Pimples, itching, redness... Insect bites can cause minor skin problems. But luckily.., essential oils provide rapid relief from insect bites.
The most effective essential oils against insect bites
As a general rule, insects that bite in our latitudes are not dangerous. The bite will only cause itching, or even slight burning. However, if the bites are numerous, if they reach sensitive areas (eye, throat, mouth...) or if allergic reactions develop, such as unusual swelling or intense redness, consult a doctor without delay.
Lavender Aspic oil
Lavender aspic essential oil is an essential part of our first-aid kit, especially in summer. It is highly effective against all insect stings (mosquitoes, bees, wasps, etc.), as well as spiders, scorpions, jellyfish and other marine animals.
For tick bites, see the specific article on essential oils against ticks.
For snake bites, use Lavender aspic essential oil as an emergency remedy, but consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Lavender aspic essential oil is antitoxic and antivenom. It soothes the pain and burning caused by insect bites and limits the spread of venom.
Comment utiliser l’huile essentielle de Lavande aspic ?
Lavender aspic essential oil is used externally. It should be applied as soon as possible after the sting:
- one drop of pure essential oil, directly on the skin.
The treatment can be repeated every quarter of an hour if necessary. The itching will then go away almost instantly.
Lavender aspic essential oil is not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women, children under seven years of age, or people suffering from epilepsy. It can also be irritating to the skin if used repeatedly, or if you have very sensitive skin.
For people with sensitive skin, pregnant women and children aged three months to three years, use lavender hydrosol as a compress on the insect bite.
Geranium essential oil for disinfecting and healing bites
Rose Geranium essential oil is an excellent healing and disinfectant, and soothes redness. It also cleanses small lesions caused by scratching pimples.
It's especially effective on mosquito and nettle pimples. What's more, it's a great natural insect repellent!
How do I use it?
Apply:
- a drop ofrose Geranium essential oil with
- a drop ofLavender aspic essential oil on your pimple immediately after the injection, and repeat every quarter of an hour.
If pimples are numerous, you can dilute your mixture with a teaspoon of Calendula oily macerate, which has soothing properties.
Do not use on children under 3 years of age, pregnant women under 3 months, nursing mothers or on very sensitive skin. Do not expose to the sun when using calendula oily macerate (photosensitizer).
Combining essential oils to soothe itching
While Lavender aspic essential oil is exceptional against insect bites, it can also be used in synergy with other essential oils.
How to use them
- Mix two drops ofLavender aspic essential oil,
- a drop ofPeppermint essential oil (anaesthetizes pain),
- a drop oflemon Eucalyptus essential oil (anti-inflammatory),
- a drop ofrose Geranium essential oil et
- a drop ofTea Tree essential oil (anti-bacterial).
Apply a drop of the mixture to the insect bite(s). Repeat every three minutes until itching is relieved, then three times a day until the bite disappears.
For added convenience, you can prepare an anti-insect-bite roll-on with essential oils: in a 5 mL roll-on, mix :
- ten drops ofLavender aspic essential oil,
- six drops ofLemon Eucalyptus essential oil,
- two drops ofpeppermint essential oil,
- two drops ofrose Geranium essential oil et
- 4 mL of calendula oily macerate (bottom).
These essential oil synergies are not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women, children under three years of age, the elderly or epileptics. They are also not recommended for people with very sensitive skin (may cause local skin irritation). Do not use in case of insect bites close to the eye. Do not expose to the sun when using Calendula oily macerate (photosensitizer).
Les huiles essentielles et les piqûres d'insectes, que peut-on en conclure ?
The unpleasant symptoms of insect bites generally disappear fairly quickly. Nevertheless, you should keep an eye on the stung person in the hours or days following the bite, in case of allergic reaction or zoonosis. A zoonosis is a disease transmitted by animals (e.g. Lyme disease). They may explain certain symptoms that are difficult to identify.