Summer is a season filled with joy and excitement, a time for outdoor adventures and late-night barbecues. But it also brings with it a host of uninvited guests: mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other insects that can leave us itching and scratching. While over-the-counter bug bite creams and lotions are readily available, they often contain chemicals and ingredients that may not be the best for your skin or the environment.
Luckily, there is an alternative: making your own bug bite balm at home using natural ingredients. This post will guide you through the process, step-by-step.
How to Make Bug Bite Balm
Our homemade bug bite balm combines the power of beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils to create a soothing, natural remedy that will provide relief from the discomfort of insect bites. This concoction is gentle on your skin and is also environmentally friendly. Moreover, it offers the opportunity to harness the power of nature to heal and soothe your skin, bringing you back to the joys of your outdoor adventures.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this balm:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of shea butter
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- A balm jar or small airtight container
Making the Balm
Creating this homemade bug bite balm is quite straightforward. Begin by setting up a makeshift double boiler using a pot and a glass bowl. The bowl should fit over the pot without touching the simmering water in it. This method ensures that the heat is distributed evenly and gently, preserving the quality of your ingredients.
In the bowl, combine your beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter. These ingredients form the base of your balm. Beeswax acts as a natural skin protectant that soothes and hydrates. Coconut oil is well-known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Shea butter, a rich and creamy substance extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree, adds further moisturizing power and is also anti-inflammatory.
Once these ingredients are melted and combined, remove them from heat. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes but don’t wait too long — it should still be in liquid form for the next step.
The magic happens when you add your essential oils. Lavender oil is renowned for its soothing and healing properties. Tea tree oil adds a layer of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, and peppermint oil gives a cooling effect that is blissful on hot, itchy skin.
Add 10 drops of each essential oil to your mixture and stir until combined. Then, simply pour the mixture into your chosen container and let it cool completely. As it cools, it will harden into a balm consistency.
Using the Balm
To use your homemade bug bite balm, simply apply a small amount to any bug bites or areas of itchy skin. The balm will soothe the itch and help reduce inflammation.
Before using the balm, it’s always wise to do a patch test to ensure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist and wait for 24 hours. If any adverse reaction occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
And there you have it: a natural, homemade solution to those pesky summer bug bites. By making your own bug bite balm, you can enjoy the outdoors knowing you have a natural, chemical-free remedy on hand when those inevitable bug bites happen. Not only is this better for your skin, but it’s also kinder to our environment.
Remember, summer is a time for fun and relaxation, not for itching and scratching. So take back control of your summer and show those bugs who’s boss with your homemade bug bite balm!
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Homemade Bug Bite Balm
A simple recipe for a homemade bug bite balm to help soothe the itch. It utilizes natural ingredients that are known for their anti-itching and soothing properties
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets
1/4 cup of coconut oil
1/4 cup of shea butter
10 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops of tea tree essential oil
10 drops of peppermint essential oil
A balm jar or small airtight container
Instructions
Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer on your stove.
In a glass bowl or jar that fits over the pot to create a makeshift double boiler, combine the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Place the bowl or jar over the simmering water, ensuring that the bottom doesn’t touch the water, and stir occasionally until the ingredients have melted and combined.
Once everything is melted and mixed together, remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
After it’s cooled a bit but still liquid, add the essential oils and stir until combined.
Pour the mixture into your chosen container and let it cool completely. It will harden into a balm consistency as it cools.
To use, apply a small amount to bug bites as needed to help soothe the itch.
Notes
Make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients before using the balm. If you’re unsure, you can do a patch test by applying a small amount of the balm to the inside of your wrist and waiting for 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using the balm immediately and consult a healthcare provider.
