Ahhhh Relief, 9 Simple And Natural Remedies For Mosquito Bites
Green Tea Bag
Dunk a green tea bag in water and then let it cool in the refrigerator. Apply the moistened bag to the affected area and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Green tea has compounds that can reduce inflammation and heal the skin while also soothing the itch. The cool moisture can also help to reduce itchiness as well.
Lemon and Garlic
Take a fresh lemon, cut it in half and place it atop the bite site. Hold it there for about 15 minutes and the compounds in the juice can help to reduce irritation, inflammation and the desire to scratch. You can also mince up some garlic, let it sit in the open air for a few minutes and then apply to the affected area. The air will activate some of the compounds in the garlic which will then enter the skin and can help to reduce the effects of the bite.
Aloe Vera
Break off a piece of aloe and crack the skin so the moist gel is exposed. Place the piece in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes until it has cooled. Squeeze some of the chilled gel and apply directly to the bite site.
Toothpaste
Some people have experienced relief from applying a dab of toothpaste directly to the bite site. Try to use plain toothpaste without whitening or a lot of flavors. Let it dry and rinse off. The active ingredients in the toothpaste, probably baking soda, will help to alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Ice and Water
Placing a piece of ice over the bite site for a few minutes will help to reduce inflammation and soothe the itch. You can also place the affected area under cool running water in order to soothe the itch as well. Both of these remedies work best immediately after the bite occurs.
Baking Soda
Pour some cool water in a bowl over a teaspoon of baking soda and stir until it dissolves. Dab a cloth into the liquid and place it over the bite for between 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat a few times a day until the effects of the bite wears off.
Salt
Take a tablespoon of salt and mix it with a few drops of water until you have a pasty slurry. Place the salt on top of the affected area and let it dry. You can also use garlic salt for a little extra kick. The salt contains antiseptic as well as anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe a mosquito bite. Do this once or twice a day until the symptoms subside.
Aspirin
Take a tablet of aspirin and grind it up into a powder. Mix with a little bit of water until a paste forms. Apply to the bite site and let it rest for a few hours. Rinse with lukewarm water and repeat a few times a day until symptoms subside. Aspirin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can significantly reduce swelling around the site of the bite.
Essential Oils
Tea tree and witch hazel are both known for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and witch hazel is also thought to be a good mosquito repellent as well. Dab a cotton ball in some of the oil and apply to the bite. Rinse off after about 30 minutes with warm water and repeat every few hours until the bite stops itching.
These are just a few examples of dozens of mosquito bite remedies that are worth trying out. The trick is to find the one that works best for you. The good news is that these are all-natural, readily available and easy to prepare. Try them out for yourself, and see how quickly you can reduce symptoms and resist the urge to scratch the bites.
