Summer has always been one of my favorite seasons. With an abundance of fresh produce at the farmer’s market, veggies in the garden, and summer family activities, it’s nearly perfect… Except for the bugs, poison ivy, and occasional sunburn!
Since we moved to the south years ago, I get to enjoy even more warm, summer weather. And with it comes even more mosquitoes.
Of course, homemade bug spray helps ward off most of the mosquitoes, and homemade sunscreen helps avoid the sunburn in the first place. Still, it seems that at some point, someone forgets one or the other and ends up with itchy, irritated skin.
I’m also one of those lucky people who happen to be a mosquito magnet. Even just a few minutes outside taking out the trash is usually enough to leave me with a few bites. Plus, I love spending time on walks with my weighted vest or soaking up midday sunshine on the lawn chair.
The solution?
Homemade Anti-Itch Spray
This anti-itch spray contains a mixture of potent natural remedies that help eliminate the itch immediately. I’ve tried it on mosquito bites, poison ivy, sunburn, chigger bites, and even stinging nettle burns with good results.
The secret ingredient is menthol crystals. I use these potent natural crystals in my pain relief lotion bars and my soothing shower melts for cold relief. Menthol is naturally cooling and soothing and is often used in salves, balms, mouthwashes, liniments, lozenges, and other remedies.
If you’ve ever sipped on peppermint tea and felt that cooling sensation on your tongue, that’s thanks to the menthol naturally found in mint. While I use mint essential oil in this cooling spray recipe, menthol crystals offer a more concentrated version. It really helps take the sting out of bug bites and irritated skin!
Just be sure to use gloves or a utensil when adding the menthol crystals to the rest of the ingredients. If you get residue on your hands and then touch your eyes (or other sensitive areas), it will burn!
Other Cooling Ingredients
I’ve also included aloe vera gel for its well known skin soothing properties. Apple cider vinegar is another staple ingredient here and is a surprising natural way to relieve inflamed skin. Lavender essential oil adds a slightly floral scent and has plenty of data backing up its anti-itch properties.
Lastly, you can add some calendula hydrosol too if you have some on hand. Hydrosols are a great way to add some extra skin pampering and last much longer than an herbal tea. I make this in a 4-ounce spray bottle, but you could easily double the recipe or cut it in half to fit your container size.
Cooling Anti-Itch Spray Recipe
This simple Anti-Itch Spray uses witch hazel, aloe vera gel, sea salt, menthol crystals, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils to stop the itch.
Yield: 4 ounces
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In a small saucepan, heat the witch hazel over low heat until warm to the touch (about 130 degrees).
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Add the salt and stir until dissolved.
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Using tweezers or gloves, add the menthol crystals to the witch hazel and stir until dissolved. Avoid touching menthol with your hands, as it can sting eyes or other sensitive areas if you touch them afterward.
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When the menthol is dissolved set the mixture aside to cool.
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When it is cool, add the aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, hydrosol, and essential oils if using.
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Carefully transfer the mixture to a spray bottle for use.
- To use, spray and let dry on itchy skin. Store in a cool place or the refrigerator for up to a month.
- If using the optional hydrosol, you can reduce the witch hazel by 1 TBSP if needed so the final product will fit into your container.
Use & Storage
Spray and let dry on itchy skin as needed. This will store for a few weeks at room temperature, but I prefer to keep it in the refrigerator. It lasts longer and feels extra cooling on itchy skin.
Other Natural Remedies for Itchy Skin
If you don’t have all the ingredients for this anti-itch spray on hand, here are some more natural methods to try:
- Apply a bentonite clay and water paste onto itchy skin. I also use bentonite clay in my anti-itch cream (use it like calamine lotion).
- Crush peppermint leaves and rub them on bug bites for a natural menthol effect.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and water for a soothing paste.
- Jewelweed is a traditional remedy for itchy skin, especially poison ivy rashes. Don’t feel like foraging it yourself? You can get a jewelweed salve here.
While the spray is my first choice when it comes to soothing an itchy bug bite, I also like the Bug Bite Thing. Simply put the device on the bug bite and pull up to suction up the irritants!
Ever struggled with itchy skin? What worked for you?
