Green Remedies for Mosquito Bites

Who hasn't been bitten by a mosquito? Boy, I sure have. I remember as a child playing outside at dusk and getting dozens of mosquito bites. Later, I would complain to my grandmother, as I scratched and rubbed at the bites, and she would aptly apply one of her "home", translate green remedies, in order to quell the itching. These green mosquito bite treatments did no harm and mostly worked. Who knew that grandma was "going green" even way back then.

Here are some green treatments for mosquito bites as well as other itchy insect bites. They are especially handy to use with children.

Aloe Vera

Probably the best known green treatment for insect bites such as mosquitoes. Simply break off a piece of the plant, slit it open and rub the sticky side directly on to the offending bite. You can also buy Aloe Vera gel which, when kept in the refrigerator, is very calming and soothing to red, itchy skin.

Basil leaf

Offers the same soothing effect as Aloe Vera when pressed directly on to insect bites. I have not tried this particular treatment but it would be worth a try if you happen to have fresh basil around.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a deciduous tree like shrub which is native to parts of North America. The liquid form, which is distilled for leaves and bark, can be purchased in drug stores. Witch Hazel has been used for centuries to sooth and treat all kinds of skin irritations including mosquito bites. It has a cooling effect when applied to the skin. Many of you may remember the product called Sea Breeze which was used as a skin (facial) cleanser for oily skin. Sea Breeze is made from witch hazel. Just remember that it will sting if applied to broken skin, such a scratched insect bite. Keeping it in the refrigerator will boost its calming effect.

Soap and Water

I have found that sometimes simply washing the area with warm soap and water and then applying a thin paste of baking soda will also help relieve the itch of mosquito and other bug bites.

Ice

And perhaps the simplest of the simple is to apply an ice cube to the bite and allow it to numb the skin, therefore, stopping the itch.

Of course, if none of these provide enough relieve or simply do not relieve the itch long enough there is always Calomine lotion...it always works.