stinging sensation making it an effective home remedy for mosquito bite itch.
Ingredients:
- Peppermint oil- 12 drops.
- Coconut oil- 30 ml.
How to Use:
- Combine the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Gently apply the mixture to the affected area.
All the home remedies for mosquito bites mentioned in this article will help you deal with them without having to spend tons of money and at the comfort of your home. Although all the remedies are natural, make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients before trying them on your skin. Don’t forget to let us know if you found this article helpful in dealing with the bites of pesky little mosquitoes.
Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in this article are for informational purposes and not a replacement for professional medical advice. It is always safe to consult a doctor or dietician before trying out anything new.
FAQ:
1. Which plants act as natural mosquito repellants?
Ans: Some plants that act as natural mosquito repellents are lavender, rosemary, basil, and citronella.
2. How long does a mosquito bite last?
Ans: The mosquito saliva causes an allergic reaction on your body resulting in bumps. Although they don’t last more than 24 hours, the response to the mosquito bite varies from person to person. You can try the home remedies mentioned in this article.
3. What can we do to prevent mosquito bites?
Ans: Mosquitos or any insects are attracted to stagnant water and moist places. Therefore, to prevent mosquito bites and all the diseases associated with it, it is essential to keep your surroundings clean.
