Our ancestors lived with nature. More importantly, they cared for it, explored it, nurtured it. They had to; otherwise, they wouldn’t survive!
They had no hospitals, ambulances or pharmacies; the only medication they had were herbs.A herbalist would go in the forest and studied it for years, experimenting with herbs and figuring out which herb helps with pain, rash, inflammation, infection, and so forth.
They would spend their lives studying these plants, and then they would pass on the knowledge to future generations.As we became more sophisticated (technologically and scientifically speaking), we came up with new and better ways of using nature’s resources.
And with the emergence of steam and the First Industrial Revolution, distillation was born.
11 Best Essential Oils For Itching
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Essential Oil |
Best Brand |
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Naturally Made Essentials |
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Plant Therapy |
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Naturally Made Essentials |
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doTERRA |
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Naturally Made Essentials |
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Naturally Made Essentials |
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Plant Therapy |
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doTERRA |
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Naturally Made Essentials |
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Naturally Made Essentials |
*The companies chosen above are based upon my personal opinion based upon me giving them a try and testing their quality.
The Birth Of Essential Oils And Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy exists for millennials. For instance, our ancestors used a mechanical expression to extract the essence of a plant and make oils.
In fact, that is what an essential oil is, an oil that contains the essence (core, the best of the best) of a plant, fruit or vegetable.Today, we mostly use distillation to make essential oils. We put the ingredients in an alembic, cover them with water and start heating.
The steam then goes through the plants, eliminating unneeded compounds and extracting rich nutrients and chemical compounds out of the herb.Today, we use essential oils in aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine that uses oils and other aroma compounds to enhance one’s physical and psychological well-being.
While aromatherapy helps people on various fields, today we’ll focus our attention on the relationship between essential oils and skin itching.
What Causes Itching Anyway?
An itch (pruritus) is essentially an agitated nerve! How? Well, wherever there is skin, there are also nerves.
We know that the skin is our largest organ, one that protects our internal organs from cold, heat, bacterias, viruses, and so forth; think of it as our first line of defense against danger.Now an itch will occur locally and stay there, but it can also spread like wildfire, activating C-fibers and inducing itching sensation.
In essence, something internal or external attacks the skin, which activates nerves in your skin. Then the nerves tell your brain:”Hey, we have a problem here!”The brain is like “What? Someone should pay attention to this ASAP!” and starts communicating with the infected area, inducing an itch.
Think about it; how else would you know that you have a problem with your skin if there was no itching, rash or peeling?Honestly, you should be thankful that it itches! You should also be grateful that aromatherapy exists, for it can help you reduce or even eliminate the itching.
However, you have to make sure that you understand these oils before you make your purchase.
What Are The Best Essential Oils For Itching?
Below, we compiled the list of the best essential oils for itching. Keep in mind that these oils are used for other purposes too, but more on that later.
Tea Tree Oil As Pruritus’ Worst Nightmare!
Due to it’s anti-everything (inflammation, bacteria, and fungi) capabilities, a tea tree oil is the most common solution for itching.
It is also excellent against acne, insect bites, even athlete’s foot. It is particularly suitable for controlling dandruff and nurturing your scalp.Ideally, you should dilute a tea tree oil with other oil (preferably a carrier) and then apply on skin. If it helps, feel free to add more oil and repeat the process until you reduce or eliminate the itching.
Wake Up And Smell The Roses
Itching often occurs due to stress. Stress agitates everything, including your skin. It damages it by making it more irritable and reactive.
Moreover, stress releases cortisol, which then activates your glands and orders them to produce more oil to calm the skin.If you struggle with sweating or excess oil, it is probable that stress caused it. What’s worse, oily skin is an excellent environment for acne and other skin issues, including itching. The scent of rose will calm your nerves and reduce stress.More importantly, rose oil is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities, which is why it is an excellent weapon against itching and rashes. The best method of using this oil is by inhaling its aroma.
Cooling With Peppermint
Peppermint is known for it’s cooling effect. It is particularly effective against insect bites, but can also be used for itching caused by other factors (including Diabetes and liver/kidney problems.)One study showed that peppermint oil is an excellent solution for severe itching. It was concluded that peppermint oil a cost-effective and easy to use solution against inflammation and itching.
Protecting And Preventing With Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh oil is like a shield for your skin. It moisturizes it and supplies with antioxidants, which prevent irritation and skin problems.
It is an excellent anti-inflammatory oil and is often used to eliminate the itchiness rapidly.You can use it topically and aromatically, depending on your skin problems.
Ideally, you should use Myrrh oil before the skin issues even occur, for it is an excellent protector of your skin.
Lavender For Everyone And Everything
Well, lavender is excellent for many things, including itchiness, rash, swelling, and inflammation. And the scent?!
Oh man, don’t get me started on its scent. It is also anti-fungal, which is why you can use it for treating ringworms and athlete’s foot.Lavender oil also repels bugs and insects, so feel free to keep one in your home to for this and other purposes.
If you are new to the world of essential oils, start with lavender and see if it will calm your nerves and heal your skin.
Frankincense For Oily Skin
Europeans knew nothing about this oil until Franks started importing some incense from the Arabian Peninsula. Folks started calling it Frankincense because it was “an incense used by Franks.”It is an oily we mostly use for treating oily skin. It doesn’t stop the pruritus but prevents it, which is why we recommend it to people that want to avoid any skin-related issues.
The application is simple; blend it with a carrier oil and apply on skin.
Feeling Stressed Out? Try Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot oil is a beneficial nerve-calmer. On the one hand, its anti-inflammatory nature nourishes the skin and reduces itchiness.
