11 Best Essential Oils to Soothe and Heal Bug Bites Quickly

What Causes Bug Bites to Become Itchy and Swollen?

Bug bites can range from small annoyances to extremely troublesome wounds. Most bites result in some level of redness, inflammation, swelling, pain, and itching around the affected area. Some people may also experience more severe reactions.

The saliva released when mosquitoes, ticks, flies, spiders, and other insects bite often triggers immune and inflammatory responses. Chemicals in the saliva provoke the body to release histamine, a compound that widens blood vessels and makes capillaries more permeable.

As fluids leak out of capillaries into surrounding tissue, swelling and puffiness occurs. Histamines also bind to receptors in nerve cells. This stimulates itching, burning nerve sensations.

Some components of insect saliva may have anesthetic qualities as well. This helps disguise bugs’ presence initially so they can feed undetected. However, once recognized as foreign irritants, signals are sent to ramp up immune defenses against toxins.

Skeeter Syndrome

Most bug bites resolve themselves within a few days after home treatment. But occasionally more extreme reactions called "skeeter syndrome" can develop when someone is highly sensitive or allergic to proteins in saliva.

This usually occurs in response to mosquito bites. Skeeter syndrome triggers severe swelling, redness, and tenderness that sometimes enlarges to 10 inches (25 cm) across or more at the bite location. Lymph nodes may become swollen as well.

Along with antihistamines and ointments, natural oils for bug bites can provide soothing relief in these scenarios when applied topically.

11 Best Oils for Treating Bug Bites

Using essential oils is one home remedy for bug bites that calms irritation and hastens healing. Their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anesthetic, and vasoconstrictive properties help tame symptoms.

Some of the top oils to try include:

1. Lavender Oil

Soothing lavender oil contains potent medicinal compounds like linalyl acetate and linalool. Animal and lab studies confirm lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing benefits.

In a study on guinea pigs, lavender oil decreased swelling by up to 60% compared to controls. It also accelerates tissue regeneration and rebuilding.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia trees native to Australia. The main active component, terpinen-4-ol, gives tea tree oil strong germ-fighting qualities.

Research shows that tea tree oil cream results in significantly less inflammation and redness during wound healing. It also fights Staphylococcus aureus bacteria common in skin infections.

3. Basil Oil

Soothing basil oil contains eugenol, citronellol, and linalool – compounds with pharmacological activities. Studies demonstrate that basil oil fights germs, reduces swelling and pain, and speeds up wound closure.

An animal trial found that wounds treated with 2% basil oil healed in about half the time compared to untreated wounds. Basil oil’s anti-inflammatory action can calm bug bite irritation.

4. Thyme Oil

Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial thyme oil can deactivate irritating compounds released in bug saliva. Thymol and carvacrol, two of thyme oil’s main components, suppress inflammatory response signals to reduce swelling and fluid leakage under the skin.

Carvacrol also effectively kills various bacterial strains when applied topically, preventing infection in open bites.

5. Eucalyptus Oil

Soothing eucalyptus oil contains citronellal and antibiotic components. Studies verify that it decreases inflammation, alleviates pain, controls infection, and assists with faster tissue repair.

Eucalyptus oil also demonstrates larvicidal effects in lab tests, killing over half of Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae exposed to it. This property could help prevent bites and bug-borne diseases.

6. Rosemary Oil

Anti-inflammatory compounds carnosol and carnosic acid give rosemary oil soothing properties. A trial found rosemary essential oil decreased swelling in skin wounds by up to 61%. This can help shrink bite marks and Lessen tenderness.

Cineole and rosmarinic acid make rosemary oil antimicrobial against bacteria and fungi as well. This prevents secondary infections that delay healing.

7. Geranium Oil

Soothing geranium oil contains citronellol, geraniol, and linalool – agents that reduce inflammation. Multiple studies find geranium oil decreases swelling, speeds cellular regeneration, and helps contracting blood vessels constrict.

This oil also exhibits antimicrobial activity against some bacteria and fungi species. This can prevent infected bug wounds.

8. Clove Oil

Clove oil is applied as a topical anesthetic and antiseptic in folk medicine practices. Eugenol makes up a large percentage of clove oil, giving it numbing and antibacterial properties.

One trial discovered clove oil as effective as benzocaine, a common topical anesthetic. When applied before injections, clove oil significantly reduced needle stick pain.

9. Lemongrass Oil

Citral and geraniol are the main active components of lemongrass oil, giving it anti-inflammatory abilities. Testing shows lemongrass oil lowers swelling by over 70% compared to control treatments.

Lemongrass oil also restricts microbial growth thanks to citral. Applying it prevents painful secondary infections that can occur if bite wounds become infected.

10. Peppermint Oil

Invigorating peppermint oil contains menthol, which provides a cooling sensation by stimulating cold receptors. Research indicates peppermint oil functions as an anti-inflammatory and pain killer when applied topically.

One study found that peppermint oil decreased sensitivity to pain and itching sensations. This makes it effective for alleviating bug bite discomfort.

11. Oregano Oil

One of oregano oil’s key compounds, carvacrol, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial capabilities. According to lab tests, oregano oil solutions effectively suppress dangerous bacteria like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Oregano oil could prevent painful bite infections. Just dilute it first, as undiluted application may cause irritation for some skin types.

How to Use Essential Oils for Bug Bites

Dilute in a Carrier Oil

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that should be diluted before skin application. Try mixing 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil with 1 teaspoon carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, olive, or almond oils.

Apply to Bite Marks

After washing the area with mild soap and water, use a cotton ball to dab diluted oil directly onto your bug bite. Reapply 2-3 times per day until swelling and inflammation have resolved.

Use Cool Compresses

For additional relief, make a cool essential oil compress. Add 15 drops oil to a bowl of cold water or refrigerated broth, then soak clean cloth and hold it on bites for 10-15 minutes as needed to reduce swelling.

Try Other Remedies

Use essential oils alongside other evidence-based home treatments like calamine lotion, aloe vera, cold packs, OTC antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream, and Epsom salt soaks to combat bug bite misery.

When to Seek Medical Care

While essential oils can help soothe most minor bug bites, seek medical care right away if you experience:

• Signs of infection like pus, red streaks, increased swelling, heat
• Fever and flulike symptoms
• Dizziness, trouble breathing, racing heart rate
• Extensive body rash
• Facial or throat swelling
• Joint pain or swollen glands

These can indicate serious allergic reactions, cellulitis infections, Lyme disease, or other complications requiring urgent evaluation.

Using Essential Oils Safely

When using essential oils as home remedies for bug bites, be sure to:

• Dilute oils properly before applying topically
• Test small area first to check for skin sensitivity
• Read and follow all label safety precautions
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Avoid getting into eyes, nostrils, and other mucous membranes

Checking with your doctor before using new oils is also wise, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications.

The Bottom Line

Applying natural oils for bug bites may help ease frustrating symptoms like pain, inflammation, swelling, redness, and itchiness. Their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties promotes healing.

Some of the best essential oils for bug bite care include lavender, tea tree, basil, thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary, geranium, clove, lemongrass, peppermint, and oregano oils. Use safely diluted and alongside other evidence-based treatments.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.