Tea tree oil for insect bites – a natural remedy
Tea tree oil is a wonderful alternative remedy to help relieve pain and itching from insect bites or stings. The oil contains natural anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce redness and swelling along with antiseptic properties to reduce any chance of infection.
The oil is from a plant called the Melaleuca alternifolia – which is native to Australia – people have been using it for thousands of years for a variety of skin conditions and other ailments. (If you’ve ever wanted to know what is tea tree oil good for, click here for link to article.)
Treatment can be as simple as adding a few drops of pure essential tea tree oil onto a cotton ball, then dab it lightly on the bite/sting area. Repeat this process every couple of hours for natural relief. There’s no need to dilute tea tree oil – it can be applied directly to the skin, however if you do have sensitive skin you may want to mix one part tea tree oil with one part water.
Using tea tree oil as remedy for insect bites
Tea tree oil is very beneficial as a home remedy for insect bites – it’s a great alternative to chemical-based lotions and creams that you would buy from the pharmacy or drugstore.
This ‘wonder in a bottle’ has also been said to repel ticks and fleas, which is why we always carry some with us when we are on a family hike – there have been many times where we’ve relied on our trusty bottle of tea tree oil for insect bites to our children!
Tea tree oil has been recommended to use on children after the age of 2 months – only a very small amount is required for treating children.
Natural remedies for mosquito bites using tea tree oil
Some people react very badly to mosquito bites compared to others… my eldest daughter suffers from severe reactions to mosquitos. I usually mix a couple of drops of tea tree oil with some lavender oil, then add it to about half a teaspoon of betonite clay.
I apply this to my daughter’s bite area as soon as possible, letting the clay dry completely. Once totally dry I then rinse it off – I usually do this method a couple of times a day until her bites have healed completely…. usually they are healed within a few days.
How to use tea tree oil for insect bites
The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil make it the ideal natural remedy for insect bites. You can simply add a couple of drops of 100% pure tea tree oil to a cotton swab then gently wipe across the bite area.
You can also add lavender in with your tea tree oil – the lavender will help to soothe any itchiness from insect bites.
Will tea tree oil repel mosquitoes?
Not only is tea tree oil good for insect bites, but it’s also fantastic for keeping away bugs – therefore is great as a mosquito repellent.
Most commercially available insect repellents contain some nasty chemicals, so tea tree oil is a wonderful natural mosquito repellant that can be safely used on the whole family.
To make your own repellant using tea tree oil to prevent insect bites, simply follow these instructions...
To a clean spray bottle, add the following:-
- one part water
- one part witch hazel
- one part mint mouthwash
- approx. 5-10 drops of tea tree oil
- approx. 5-10 drops of lavender oil (if you have it)
Shake all ingredients well to combine, then simply spray over any exposed skin before going outdoors to prevent insect bites. Carry this bottle around with you and re-apply as needed.
