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Female
mosquitos are attracted to us, and other animals, for our blood. They take
about 3 milligrams per bite, and use the iron and proteins in it to develop
their eggs.
The
mosquito doesn’t actually “bite” of course. She pokes around with her proboscis
(a long, needle like mouth part) and finds a blood vessel close to the skin.
She then punctures the skin with her proboscis, and sucks out the blood.
The irritation that comes after the mosquito bite is the result of the mosquito’s saliva, which acts as an anti-coagulant that keeps the blood flowing while she’s feeding.
The
human body reacts to the foreign saliva by releasing histamines, organic compounds that (put very simply)
regulate inflammation. The itchy
swollen red bump (called a wheal) that raises up becomes a bullseye target for
your itching and scratching.
Home Remedies for
Mosquito Bites #1 - Apple Cider Vinegar
A
dab of apple cider vinegar may help with inflammation and itching-especially
the itching. I couldn’t tell you exactly why it works, but it does. It’s just
one of those things.
If
you’ve scratched at the bite and it’s open, this will sting. Sometimes even
that is preferable to the infuriating itch you’re feeling though! **
You
will need…
-Apple
cider vinegar
-Cotton balls
-Cotton balls
Directions
Soak
a cotton ball in the ACV and squeeze out the excess so it’s not dripping all
over the place. Press over the bug bite for 5 seconds or so. Repeat if needed
(which it probably will be.)
Home Remedies for
Mosquito Bites #2 - Ice It
When
it starts to really drive you nuts, break out the ice. The coolness reduces the
hot, uncomfortable inflammation, and numbs the area enough to drive away the
sensation of itching for the time being.
It
can get a little messy, but I prefer to place an ice cube directly on the bite,
versus putting some in a plastic bag and holding it on.
You
will need…
-Ice
Directions
Hold
the ice on the bite until the ice cube melts-or at least until it’s halfway
melted. It’s really not an exact science.
Home Remedies for
Mosquito Bites #3 - Cucumber It
The
same as icing it - only with a cucumber instead of ice! And with less mess.
It’s not *as* effective, in my personal experience, but other people experience
the opposite-where the cucumber is more effective than the ice. It’s a matter
of trial and error, as everybody is going to respond differently.
Cucumbers
do have an anti-inflammatory constituent known as fisetin, which has been shown
to inhibit several inflammatory causing cytokines. Cytokines are basically a
broad and generalized group of proteins that signal cells to act a certain way.
I
would think you’d have to ingest the cucumber to get these benefits, but if
your bites are terrible and you’re desperate for relief, feel free to see if it
helps with the itching.
You
will need…
-Cucumber
Directions
Slice
up a cucumber and store the slices in the refrigerator. When you need it, hold the
slice over the bite until the itching stops. It’s cool, soothing, and unlike
the ice the cucumber won’t melt against your skin (and if it does you have
bigger worries than a mosquito bite) so simply hold it there until you get
relief.
Home Remedies for
Mosquito Bites #4 - Peppermint Toothpaste
This
one is good if you’re REALLY in a pinch. Apply some (organic) peppermint
toothpaste to the affected area. It can help take the bite (pun totally
intended) out of the itchiness.
The
menthol in the peppermint will create a cooling sensation that can bring you
some measure of relief until a more formal (for lack of a better word) remedy
becomes available.
You
will need…
-Organic
peppermint toothpaste
Directions
Dab
a small amount of toothpaste over the bite and spread it in a thin layer.
Before reapplying, rinse the old stuff off first.
Home Remedies for
Mosquito Bites #5 - Got Lemons?
You
should. I am NEVER with lemons on hand- especially if I know I am going to be
getting eaten alive by mosquitos. Honestly, I think the sting, or potential to
sting, is what takes away some of the discomfort, as odd as that sounds. It may
also help prevent bacteria from entering or irritating the area if you’ve
scratched it open.
You
will need…
-A
lemon OR lemon juice, if you don’t have the fresh fruit on hand.
Directions
Cut
a slice of lemon, then wrap the rest of the fruit and stick it in the fridge
for a later use. Rinse the bite with cool water, pat dry, and then squeeze a
few drop of lemon juice out directly onto the bite. Alternatively squeeze it
into a bowl, then use a cotton ball (or your clean fingers) and dab it on.
Do They Love You
More?
Ever
get the feeling that you’re getting singled out when you go camping? Like all
of your friends are untouched by mosquitos, and you must have sweet blood
because you’re getting eaten alive? It turns out, it may not all be in your head.
Studies
have shown that mosquitos will land on folks with blood type O nearly twice as
often as people with blood type A. Based on other genes, about 85% of people
secrete a chemical signal through their skin that tells what blood type you
have. Mosquitos seem to favor them, versus the 15% who kept their blood type
“secret.”
So,
the world is a wildly unfair place, and mosquitos might just like you more than
everyone else on your camping trip.
By Claire Goodall
(a bee-obsessed natural-convert from Minnesota) who is a holistic health lover.
She is the author of Everyday Roots Book.
It's a Book that
she creates to help you replace the toxic products and medications in your home
with healthier, all-natural alternatives.
It contains 215+
effective home remedies and covers everything you will need to protect your
family and save money every month.
