Summer has always been one of my favorite seasons. There are plenty of fresh produce at the farmers market, vegetables in the garden and summer family activities, which is almost perfect…except for bugs, poison ivy and occasional sunburn!
I have been able to enjoy warmer summer weather since we moved to the south a few years ago. With it, more mosquitoes came.
Of course, homemade bug spray helps to protect against most mosquitoes, and homemade sunscreen helps avoid sunburn in the first place. Still, it seems that at some point someone forgets one or the other and ends up with itchy, irritating skin.
I am also one of the lucky ones who happen to be mosquito magnets. Even if it’s only a few minutes outside, taking out the trash is usually enough to give me a few bites. Also, I like to spend time on walks or on lawn chairs with weighted vests.
Solution?
Homemade counterclaim spray
This anti-pleasing spray contains a mixture of multiple effective natural remedies that helps eliminate itching immediately. I’ve tried it out with mosquito bites, poison ivy, sunburn, bites, and even stings and burns of nettle.
The secret ingredient is menthol crystals. I use these effective natural crystals in my pain relief lotion rod and melt in a soothing shower to restore my indifference. Menthol is naturally cool and soothing and is commonly used for marinating, balm, mouthwash, liniments, Lozenges and other remedies.
If you have ever had mint tea and feel the cooling sensation on your tongue, it’s thanks to the menthol naturally found in mint. Menthol Crystals offers a more focused version when I use mint essential oil in this cooling spray recipe. It really helps to eliminate tingling pain from bed bugs and irritating skin!
Make sure to use gloves or utensils when adding menthol crystals to the rest of the ingredients. If you have residue on your hands and then touch your eyes (or other sensitive areas), it will burn!
Other cooling ingredients
I also offer aloe vera gel, its skin soothing properties. Apple cider vinegar is another staple ingredient here and is a surprisingly natural way to relieve skin inflammation. Lavender essential oil adds a slightly floral scent and has a lot of data to support its counterclaim properties.
Finally, if you have some on hand, you can add some calendula hydrate. Hydrosols are a great way to add extra skin and last longer than herbal tea. I made it into a 4 ounce spray bottle, but you can easily double the recipe or cut it in half to fit your container size.
Cooling Anti-Present Spray Recipe
This simple anti-pleasure spray uses Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera gel, sea salt, mint crystals, apple cider vinegar and essential oils to stop itching.
yield: 4 ounce
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In a small pot, heat the witch hazelnuts over low heat until warm touch (about 130 degrees).
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Add salt and stir until dissolved.
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Using tweezers or gloves, add mint crystals to witch hazelnuts and stir until dissolved. Avoid touching menthol with your hands, as it may sting the eyes or other sensitive areas if you touch them later.
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When the mint dissolves, set the mixture aside to cool.
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When cool, add aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, hydrate and essential oils (if used).
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Carefully transfer the mixture to a spray bottle for use.
- Use, spray and dry on itchy skin. Will store in a cool place or in a refrigerator for up to a month.
- If you use optional hydrate, you can reduce 1 tablespoon of witch hazelnuts when needed so that the final product fits your container.
Use and store
Spray as needed and dry the skin. This will be stored at room temperature for a few weeks, but I prefer to keep it in the refrigerator. It lasts longer and feels extra cool on itchy skin.
Other natural treatments for itchy skin
If you don’t have all the ingredients for this anti-please spray on hand, here are some natural ways to try:
- Blur bentonite clay and water on itchy skin. I also use bentonite clay (using calamine lotion) in my flavour-resistant cream.
- Crush the mint leaves and wipe them on the insect bite to produce the effect of natural menthol.
- Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with water for a soothing paste.
- Jewelweed is a traditional skin therapy, especially an ivy rash. Don’t you want to find food on your own? You can get the jewellery flavor here.
While spray is my go-to for soothing itchy bug bites, I also like bug bites. Simply place the device on the bug bite and pull up to absorb the irritant!
Have you ever encountered itchy skin? What works for you?
