Home Remedies for Itching Skin
There are many things that are likely to be handy around your home that can be extremely useful in combating irritating, itchiness. Try some and see which ones suit you the best when you have itching skin.
Baking soda: If a large area of your body is itchy try a bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) bath. Put 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda in a tub of warm water and soak in it for 30 – 60 minutes.
Make a paste with the bicarbonate of soda to apply to small itchy areas. To make the paste mix enough water with the bicarbonate of soda until it is the right consistency. Try using 3 parts soda to 1 part water. Do not use on broken skin.
Oatmeal: Another type of bath to try to ease itchiness is adding 1 – 2 cups finely ground oatmeal to a warm (not hot) bath.
Lemon: Squeeze straight lemon juice on the itchy part of your skin and let it dry. Lemons have compounds in them that are anti-inflammatory. This is why they may be effective in easing itchiness.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is renowned for use on burns. Try it for itchiness as well. Just rub the gel from the leaf on to the itch.
Vinegar: If you have sandfly, midge or mosquito bites try putting some vinegar on them. Lavender oil also works for this. Do not use on broken skin. That means try this before you scratch. It will sting if you have scratched it.
Herbs to ease an itch
Herbs are wonderful things and have many different uses in home remedies. Here are a few that can help in your fight against itchiness.
Basil: Make a basil tea and splash it on your skin. Pour boiling water on the basil, cover and let cool. Use 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves to 1 cup of water. Apply with a cloth as often as needed. Basil contains a substance that is a topical anesthetic which is why it can be used for this problem.
Mint: Mint contains menthol. This has both anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. As mint also contains other anti-inflammatory agents, it is a valuable aid in treating itchy skin and hives. Make in the same way as the basil tea. When cool, strain and apply to the itchy skin.
Thyme: Thymol is a volatile oil found in thyme. It also has both anesthetic and anti-inflammatory abilities. Make this in the same was the tea for the other two herbs. Put 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves per cup of hot water in a covered container and allow it to cool. Strain when cool and apply to the skin as necessary.
Please Do Not Scratch. Scratching damages the skin and causes inflammation. It really does not relieve the itch more than momentarily. It does more harm than good.