Itching, also known as pruritus in medical terms, can be incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable. This unpleasant sensation can arise from various factors, such as bug bites, dry skin, or certain chronic skin diseases. Thankfully, essential oils can provide quick relief and help to soothe the irritation. In this blog post, we will explore the key essential oils that help with itching, their benefits, and how to use them effectively. Let’s dive in and discover the wonderful world of essential oils!
Table of Contents
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils, and it’s well-known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to relieve itching caused by bug bites, sunburn, eczema, and other skin irritations. Besides its calming effects on the skin, lavender has a lovely, soothing fragrance which promotes relaxation and overall wellbeing.
How to use Lavender Essential Oil:
- For bug bites: Mix 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as coconut oil, then gently apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, you could mix a few drops of lavender oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz the itchy spots.
- For larger areas of irritated skin: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a soothing bath and soak for 20-30 minutes. This can help to calm inflammation and relieve the itchy sensation.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is incredibly cooling and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for alleviating itchy, irritated skin. It contains menthol, which acts as a natural numbing agent, and can reduce the urge to scratch.
How to use Peppermint Essential Oil:
- Add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba oil. Gently apply this mixture onto the itchy areas. Be careful when using peppermint oil near your face, as it can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.
- Create a cooling and soothing bath by adding 5-10 drops of peppermint oil to bathwater, and soaking for 20-30 minutes.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil has impressive anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, making it a powerful remedy against itchy skin caused by fungal infections, dermatitis or eczema. It effectively kills off the fungus and bacteria on the skin, reducing inflammation and minimizing the itchiness.
How to use Tea Tree Essential Oil:
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil, then apply it to the affected area. If you have a larger area to cover, create a blend with a 1% dilution rate, which is about 5-6 drops of tea tree oil per ounce of carrier oil.
- For stubborn fungal infections, you can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to a warm foot bath and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. This can help to reduce itchiness and speed up the healing process.
What Essential Oils Help With Itching Example:
Imagine that you have an annoying itch on your arm caused by an insect bite. You decide to try lavender essential oil to alleviate the itch. To do this, you mix 2 drops of lavender essential oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil. You then gently apply the mixture onto the itchy area of your arm. Within minutes, the itching sensation begins to subside, and you can now go about your day without constantly scratching your arm.
Essential oils provide a natural, effective solution to relieve itching and promote overall skin health. By incorporating these oils into our daily skincare routines, we can help maintain the balance and wellbeing of our skin. Did you find this guide helpful? Please share this article with your friends and family, who may also be looking for relief from itchiness. Explore other essential oil guides on our Oshu Oils blog and check out our range of Artisan Essential Oils to enhance your aromacology experience.
