Bug bites can be so annoying, with the itchiness, swelling and redness. Scratching them will only make them worse, and can lead to infection. This homemade anti itch powder is great for providing relief when needed.
Homemade Anti Itch Powder
While there are many commercial products available that will do a good job at helping to relieve the itching, they contain many unhelpful chemicals that can have some nasty side effects.
Variations
- Instead of using French Green Clay, try using Bentonite Clay or even White Kaolin Clay
- Try adding 2 TBSP of dried calendula petals that have been ground into a fine powder. Calendula can help with soothing the itchy skin and reducing inflammation.
- Witch hazel is an astringent that helps to relieve itching caused by rashes, psoriasis and eczema. Try adding a little witch hazel powder to the mixture or mix the powder with a little liquid witch hazel to form a paste.
- Jewelweed is another great herb that can help provide relief from stinging and itching that is caused by poison ivy, stinging nettle, as well as insect bites. Add some dried jewelweed to the dry mixture and mix through.
- For those with eczema, dried wild pansy could be added to help relieve any symptoms.
- For a more powder anti itch powder, you could also try using dried comfrey or plantain.
French Green Clay
Often referred to as French green clay due to the large deposits off the southern coast of France, green clay is also mined in other parts of the world including Europe and the United States.
It is believed that green clay has many health benefits when used topically including:
- Drawing out impurities
- Exfoliating dead skin cells
- Helping to stimulate circulation
- Helping to heal blemishes
- Soothing cuts, minor burns, sore muscles and insect bites
- Toning and firming the skin
- Calm redness, irritation and inflammation cause by acne, eczema and psoriasis
- Sooth the inflammatory pain that comes with rheumatism and osteoarthritis, and back pain
Make sure to test before applying too much, as some people have reported side effects including heightened sensitivity, dryness and rashes.
I wouldn’t recommend ingesting as there hasn’t been much research done on this. It has been said that it can cause constipation, and interfere with medications.
More Resources
- Bug Repellent Balm
- Lemon Balm Lip Balm For Cold Sores
- Make Healing Calendula Salve
- DIY Sore Muscle Rub
- DIY Rose Salve
- Herbal Muscle Salve
- Charcoal Drawing Salve
- Rosemary Salve
- Comfrey Salve
- Violet Leaf Salve
- Plantain Salve
- Zit Zapper Sticks
Other Itch Treatment Ideas
Though this spot treatment works well for most, it may not necessarily work for every single person. Here are some other ideas that you can try, to see what works best for you.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Drop a little apple cider vinegar onto a cotton ball and then dab onto the affected area. Do not use on open wounds.
- Peppermint Leaves – Peppermint provides a cooling sensation when applied. If you have a peppermint plant growing, grab a couple of leaves, crush them up and rub directly on the bite.
- Banana Peel – Though I personally haven’t tried this yet, I have heard that rubbing a bug bite with banana peel can help relieve itching.
- Basil Leaves – Containing anti-itch compounds, the leaves of the basil plant help relieve itching when crushed and rubbed directly on the affected area.
- Onion – The juices from an onion not only bring tears to your eyes, they can also relieve pain and itchiness that comes from bug bites.
- Aloe Vera – I love aloe vera and have lots of it growing. To use, break off a leaf from the plant and cut open lengthwise from top to bottom. Scoop out the gooey gel on the inside and rub it on the affected area. Though, when in a hurry, I have just broken off a leaf and rubbed the open part onto the area.
- Oatmeal – Make a paste by mixing equal parts of oatmeal and water. Apply the paste to the affected area and wash off after 10 minutes.
- Honey – Honey has been used for many ailments over the years. To help relieve itchiness, and inflammation, drop a small amount of honey onto the affected area.
- Bicarbonate of Soda – Make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and a little water. Apply it to the affected area and wash away after 10 minutes. If skin irritation occurs, stop this treatment immediately.
- Arnica – Arnica cream can help reduce bruising, pain, swelling and inflammation. Apply a small amount of cream to the bite.
Ingredients Needed for Anti Itch Powder
To make around 4 ounces of this clay, you will need:
- 2 TBSP French Green Clay
- 2 TBSP Yarrow Powder
- 2 TBSP Chamomile Powder
- 2 TBSP Aloe Vera Powder
- 3 oz Container that was used
Note: For those that are allergic to ragweed there is a small chance that you may have an allergic reaction to chamomile as well. Make sure to spot test any products containing chamomile and avoid if any itching or allergic reaction occurs.
Using Anti Itch Powder
To use this powder, rub a small amount onto
- Bug Bites
- Mosquito Bites
- Bee Stings
- Minor Skin Irritations
- Heat rash
- Mild sunburn
Apply as needed.
Add a little water or witch hazel to create a clay paste and apply to the affected area. Leave for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Use within 12 months.
Anti Itch Powder
Simple Living. Creative LearningIngredients
- 2 TBSP French Green Clay
- 2 TBSP Yarrow Powder
- 2 TBSP Chamomile Powder
- 2 TBSP Aloe Vera Powder
Instructions
- If using flowers or whole herbs, grind them up into a powder in a blender or grinder.
- Add each of the powders to a small mixing bowl and stir to thoroughly combine.
- If there are any lumps, make sure to press them out to ensure you have a smooth powder.
- Label and store in a cool, dark place.
- To Use: To use this powder, rub a small amount onto affected area. Apply as needed. Can also add a little water or witch hazel to create a clay paste and apply to the affected area. Leave for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Use within 12 months.
Notes
- For those that are allergic to ragweed there is a small chance that you may have an allergic reaction to chamomile as well. Make sure to spot test any products containing chamomile and avoid if any itching or allergic reaction occurs.
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