Striving to live a wholesome, self-sufficient, and handcrafted life
DIY Bug Bite/Poison Ivy Cream
Who all out there is just so sweet that the mosquitos have to have a bite (or about 15 bites) whenever you go outside during those inviting summer months? Better yet, who all has experienced those not so pleasant itch red bumps showing up after a hike through some apparently questionable weeds? Summer time is our favorite time of the year, but annoying bug bites and itchy poison ivy are unfortunately more common this time of year. Instead of suffering through the scratching and itching, follow along with this DIY bug bite/poison ivy cream tutorial to learn how to make a soothing anti itch salve!
The Ingredients
Bug bites and poison ivy are both acute reactions on the skin that cause itching, swelling, and sometimes burning and oozing. Although the symptoms are usually short lived, they can be incredibly annoying. There are a number of OTC antihistamines that are available for these complaints. The most common active ingredient in these creams is diphenhydramine. While topical application side effects may not sound all that common, diphenhydramine is a synthetic ingredient that has potential to cause unwanted skin irritations.
However, nature has provided us with so many wonderful ingredients that can result in similar relief without the risk of side effects. It’s also worth noting that the skin absorbs anything put on it. Why not absorb all natural ingredients instead of synthetic!
- Shea Butter
- Cocoa Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Baking Soda
- Lavender Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Chamomile Oil
- Geranium Oil
The Shea Butter
Shae Butter is an excellent choice for soothing the skin. This thick dense butter comes the nuts of karite trees native to Africa. Shae butter has anti inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and redness in the skin. In addition, Shae butter has the ability to reduce blemishes and scarring (which can often result from bug bites).
The Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter is a vegetable fat that comes from the cacao bean. These beans grow on cacao trees which are found in regions close to the equator. Cocoa butter is very high in fatty acids. This makes it a good candidate for healing and nourishing the skin. Cocoa butter is also high in phytochemicals which help fight inflammation.
The Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial. This is an important ingredient as it is necessary to keep bug bites and poison ivy from becoming infected. Coconut oil is also extremely soothing to the skin, and it can help hydrate the irritated location. Coconut oil also has the power to sooth irritates skin by lowering inflammation.
The Baking Soda
We’ve talked a lot about hydrating and soothing the skin. But when it comes to bug bites and poison ivy, it is also important to include a little bit of an ingredient that can dry up any oozing from any infection. This ingredient is baking soda. Some home remedies will recommend applying a simple mixture of baking soda and water to the affected area. However, this can be a little too drying and irritating. By combining a small amount of baking soda with these other nourishing ingredients, you get a great balance!
The Essential Oils
This DIY bug bite/poison ivy cream would not be complete without the extra healing power of essential oils. Lavender, Tea Tree, Chamomile, and Geranium oils are all excellent oils for the skin and for combatting irritation.
Lavender essential oil is soothing, pain relieving as well as antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant.
Tea Tree essential oil is great at relieving pain, swelling, and itchiness as well as antimicrobial.
Chamomile essential oil is extremely soothing to the skin due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Geranium essential oil is wonderful for soothing skin and reducing the visibility of scars.
Mixing your DIY Big Bite/Poison Ivy Cream
Tools Needed:
- Glass Bowl and similar sized saucepan OR Double Boiler
- Stove top or Hot Plate
- Hand Mixer
- Refrigerator
- Teaspoon
- Storage Container
To begin making this bug bite/poison ivy cream, combine the Shea butter, Cocoa Butter, and Coconut Oil in a glass bowl or the top of a double boiler. Fill the bottom of the double boiler or an appropriate size sauce pan with a few inches of water.
Place the top of the double pan or the glass bowl over the bottom saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir the ingredients continuously once they start to melt.
Once all the oils are completely melted, place the bowl or top of the double broiler in the refrigerator, Allow the mixture to cool.
You’ll know the oils have all cooled when they have turned from a transparent darker yellow to a solid creamy white. Once the mixture looks like this, beat the oils thoroughly with a hand mixer until the substance is creamy and easily spread.
At this point, you can add in the teaspoon of baking soda and 10 drops each of the essential oils. Beat the mixture again very well to incorporate these ingredients.
Store your cream in a glass jar in a room temperature location. Use the cream as needed to remove itching, swelling, and burning from bug bites, or poison ivy.
Disclaimer
The content in this post is meant for information purposes only. The information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. If you have concerns about your health, you should speak with a licensed medical professional.
Be sure to tag us on Instagram or Facebook if you decide to make your own DIY bug bite/poison ivy cream! @almostheavenhomesteading
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Below you can find some of the products I love to use in this recipe!
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