See Modern Essentials: Soothing Insect Bites and Stings

It’s summertime, and the insects are out and likely to bite. Learn which essential oils to keep on hand to help soothe bites and stings.

The following information comes from the book Modern Essentials.

The information on this page is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be used to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injury. Seek professional medical attention if you appear to have any disease, illness, or injury.

Some of the best oils to have on hand for dealing with insect bites and stings include thyme, basil, lemon, cinnamon, and lavender.

Bee and Hornet Stings: Roman chamomile, basil, Cleansing Blend, lavender, lemongrass, lemon, peppermint, or thyme. Recipe: Remove the stinger, and apply a cold compress of Roman chamomile to the area for several hours or for as long as possible.

Simple Solutions—Bee Sting: Combine 2 drops roman chamomile with 1/4 tsp. (1.5 g) baking soda and a few drops of water to make a paste. Scrape stinger from skin if still there, and apply paste on location. Cover with a cool damp cloth; hold on location for 5–10 minutes.

Gnats and Midges: Lavender or thyme. Recipe: Mix 3 drops thyme in 1 tsp. cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to bites to stop irritation.

Mosquitos: Lavender or helichrysum. (See recipe below for a creative way to soothe mosquito bites.)

Spiders: basil, Cleansing Blend (with melaleuca), lavender, lemongrass, lemon, peppermint, or thyme. Recipe: Mix 3 drops lavender and 2 drops Roman chamomile with 1 tsp. alcohol. Apply to area three times per day.

Ticks: After getting the tick out, apply 1 drop lavender every 5 minutes for 30 minutes.

Removing Ticks:
Do not apply mineral oil, Vaseline, or anything else to remove the tick, as this may cause the tick to inject spirochetes into the wound.
Be sure to remove the entire tick. Get as close to the mouth as possible, and firmly tug on the tick until it releases its grip. Don’t twist. If available, use a magnifying glass to make sure that you have removed the entire tick.
Save the tick in a jar, and label it with the date, where you were bitten on your body, and the location or address where you were bitten for proper identification by your doctor, especially if you develop any symptoms.
Do not handle the tick.
Wash hands immediately.
Check the site of the bite occasionally to see if any rash develops. If it does, seek medical advice promptly.

Wasps: Recipe: Combine 1 drop basil, 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops lavender, and 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar. Apply to area three times a day.

Source: Modern Essentials^®(“Bites/Stings”).

The information above is an abridgment from theModern Essentials “Personal Usage Guide” section by AromaTools®. This information has been designed to help educate the reader in regard to the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the understanding that the publisher, the authors, and AromaTools® are not liable for the misconception or misuse of the information provided. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body. The authors, publisher, and AromaTools® shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this information. The information presented is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult a qualified health care professional.

Soothing Bug Bite Sticks

The following recipe is great for soothing annoying mosquito bites and will probably work on other bites as well. These cold coconut oil sticks are perfect for children because they give them something to do instead of itch the bites and make them worse. If desired, these coconut oil sticks can also work as chapstick!

Soothing Bug Bite Sticks

Time: 5 minutes active; 15 minutes inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients and Materials Needed:

• 2 Tbs. coconut oil
• 1 tsp. beeswax pellets (optional—helps the coconut oil remain more firm at room temperature)
• 2–4 drops lavender essential oil
• 6 lip balm dispensers or 2 travel deodorant containers

Instructions:

1. Place coconut oil in a small glass jar with a lid. Warm by running hot water over the jar until the coconut oil becomes liquid. If using the beeswax, you will need to heat the oils in the microwave or in a glass dish set in a pan of simmering water (creating a double boiler).
2. Add lavender essential oil, and mix together.
3. Pour into lip balm or travel deodorant containers, and place in the refrigerator or freezer until solid.
4. To apply, simply twist the bottom of the tube to push the coconut oil out and rub on the bite.

Store in the refrigerator when not in use. Coconut oil remains solid below 76˚F.