Arizona is not plagued as more humid locations with mosquitos but that doesn’t make the bites any less annoying and painful when they appear. Some people just seem to attract mosquitos though I’ve learned a few good ways to repel them. When they bite, they swell fast and boy, do they itch! At Organic Mama’s house, we use a natural, effective remedy for easing the pain and itchiness of mosquito bites. Of course.
The best part is, the secret ingredient can be used for a lot of other things, which I’ll share in another post. This should be a staple in your medicine cabinet!
Here it is. The secret to natural mosquito bite relief…
Bentonite Clay.
I’m including an amazon link but you can also get it at local health food stores. Here in Phoenix, you can find it at Sprouts and probably Whole Foods (though it’s probably pricey there).
Bentonite is a drawing clay, which means it draws impurities out of the skin. It’s aged, weathered volcanic ash. According to Mountain Rose Herbs, bentonite becomes electrically charged when moistened. Then, it swells up like a sponge and draws out whatever you’re using it to extract.
We have used this drawing clay for several purposes but one of my favorites is to treat mosquito bites. When we apply bentonite clay paste on mosquito bites, they shrink and the itchiness subsides significantly or disappears depending on how old the bite is.
I always keep Bentonite in the house. It’s inexpensive and can be used for many other things.
As with most natural remedies, Bentonite’s effectiveness is increased when used immediately after being bitten. However, it will still help, even with a bite that is a few days old.
For an extra healing boost, add a little lavender essential oil to the mixture. It helps when applying to children. We call it “flower magic”.
You can also add a few drops of echinacea tincture. It has long been used to deal with bites and it’s “numbing” effect eases the pain too.
There you have it! Super easy, non-toxic mosquito bite pain relief.
If you found this information helpful, please share this post! I love sharing safe, natural ways to approach life’s pesky problems.
Natural Mosquito Bite Relief |
- Bentonite clay
- Glass bowl (Non-metal – remember the electrical charge)
- non-metal spoon
- apple cider vinegar
- water
- coconut oil (optional)
- Based on the size and number of bites to be treated, place a few tablespoons of bentonite in a glass bowl.
- Add an equal amount of vinegar and/or water. Go slow on this. It’s easier to add a little more moisture than to keep having to add clay. Remember the clay is a little sponge-like.
- Stir vigorously till the mixture is a smooth paste.
- You want the texture to resemble the consistency of mayonnaise. If it’s clumpy, stir a bit longer and add more moisture if necessary.
- Apply to bite and allow to dry.
- When the paste is dry, use a fairly damp, warm washcloth to gently remove it from the skin.
- Apply coconut oil or other moisturizer as bentonite can be drying.