8 Natural Oils To Soothe Itchy Mosquito And Insect Bites In Babies

Oils can help prevent dryness and soothe the skin, especially when you’ve just been bitten by a pesky insect. But not all oils work the same way. It is only natural oils that have such anti-inflammatory properties and can also nourish the body thoroughly.

Needless to say, natural oils have great health benefits and are a great addition to your medicine cabinet.

What Are Natural Oils?

Natural oils are extracted from plants; either from the leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, rinds or the bark of plants. 

When these oils are extracted they not only capture the plant’s flavour but the essence or scent as well. They have zero chemical properties and absolutely pure.

While the benefits of natural oils are plenty, these oils are a natural and chemical free way of getting instant relief from insect bites. There are some natural oils that are very effective in curing insect bites.

What Are the Best Natural Oils To Soothe Insect Bites?

Natural oils add a layer of protection to your baby’s skin as it locks in moisture required for healthy skin. Some types of natural oils have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and also are rich in antioxidants.

While these oils protect your baby’s skin, some of them work magically to soothe insect and mosquito bites:

1. Camphor oil: Derived from the Cinnamomum camphora botanical, the camphor oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of the oils that has been used for years to relieve pain, it’s also used as an important ingredient in balms, vapour rubs and liniments.

We bet you didn’t know that the camphor oil is a great oil to relieve itching and irritation too! 

2. Chamomile oil: Chamomile is known for its soothing emollient effects and that’s the reason why it is added to many lotions, creams, skin products and even certain food products.

Besides being famously known to promote good sleep, the chamomile oil eases skin conditions like insect bites, eczema and rashes.

3. Basil oil: Basil has antimicrobial properties making it not only a gentle anti-inflammatory oil but also an oil that prevents infection. The basil oil also helps relieve all kinds of insect bites.

The bonus is that Basil oil also works as an insect repellent.

4. Lavender oil: Besides its pleasing fragrance, the lavender oil is another favourite when it comes to treating insect and bug bites, as it has soothing properties too.

It is known to heal fungal infections, skin allergies and eczema.

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5. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that help in preventing bacterial infections. Its anti-itching, anti-pain, and anti-swelling qualities, making it perfect to fight irritation and itching caused by insect and bug bites. 

It gives immediate relief from itchiness.

6. Peppermint oil: The best quality about peppermint oil is that it helps to keep insects away besides providing relief from any previous bites. It’s cooling effect is great for sore, irritated skin.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties that provide immediate relief from any kind of pain.

7. Rosemary oil: Known as one of the most potent oils, the rosemary oil is another great choice when it comes to insect bite pain relief.

While it provides relief, its anti-inflammatory properties also prevent infection caused by insect bites.

8. Calendula oil: Extracted from marigold flowers, the calendula oil is known for anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It not only heals wounds faster but is useful for soothing skin conditions like eczema, and diaper rash. 

It is also known for its antiseptic properties, making it ideal to not only relieve itchy insect bites but also prevent infections.

How To Use Natural Oils On Skin

Some of the natural oils can be used directly on the part of the skin that has been bitten, but  it is best to use these oils by diluting them with a carrier oil (base oil) like coconut oil, almond oil or any other carrier oil that suits your baby’s skin.

You can dilute about 2-3 drops of the natural oils mentioned above, to the carrier oil and apply it to the affected area. If your baby has itchy insect bites all over the body, then you can try an oil bath by adding around 6-8 drops of the oil to their bath water.

However, since babies have tender skin, it is recommended to use baby safe products like after bite roll on and sprays that are organic, free from toxins and chemicals, and contain natural oils like chamomile, peppermint and calendula. Also make sure the After Bite Roll On for babies are organic, dermatologically tested and certified. The after bite roll on are especially made keeping babies’ tender skin in mind.

These oils are a natural remedy to provide immediate relief  from insect and mosquito bites. But if the bite causes your baby severe allergic reactions and discomfort, it’s advisable to see a doctor immediately.

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