What essential oil for an insect bite?

Among all theessential oils, some are particularly renowned for their effectiveness against mosquito bites. To choose the right essential oil for insect bites, it is important to take into account various factors such as the nature of the bite, the associated symptoms (itching, pain, inflammation, etc.) as well as the specific properties of each oil.

But then, what are the most recommended essential oils?

• Lavender essential oil.Spike lavender is commonly used to relieve bites from different animals like mosquitoes, spiders, or even jellyfish. Its main ingredient, linalool, acts as a soothing agent for burns or stings by activating morphine receptors. This triggers the release of small proteins that help block the sensation of pain. In addition to this, linalool has antibacterial properties that can also help relieve itching and treat bites.
• Lemongrass essential oil.Citronellal, present in large quantities in this essential oil, stimulates the immune system while calming inflammation, thus reducing swelling and redness of the skin. The antibacterial properties of this essential oil also help prevent infections around stings and bites, thus reducing the risk of complications.

How to soothe the inflammation of an insect bite?

Using an essential oil against insect bites is simple. It offers fast and lasting relief thanks to:

• Local application: apply one or two drops of essential oil (lavender aspic or rose geranium) directly to the sting. For sensitive skin, dilute the essential oil in a vegetable oil before application.
• The cold compress:After applying the essential oil, a cold compress can help further reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Aloe vera gel: Applying aloe vera gel mixed with a few drops of essential oil can also soothe and reduce inflammation.

How to soothe the itch of an insect bite?

Following the insect bite, it is advisable to locally apply an essential oil such as lavender aspic or lemon eucalyptus. Before, make sure to dilute the essential oil in avegetable oil to avoid any skin irritation. For more extensive itching, it is possible to perform aaromatic bathwith a few drops of essential oil can bring general relief (this does not apply to all oils, check the compatibility of the product and the method beforehand).

Soothe itching with essential oils, some precautions for use

Whether it is to treat insect bites or for any other need, the use of essential oil involves certain precautions for use.

• Rely on your doctor's medical advice: before using essential oils, it is best to consult a health professional for advice tailored to your situation.
• Observe the usual precautions: avoid any direct contact of essential oils with the eyes, nose, ears, as well as anal and vaginal mucous membranes. Intramuscular or intravenous injections are prohibited. In case of projection in the eyes, do not use water, but rinse with a vegetable oil and consult a doctor.
• Educate yourself about drug interactions: If you are taking medications, make sure there are no harmful interactions with essential oils. Always consult a healthcare professional if in doubt.
• Take care to store your essential oils: store essential oils in tinted glass bottles, away from light and temperature variations, and keep them out of reach of children.
• Respect the dosages and application advice specific to each essential oil: follow the recommended dilutions for cutaneous applications and oral intake. Pay attention to any reactions and do not increase the doses unnecessarily. Favor the cutaneous and respiratory routes in sensitive people.

Our advice: do a preliminary test on a small area of ​​the skin before applying the essential oil to larger areas, to ensure that there is no allergic reaction. If in doubt, it is always best to consult a health professional before using essential oils. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old, as well as the elderly, epileptics, asthmatics or allergy sufferers should potentially take special precautions.