Summer means long, warm days and the opportunity to spend more time outside with family and friends. Unfortunately, it also means mosquito season, which can lead to itchy bites and the spread of diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika Virus.
While there are plenty of mosquito repellents on the market, some of them contain harsh chemicals that can have negative side effects. If you’re looking for natural solutions to combat mosquito bites, here are seven options to consider.
1. Essential Oils
Essential oils are a popular natural solution for keeping mosquitos away. Some of the most effective oils include lemon eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and citronella.
These oils contain natural compounds that are repulsive to mosquitos and can be used in a variety of ways. One option is to mix a few drops of your preferred oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba and apply it directly to your skin. Another option is to add a few drops of oil to a diffuser or spray bottle with water and mist the air around you.
2. Garlic
Garlic is another natural solution to keep mosquitos away. The strong smell of garlic confuses mosquitos, making it difficult for them to find and bite you. One way to use garlic is to crush a few cloves and mix them with water to create a spray.
You can also add garlic to your diet by incorporating it into your meals or taking garlic supplements.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent natural remedy to combat mosquito bites. Simply soak a cotton ball in undiluted apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the affected area.
The acidity of the vinegar helps to neutralize the itchiness and reduce inflammation.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a soothing natural solution for mosquito bites. The gel-like substance inside the aloe vera plant has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the itching and swelling associated with mosquito bites.
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Simply cut a leaf from an aloe vera plant and apply the gel directly to the bite.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a potent natural remedy for mosquitos. Not only does it repel mosquitos, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce itching and swelling.
Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with water and apply it to your skin or add it to a diffuser or spray bottle with water and mist the air.
6. Basil
Basil is a herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it also has natural mosquito-repellent properties. One way to use basil is to crush a handful of leaves and rub them on your skin.
You can also add basil to your diet by incorporating it into your meals or taking supplements.
7. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural solution that has been used for centuries to repel mosquitos. It contains a compound called azadirachtin, which is repulsive to mosquitos and other insects.
You can mix a few drops of neem oil with a carrier oil and apply it directly to your skin or add it to a diffuser or spray bottle with water.
Mosquito bites can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, but there are plenty of natural solutions available to combat them.
From essential oils to garlic, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, tea tree oil, basil, and neem oil, there are many options to choose from that are free from harsh chemicals and safe for the whole family.
