10 Plants that can Help Relieve Insect Bites

Mosquito

Spending time in the great outdoors often comes with a range of problems. Some of these are minor while others might be life-threatening. However, the fact of life is that nature has its way of providing people with problems and solutions almost at the same time. Of course, this happens only to those who know how to recognize either one of these. Being prepared includes having the knowledge and experience to overcome any of these issues, no matter how serious they are or might become.

What is as important is the ability to do this by using things that are available in the same place, meaning with no particular artificial means. While this might not always be the most effective way forward, the truth is that it is the most reliable one. In that case, a person can come to a way out of a predicament using nothing more than their body, mind and the things from their surroundings.

To most, an issue like the appearance of biting insects can be a small annoyance that dampens the fun on their fishing or hiking trip. But, the same insects can make survival in a harsh environment even more challenging if not downright dangerous. This is why the process of being prepared to survive in the natural environment includes knowing how to find a way to alleviate the same issue as well as the problems that are associated with bug bites. Here is a detailed overview of the insect bites in general, followed by a list of 10 plants that can help relieve insect bites.

 

General Facts about Insect Bites

The word insect covers a very large group of animals that inhabits virtual any part of the world, including some of the most extreme ones. Because of that, there are many different types of insects that vary greatly between each other. For starts, a lot of insects does not have the ability to bite humans or any other animals. Other insects, like ants, use their bites as a defensive mechanism that allows them to guard their territory. There are insects that bite because of their need to feed. The mosquito is the most famous such insects and its lives off the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Finally, there are parasites like ticks that can latch on to a host and spend a lot of time feeding there.

Some insects carry poison they use in their bites, others do not. But, in any case, the main point of irritation for most insect bites it the point of contact between the skin and the insect. As an entry wound, even though small – so small that sometimes it is barely visible – it can still be a source of irritation or even bigger problems if the bites are numerous on the body. All of these plants that can be used to relieve the symptoms and irritation of insect bites actually provide their benefits topically, on the actual skin that was bitten.

 

1. Aloe vera

aloe vera

There is no particular need to underline how useful Aloe vera is for the process of treatments of so many skin-based issues. Aloe vera is a household plant and it is also present in many arid and warm parts of the world. From the plant form, it can be easily transformed into a gel that is extremely useful for insect bites. Basically, the gel is able to soothe the skin and provide it with versatile anti-inflammatory ability, which is great because insect bites usually come with the same factor. In the wild, the aloe vera should be used when a small section is cut open in a part of the plant. The same cut will be oozing gel and the same should be applied to the irritated spot. Once it dries up, it will begin to lower the problems that the person who got the bite is experiencing.

 

2. Basil

basil

Basil is a very fragrant plant and regular ingredient in many different dishes, especially in the Mediterranean region. However, it is also a great insect bite remedy, primarily for mosquito-based bites. Science believes that the basil holds a special chemical called eugenol that is generally able to relieve a strong skin itch, including those of the insect bites. When it comes to improvisation, the best way to use basil is to make a rub which demands some boiling water washed over dry basil leaves. The same mixture should be left to cool down and after that, it will be applicable to the bites. At the same time, basil leaves can be chopped up while fresh and rubbed into the bit area.

 

3. Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major)

Plantain

This plant is incredibly common in numerous parts of the world and it still has great properties unknown to many. Typically, it has been used for generations to treat stings and bites from insects. This is the result of the plant’s ability to provide pain relief and even stop minor types of bleeding with its coagulation abilities. Using it simply means rubbing in its fresh leaves.

 

4. Dandelion leaves

Dandelion

Dandelion is a true powerhouse of vitamins and nutrients, which is the reason why it is such an important survival food. However, it is also a great help in the case of insect bites. The vitamin content will help the skin area to heal while the plant itself acts as an improvised pain relief provider. Applying means only rubbing the plant on the skin.

 

5. Garlic

garlic

In many regions of the world, imagining a kitchen without any garlic would be impossible. This plant is an excellent anti-irritating agent that provides both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Using it for an insect bit has been a long-standing practice. This is the reason why this plant is so frequently on the lists of plants that can help relieve insect bites. Applying it should include pressing down on a bit of a single garlic segment and then applying it on the skin.

 

6. Lavender

lavender

As one of the most popular sources of essential oils, lavender is often smelt before it is seen. However, the plant is also a great tool against insect bites. The oil can be applied directly to a bite and its soothing properties kick in almost immediately. In this sense, the plant might demand to be in oil form, but even fresh lavender can be rubbed into the skin of the bite area.

 

7. Lemon balm

lemon balm

The lemon balm plant is very closely related to the mint family. Today, like for generations, it has been used to soothe all forms of ailments, including upset stomach and general feelings of anxiety. In the case of insect bites and especially mosquito bites, it is also very helpful. The plant manages to aid the person with the bite because it contains tannin that acts as an astringent. This, along with other chemicals allows lemon balm to ease inflammation, reduce the risk of further infection and speed up the healing process.

 

8. Lemon Juice

lemon tree

Lemon juice might sound like the worst possible idea for any kind of skin problem. But, its acidic nature is the exact reason why it works so well. The same acids are able to neutralize any remaining toxic material in the skin that is producing unpleasant feelings like pain or itching. To use it, one only needs to extract it from a fresh lemon or two.

 

9. Onions

onion field

Like garlic, its close cousin is also great against mosquito bites. Its juice is able to reduce the pain of a bite, bring down any swelling and help with keeping the wound clean. Applying it includes cutting the onion and pressing on the bite for about 10 minutes. After that, the same area should be washed down with water.

 

10. Peppermint

peppermint

In many ways, peppermint is the nature’s great soothing plant. The tea made from the plant can take away even the most stubborn stomach aches while using the plant raw can benefit any insect bite. The plant should be applied directly to the affected skin. The region where it is applied will quickly experience a cooling sensation. This comes from the chemicals in the plant that allows the skin to evaporate and thus cool down faster.

 

With this list of plants that can help relieve insect bites, anyone can be certain they will know what to do when confronted with the same problem in a survival situation, but also their everyday lives.

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