7 essential oils for itchy bug bites

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants. Anecdotal reports suggest that some essential oils help treat bug bites by reducing inflammation and itchiness. However, scientific support for these claims is limited.

Proponents of essential oils claim they help with bug bites in several ways, such as speeding up healing time and reducing itching.

Read on to learn which essential oils may help treat bug bites, how to use them, and what to avoid.

Any bug bite can become infected, especially if it is scratched or leaves an open wound, as some stings do.

In people who have a mild skin reaction, as many people do to mosquito and ant bites, essential oils may be beneficial.

It’s important to note that a person should not apply essential oils directly to the skin and always mix them with a carrier oil.

More often than not, the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor essential oils closely and treats them as cosmetic products. So, it is important to choose a brand that is known for quality and purity.

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which creates a cooling sensation on the skin. This may help with burning, stinging, and itching sensations caused by bites or stings.

Research suggests peppermint oil acts as an antimicrobial, which may reduce the risk of infection associated with some bites.

However, researchers based these findings on animal studies. Further, clinical studies may be necessary to confirm this effect.

A person should not apply peppermint oil to broken skin as it may burn or aggravate it. Rather, they should use it only on mosquito bites and other mild sources of irritation.

According to a laboratory study, tea tree oil may help prevent bacteria and other microbes from growing. This can reduce the risk of infection, making it an excellent choice for people who cannot resist scratching a bug bite.

However, it’s important to note that this study may not translate to humans.

Older research also shows that tea tree oil might be a natural antihistamine. Antihistamines reduce the activity of the body’s histamine receptors, which can play a role in allergic reactions and itching. This may reduce swelling and itchiness.

More recent research on this topic is necessary.

Lavender oil, best known for its mood-improving and calming effects, may also help reduce the pain of bug bites.

Indeed, a 2024 study found that adding lavender essential oil to ibuprofen skin patches could enhance their effectiveness in easing pain and inflammation when tested on pig skin.

However, more clinical studies are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of lavender oil in treating bug bites specifically.

According to some sources, lemongrass oil’s antimicrobial effects can help prevent the spread of some insect-borne diseases.

A 2024 review also suggests that a compound found in lemongrass oil might have anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammation is a major source of pain and itching following insect bites and stings. By reducing inflammation, lemongrass oil may make bites less painful.

However, this review relied on a limited number of studies. Further, clinical studies are necessary before we can make definitive claims about lemongrass’s safety and efficacy as an anti-inflammatory.

Camphor oil can create pleasant warming sensations on the skin, which may help distract from the itching of some bug bites.

However, researchers discovered this through testing on rat models rather than humans. Therefore, more research is necessary to confirm its benefits for people with bug bites.

If a bite burns rather than itches, a person should avoid camphor oil since it may worsen the sensation.

Long valued in traditional medicine for its soothing properties, these benefits of chamomile may also help with itching associated with insect bites and stings. It may also prevent bug bites altogether.

Indeed, a 2023 study investigated how well chamomile oil repels fire ants. Researchers found that a natural compound in chamomille, called α-bisabolol, can effectively keep fire ants away. They also concluded this compound soothes insect bites due to its anti-inflammatory and calming effects.

However, more clinical research is necessary to confirm this benefit in humans.

Witch hazel is not, in the strictest sense of the term, an essential oil. It is a water extract, distilled from the leaves and stems of the Hamamelis virginiana plant.

Research demonstrates that Witch hazel has anti-bacterial properties and reduces inflammation. Therefore, it may prevent bites from becoming infected and keep the injury clean.

However, it is important to note that the non-clinical research mentioned focused specifically on the effect of witch hazel on eczema. Researchers need to conduct more studies on the effects of witch hazel in humans with bug bites.

Since it is water, diluting it in a carrier oil is unnecessary.

Essential oils are extracted from plants, such as herbs, flowers, or trees.

Essential oils differ from perfume and fragrance oils, which are often mixed with other ingredients. Within the plant, essential oils serve a variety of roles.

In plants, essential oils attract beneficial bugs, like bees, to defend against dangerous insects, protect the plant from bacteria and disease, and send important chemical signals about the plant.

Advocates of essential oils argue that human users can benefit from essential oils just as much as plants. Research into this developing field of alternative medicine is still in its infancy.

Apply the oils directly to the affected area using the instructions on the essential oil, as advised by a doctor or specialist, or according to a guide specific to essential oils.

Never consume essential oils unless a specialist recommends otherwise.

Avoid using the following oils after a bug bite or if the skin is broken or irritated:

These oils may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should consult their doctor before applying essential oils to their skin.

Sometimes, essential oils are not enough to treat the pain and itching of bug bites. Some other strategies that may help include:

If the bite becomes very swollen or begins oozing, it may be infected. In this case, people should see a doctor immediately.

People experiencing severe allergic reactions that cause shortness of breath, flushing, a rash, or vomiting should seek emergency care.

A person should never use essential oils to treat an allergic reaction.

Bug bites can be annoying, particularly for people with sensitive or dry skin. Some essential oils may relieve bug bites, while others may help prevent or repel them altogether.

However, more research is needed to confirm this.

Essential oils are powerful. People should only use diluted essential oils on the skin, or try an insect repellent that contains them.

The fact that something is natural does not mean it is safe. So, as with any remedy, people should talk with a doctor before using essential oils, especially if they have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions.