Looking for my bug bite balm recipe? Find it below!
As I’ve mentioned in my natural bug spray recipe post, My oldest daughter is a magnet for mosquito bites.
Not only that, but she also swells up far more than anyone else! So, I needed to find a solution for helping soothe bug bites and reduce itching.
Why Natural Bug Bite Remedy?
I grew up using after bite products that contain ammonia, alcohol, and other ingredients.
While these ingredients aren’t the end of the world, I still prefer to stick with things that are closer to nature.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and absorbs readily. That means, anything that goes on the body also goes into the body.
I like to be cautious and only put products on my skin that are safe to ingest.
That’s why I decided to make my own DIY anti-itch bug bite balm.
What is Bug Bite Balm?
I often hear confusion over what is considered a balm versus a salve. While I don’t worry too much about these labels (purists may be annoyed by that!) I am calling this one a bug bite BALM.
This is because the final product is thick enough that it needs a bit of heat (from your body) to soften enough to spread.
However, this bug bite balm is also a bit like a cream because of the baking soda and bentonite clay. It’s up to you to decide!
It can be made into sticks or put into jars or tins to be used as you prefer.
Ingredients for Natural Bug Bite Relief Anti-Itch Cream
When coming up with this recipe I considered the ingredients I had on hand as well as which ingredients would be best for reducing swelling itching from bug bites and other itch causes.
Here’s what I came up with:
- Beeswax – a great base for this balm that also helps soothe the skin.
- Calendula oil – calendula is soothing and anti-inflammatory for the skin. I always include calendula in skin preparations when I have it.
- Bentonite clay – a 2017 review explains that bentonite clay is a great ingredient for skin issues and can even help reduce poison ivy and poison oak rashes.
- Baking soda – this bug bite remedy is well known and widely used. It’s thought that baking soda neutralizes the acidity of the bug bite, reducing itch and swelling.
- Lavender essential oil – lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which can help with bug bites and other itchy skin conditions.
- Tea tree essential oil – tea tree is also antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, according to a 2006 review.
I always keep these ingredients on hand since they are useful in many home preparations.
If you’re wondering how to make your own calendula oil, check out this tutorial.
This anti-itch cream is also helpful for other itch-related skin issues.
How to Store Bug Bite Balm?
I often store my herbal creations in mason jars out of convenience. However, if they contain essential oil or other light-sensitive ingredients, they really should be stored in colored glass or another opaque container.
I was introduced to SKS Bottle & Packaging container many years ago when I first started making herbal remedies. Since then I have tried many other brands but none have compared to the quality of SKS Bottle & Packaging containers. So if you are looking for a company that creates a variety of high-quality glass and metal containers (they have plastic too) I highly recommend SKS.
What is the Best Remedy for Bug Bites?
This balm is great for carrying with you (it can easily be made in stick form!). So, when a bug bite happens, just get it on there are soon as possible. But if you have extra time and some ice laying around, this is what I recommend:
- Reduce swelling first by using ice or cold water on the bug bite. This quickly stops the itch.
- Apply bug bite balm – use as much as you need to cover the bug bites.
Reapply as needed — though this stuff is tough and will stay on the skin very well.
It may even stay on when showering (I haven’t tested this one out). When you want to remove it, use a damp or dry cloth.
Bug Bite Balm Recipe
Bug Bite Balm
An anti-itch bug bite balm to soothe bug bites.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup beeswax
- ¼ cup Calendula infused oil
- 1 tbsp bentonite clay
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 12 drops lavender
- 12 drops tea tree
Instructions
- Melt the beeswax and add the calendula oil in a glass bowl.
- In another (non-metal) bowl, mix baking soda and bentonite clay.
- Add clay mixture to beeswax mixture.
- Add essential oils.
- Pour into container of choice.
Notes
This can be stored in a jar, tin, or stick form.
Homemade Bug Bite Balm: The Best Bug Bite Remedy
I have to say, this bug bite remedy works better than most I’ve used (even the over-the-counter ones) and is simple to make at home. Along with this bug bite balm, I also make these at home:
- Healing salve
- Deodorant
- Face wash
- SPF lip balm
- Hair detangling spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Magnesium oil
- Rosemary hair rinse
If this actually works I will be amazed like OG I am extremely allergic to mosquitos and nothing seems to help. I am so allergic that when I was 8 I got a mosquito bite and it swelled up to be as big as my knee! I do not have witch hazel is there another one that works really good? Please replay thank you
You could try rubbing alcohol but that’s not quite as natural (though at some point that may not matter if you’re in pain!)
Is the clay essential? Would something else substitute (Dead Sea clay?)?
It is important but another clay might work. let me know if you try it.
There is no mention of witch hazel….?
What am I missing?
The post was updated. A previous recipe included witch hazel :)
Mine turned out more wax like than anything. It doesn’t even melt with heat of the skin it’s so waxy
What can I do to save it? Reheat and add more clay/bicarbonate? Mine is also more predominantly yellow and yours is green
It sounds like maybe you added too much beeswax. Yes, you can reheat it and adjust it as needed.
I used calendula infused coconut oil, which has a much lower melting point than the beeswax. Oops- any idea how to keep it from separating as it cools?
Coconut oil is not solid enough to have the same consistency as the recipe made with beeswax. But you could keep it in the refrigerator until you need to use it and that should work.
This recipe for bug bite balm sounds like a great natural solution for soothing and reducing itching from bug bites. It’s great that you’re conscious of the ingredients that go onto your skin, as the skin does absorb products and it’s important to be cautious of what we put on our bodies. The fact that you can customize this balm by making it into sticks or storing it in jars or tins is also a great feature. Overall, it seems like a very effective and natural way to deal with bug bites.
Thanks, Kevin!