Throughout time, herbal remedies have been used to treat and heal skin conditions. Lotions and essential oils are particularly helpful for preventing and treating flea or other insect bites. Please note that the FDA has not proven herbs helpful for treating health conditions. If you have a health concern, please contact your doctor.
Effects
Phyllis A. Balch writes in her book, "Prescription for Herbal Healing," that bites from fleas or other insects leave venom in the skin and can cause a mild toxic reaction. Often, itching or pain follows an insect bite and swelling and redness can occur even days after. Sometimes an intense allergic reaction can occur, causing such dangerous symptoms as shortness of breath. If this happens, please contact your doctor immediately.
Lotions/Gels
Balch writes that the plant calendula soothes the skin and acts as a repellent for bites. Find calendula in a gel formula for skin at your local health food store. Aloe vera is a popular remedy known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help prevent infection from bug bites. Slice open a leaf from the plant to extract the gel or purchase some directly from a store.
Essential Oils for Bites
Essential oils are oils derived from plant material and they are usually available at health food stores. In his book "Collins Alternative Health Guide," Steven Bratman writes that lemongrass, citronella grass or geranium oil may all be helpful for preventing and healing bug bites. Penelope Simpson and T. Okubadejo write in their book "Adult and the Elderly" that tea tree oil and lavender essential oil are particularly helpful for flea bites.
Essential Oils for Scars
Insect bites can sometimes leave a scar. Essential oils may help speed up the healing process in the skin to heal scar tissue. Shirley Gillett shares in her book "Made Right for Your Skin Type" a formula of essential oils for scars. Add two drops each of calendula, carrot seed, myrrh, blue chamomile and rose essential oil in a half tablespoon of flaxseed oil with two oz. of rose hip seed oil. Mix the ingredients well and store the blend in a dark bottle. Apply to scars several times a day.
Warning
Essential oils are highly potent plant material and can cause some allergic reactions in some people. Always dilute them by mixing with a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond, rose hip, or even olive oil. Test a small area on your skin before applying to a bite to determine a possible allergic reaction. Herbal remedies are not meant to replace medical advice or treatment. Please consult your doctor before taking herbal remedies.
References
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "Collins Alternative Health Guide"; Steven Bratman; 2007
- "Adult and the Elderly"; Penelope Simpson, T. Okubadejo; 2001
- "Made Right for Your Skin Type"; Shirley Gillett; 2005
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