Mosquito bites are puffy, round bumps that can be extremely itchy. While over-the-counter creams and lotions provide temporary comfort, many people seek natural remedies for reducing irritation. My mom says one such effective remedy is chamomile, a herb known for its soothing properties. But does this gentle flower relieve the discomfort and inflammation caused by mosquito bites? Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an effective home remedy for mosquito bites. Here's how to use chamomile for mosquito bites to get instant relief.

What is chamomile?

Chamomile is a flowering plant that comes from Matricaria chamomilla(German chamomile) or Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) species. You can use the flower to make a soothing herbal tea, essential oils, and even for skin treatments. It has anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits along with a mild sedative property which helps you relax, unwind, and fall asleep easily, as found in a study published in the Pharmacognosy Review.

Chamomile can help relieve caused by mosquito bites. Image courtesy: Freepik

How is chamomile effective for mosquito bites?

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation post mosquito bite. It is soothing to the skin, helps reduce discomfort and gives instant relief. “Chamomile has active compounds such as chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol, which help reduce swelling, redness, and itching caused by mosquito bites. It also has mild antimicrobial properties which help reduce infections caused by scratching over mosquito bites,” says Ayurveda expert Dimple Jangda.

How to use chamomile for mosquito bites?

Here are some quick chamomile DIYs to reduce mosquito bites and their after-effects, as suggested by the expert.

1. Compress

Ingredients:

• Chamomile tea
• Cotton or muslin cloth

Method:

• Boil chamomile tea in water for 5-7 minutes, and let it cool.
• You can soak cotton or a muslin cloth in the tea.
• Apply this directly to affected areas.

This helps to reduce itching and inflammation.

2. Ice pack

Ingredients:

• Chamomile flower
• Water

Method:

• Boil chamomile flowers in water.
• Let it cool down.
• Then pour in an ice tray and refrigerate it to make chamomile ice cubes.
• You can use these ice cubes directly on the affected area or with a thin cloth to give a cooling effect and reduce swelling.

This helps to give instant relief and aids in reducing swelling.

3. Chamomile oil mask

Ingredients:

• Chamomile essential oil
• Coconut oil or jojoba oil

Method:

• Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil with coconut oil or a mild carrier oil like jojoba oil.
• Apply to the affected area.
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse it off with warm water.

This helps to reduce itching and inflammation.

4. Chamomile and oatmeal mask

Ingredients:

• Chamomile flowers
• Oatmeal or rice powder

Method:

• Mix chamomile flowers with finely ground oatmeal or rice powder, to make a paste.
• Apply it gently to the affected area.
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
• Wash it off with running water.

This helps to give you relief from instant inflammation and itching.

5. Chamomile essential oil bath

Ingredients:

• Chamomile essential oil
• Warm water
• Cotton balls or muslin cloth

Method:

• Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil in a warm bathtub.
• Using a cotton ball or muslin cloth, apply it on the skin.

This helps reduce itching and discomfort from mosquito bites and has a soothing effect on your body.

6. Chamomile oil and aloe vera mask

Ingredients:

• Chamomile oil
• Aloe vera gel

Method:

• Mix chamomile oil with aloe vera gel in a bowl.
• Apply the mask to the affected area gently.
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
• Wash it off with running water.

Aloe vera has a cooling effect on the skin and helps repair the skin along with chamomile.

7. Infused chamomile oil

Ingredients:

• Chamomile flower
• Coconut, olive or jojoba oil

Method:

• You can also make your own infused chamomile oil at home by infusing dried chamomile flowers in a carrier oil like coconut olive or jojoba oil for a few weeks.
• Store in a glass bottle in a dry and cool place.
• Use this infused oil on affected areas when needed.

This infused oil helps to give you instant relief from itchiness and swelling.

Use chamomile oil to soothe itching and inflammation. Image courtesy: Freepik

Are there any side effects of chamomile on the skin?

• Chamomile is safe for the skin unless you have a specific allergy. Do a test patch on your elbow and if you experience any kind of rashes, itchiness, or redness, avoid using chamomile.
• It has mild anti-coagulant properties, hence it is not advisable to consume chamomile tea if you are on blood thinners.

Also, it is highly recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before using chamomile for your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to prevent mosquito bites?

Mosquito bites can be uncomfortable and irritating. Here are some effective ways to protect yourself:

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks can help protect exposed skin.
• Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil as directed on the label.
• Mosquitoes are most active in the morning and evening, so try to restrict your outdoor activities during this time.
• Mosquitos breed in stagnant water, so empty containers, replace birdbath water regularly and repair leaking pipes.

2. Is there any benefit to mosquito bites?

These bloodsucking creatures secrete a variety of bioactive substances into their saliva, some of which inhibit the formation of blood clots and others that encourage the development of new blood vessels. In addition, some have immunomodulatory properties.

3. Why do mosquito bites itch so much?

Mosquito bites are caused by female mosquitoes biting human skin to feed on blood. When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva containing anticoagulants and proteins into the skin, triggering an immunological reaction. According to a 2022 study published in Frontiers, when a mosquito bites us, the immune system of the body releases molecules called histamines, which cause irritation and swelling.

3. How can I defend myself from mosquitoes at night?

• To prevent mosquito bites, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
• To keep mosquitoes away from your skin, wear clothing composed of tightly woven clothing.
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outside or indoors at night.

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