How to Use Essential Oils for Bug Bites

Using essential oils for bug bites can help relieve itching and irritation and potentially promote faster healing.

Important: If you see signs of infection, such as red lines or swollen lymph glands, from an insect bite, see a healthcare provider ASAP.

Essential Oils for Insect Bites

This section has general blends of essential oils for bug bites. See the next section for specific insects. For preventing bites, see essential oil bug repellents.

Cleansing Wash

To clean any bug bite, stir the following essential oils into a bowl of water and gently wash the area:

• 2 drops lavender
• 4 drops thyme linalol
• 2 drops eucalyptus radiata

Source: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

General Bug Bite Relief Blends

For insect bites, stings, inflammation, and other skin irritations:

• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops tea tree or peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops german chamomile essential oil
• 3 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 2 tablespoons calendula-infused oil

Blend ingredients. Apply to affected area several times a day.
Source: Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art

Cooling Bug Bite Salve

This salve will help calm inflammation, ease pain, and support your skin to heal quickly.

• 1 ounce (28 g or about 2 tablespoons) beeswax
• 3 ounces (90 ml or 6 tablespoons) jojoba oil
• 24 drops geranium essential oil
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 14 drops eucalyptus globulus essential oil
• 10 drops helichrysum or lavender essential oil
  

1. In a double-boiler over low heat, melt the beeswax.
2. Stir in the jojoba.
3. Remove the blend from heat.
4. Add the essential oils, stirring gently.
5. Pour the salve into four 1-ounce (30-ml) tins and let cool.

To use: Rub a little of the salve into the bite and the surrounding area.

Source: Aromahead Newsletter

Insect Bite Lotion

• 1/4 cup unscented white lotion
• 8 drops geranium essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Blend ingredients. Apply to affected skin as needed.

Source: Aromatherapist Sharon Falsetto in "Natural Bug Repellent and Bug Bite Relief Blends." NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Summer 2013.2, pp. 59–60.

Aloe Vera Sting Relief Blend

• 1 drop helichrysum essential oil
• 1 drop lavender essential oil
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
• 1⁄2 teaspoon green clay
  
• Witch hazel

1. Mix essential oils, aloe vera gel, and clay.
2. Stir in enough witch hazel to create a paste.
3. Apply to bee and wasp sting welts as needed. If irritation occurs discontinue use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. You can also use this blend on dogs and horses; avoid use with cats.
   

Source: Aromatherapist Kelly Holland-Azzaro in "Natural Bug Repellent and Bug Bite Relief Blends."

Essential Oils for Ant Bites

Add 5 drops of either geranium or german chamomile or lavender essential oil to one teaspoon aloe vera gel. Apply a little of the blend to and around the ant bite every few hours.

Essential Oils for Bug Bites

The following suggested essential oils for bug bites are from The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy.

Essential Oils for Mosquito Bites

For mosquito bites, apply 1 drop of undiluted lavender to the bite. Repeat several times a day as needed.

If you have a lot of bites, add 10 drops lavender and 5 drops thyme linalol to one cup apple cider vinegar. Stir the blend into a bath and soak.

After the bath, make this blend and use on the bites every night until they heal:

• 10 drops lavender essential oil
  
• 10 drops eucalyptus radiata essential oil
• 10 drops thyme linalol essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• 5 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 8 teaspoons carrier oil
  

Essential Oils for Spider Bites

If a poisonous spider bites you, apply 10 drops of undiluted lavender oil to the area every five to ten minutes and get to a hospital as quickly as possible.

If a nonvenomous spider bites you, blend 3 drops lavender and 2 drops roman chamomile into 1 teaspoon alcohol. Apply some of the blend to the bite three times during the day—usually one day of use is enough.
   
Essential Oils for Flea Bites

If you are bitten by a flea, wash the area and then apply a drop of lavender.

Another option is to dilute 3 drops of thyme linalol in apple cider vinegar and use the mixture on the area of the bite.

Essential Oils for Chigger Bites

Dilute 3 drops thyme linalol in one teaspoon of any type of alcohol. Put some of the blend on the area every three hours. Starting the next day, apply undiluted lavender three times a day.
   
Essential Oils for Tick Bites

Remove the tick using a tick-removing implement or tweezers (keep the tick to show your doctor). Put 1 drop thyme linalol directly on the bite. Then every five minutes, apply one drop of lavender, up to 10 drops.

If you don't have a tick-removing implement, do not try to pull the tick out of the skin. Apply the essential oils as described directly onto the tick until it falls out.

To deter ticks, put a few drops of one or more of these essential oils directly onto your clothing: lavender, eucalyptus radiata, peppermint, lemongrass, citronella, palmarosa, or tea tree.
   
Essential Oils for Midge Bites

Dilute 3 drops thyme linalol, citronella, or lemongrass essential oil in one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to bites.
OR
Add lavender or tea tree to aloe vera gel and use the blend on bites.

Essential Oils for Bee Stings

1. Make a cold compress with either roman or german chamomile essential oil.
2. Apply the compress to the bite and leave it on for several hours, if possible.
   
3. Then apply 1 drop of undiluted chamomile twice a day for two days.
   

Important: If you have any sign of an allergic reaction, get medical help immediately.

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