9 Natural Remedies For Mosquito Bites

Some people kid that New Jersey's State Bird is the mosquito. Obviously, that's not true, but we do have a lot of those bloodsuckers here in the Garden State.  Every time my daughter goes out to play, she comes in with lots of mosquito bites. Granted, when I offer to spray her with diluted white vinegar (don't laugh – it works!), she blows me off and runs outside anyway. I know that later, she'll be lying bed, complaining about how itchy she is. That's when I reach for one of these:

9 Natural Remedies For Mosquito Bites

Aloe

1. Ice – Place some ice in a wash cloth and apply to the itch. It numbs the nerves that conduct the itching and subsequent pain. 
   
   
   
   
2. Lavender or tea tree oil. I keep tea tree oil because it serves a multitude of purposes (it's fantastic for cleaning) and itch relief is one. Dab a little on the skin.  Just be sure to check the label on the bottle first to make sure it's okay to use on skin. If you need to, dilute it with a little cooking oil.  Both lavender and tea tree oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that sooth what itches you.
   
   
   
   
3. Baking soda and water. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water and apply to the itch. Note: don't use if the skin is broken.. 
   
   
   
   
4. Apple cider vinegar. Dab a little on the bite and let the acid in the vinegar take away the itchies.
   
   
    
5. Lemon juice. Lemons have anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties and can be effective against itches. Again, don't use if the skin is broken or if the child is going outside since lemon can react with the sun to cause blistering.
   
   
   
   
6. Honey. Long-known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, this “honey” of a remedy works well for mosquito bites.
   
   
   
   
7. Peppermint toothpaste. It's the mint in the toothpaste that calms the itch.
   
   
    
8. Aloe. I keep an aloe plant in the house for burns but it's also great for relieving bug bites.
   
   
   
   
9. Witch hazel. This drug-store staple is great for relieving those itchy welts. (Check back here soon for more uses for witch hazel).
   
   

If all else fails, I will reach for the Benadryl spray. Obviously I'm not a medical professional, but the above remedies, most of which you probably already have in your house, work great for me. 

Give them a try and let me know what works for YOU!