On the other hand, it calms you down and reduces stress and anxiety.Remember, we already mentioned the link between psychology and itchiness. That is why it is essential to use this oil aromatically, preferably via home or personal diffuser.
A Chamomile For Your Troubles
I like chamomile, its scent, and taste (speaking of tea, not oil.) Chamomile oil is applied topically to reduce itching. It is quite effective against eczema and diaper rash.You can also apply it on your scalp to reduce the itchiness and combat dry skin. Most importantly, chamomile is safe to use in virtually all forms.
We suggest that you add a few drops of this oil to your shampoo to strengthen and rejuvenate your hair and scalp.
Fighting Dry Skin With Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli moisturizes dry skin and prevents inflammation and infections that cause itchiness.
This oil acts against bacteria and is rich in antioxidants that help revitalize the skin.Should you use it, apply it topically. Ideally, you should mix it with other skin care products such as coconut, jojoba or almonds to achieve the best results.
Refreshing Your Skin With Eucalyptus
Similar to peppermint, eucalyptus oil cools your skin and reduces itching and swelling. We add eucalyptus in inhalers, creams, chewing gums, mouthwashes and so forth, mostly due to its antimicrobial properties.If you get your hands on eucalyptus oil, apply it topically. To achieve best and ensure safe application, dilute it with some carrier oil.
How To Use Essential Oils For Itch Relief?
Essential oils can be used in various ways for various reasons. You can use them aromatically, topically, even orally.
However, each essential oil is unique and requires a different method of application. Here are a couple of ways you can use these oils for itch relief:
Breathe It In
The easiest way to use oil is aromatically, via diffuser (also known as aroma lamp.)
For example, if stress or anxiety cause your itchiness, you should focus on the scent more than anything else. You could use rose, chamomile, lavender and so forth.Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use oil that doesn’t suit you. Just because we say that a specific oil is good for itchiness, that doesn’t mean that you should force yourself and use it.If your organism rejects the scent, move to other oils. That’s the beauty of aromatherapy; it gives you thousands of options and alternatives for a single solution.
So, experiment and shop around until you find the one that suits you the best.
Apply It On Your Skin
Some oils work best when you apply it directly on your skin. But, keep in mind that not all oils can be used topically.
Also, don’t forget the fact that you can’t just apply the oil anywhere on your skin!Take peppermint as an example; it works wonders when you apply it on your hands and legs, but you mustn’t use it orally, apply it to your eyes or nose.
We also suggest that you test the oil on your skin before you use it (regardless of its quality.)
Ingest It Orally
There are oils intended for oral use only. For example, most citrus essential oils are a beneficial addition to your food but can irritate when you apply it to your skin.On the other hand, eucalyptus oil is toxic when you use it orally, but perfectly safe when you apply it to your skin.
Do’s And Don’ts When Using Oils
Here are a couple of general pieces of advice that will help you use these oils safely and efficiently:
- Always buy quality oil from a buyer you trust. It should be pure, dense and had a distinct scent. Why pure oils? Because there is less chance for complication when you use it (no allergic reaction, skin irritation, and so forth.)
- Keep the oil in a well-sealed bottle for no more than three years. Exposure to oxygen can spoil the oil, which is why you must keep it safe and in a controlled environment.
- Always consult with your doctor before you use any essential oil, to avoid potential complications.
- tint Dilute your oil! Essential oils are very potent, which is why you need to dilute them with a carrier oil. You could also add it to your food, shampoos, or mix it with creams (depending on the type of oil.)
- tint Mind the age restrictions. Not all oils are safe to use. Also, kids and the elderly have a higher chance of negative response. Naturally, you should again consult with the doctor. You could also dilute the oil even more and make it less aggressive.
- tint Consult with a professional aromatherapist. However, make sure that the person you are consulting with is an actual professional with credible reviews and feedbacks.
- tint Don’t overuse them! Applying liters of oil won’t make much of a difference, which is why you should use them according to their appropriate methods of use.
- tint Always try the oil, either by scenting it or sampling it. Do a small test on your skin and wait for a response. If the response is positive, continue the use.
Essential Oil Blends & Recipes You Can Make
We promised you some recipes, and here we deliver them. Note that you can always adjust the methods according to your liking and needs.
However, we don’t suggest that you experiment with them if you are new to the world of essential oils.
A Lovely Hydrating Face Mask
Dry skin is difficult to combat. Your skin doesn’t receive enough oxygen, which puts it into a state of stress.
Then the cortisol activates, push your glands to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration.Result? Dry and oily skin. Solution? Here’s what you need:
- half a teaspoon of lemon juice (preferably homemade)
- 3-4 teaspoons of coconut oil
- frankincense oil (3-4 drops)
- Shopping Bagmyrrh oil (2 drops)
- Shopping Bagone egg (yolk only, you don’t need albumen)
First, extract the egg yolk and then mix it with coconut oil.
Then add the lemon juice and mix it. Once these compounds formulate one homogeneous mixture, add in oils.
Apply the mixture on your face and let it dry. Rinse the mask with water when the mixture dries off completely.
A Solution To Itchy Scalp
There’s nothing worse than an itchy scalp! You could use anti-dandruff shampoos, but they are often damaging and expensive.
So why not make your own shampoo, the one that will nurture scalp without causing any damage to your skin?
- Tea tree essential oil
- Thyme essential oil
- Rosemary essential Oil
- Shopping BagSage oil
- Shopping BagYour favorite shampoo
Note that this recipe is intended for 50 ml of shampoo; adjust the dosage according to your preferences.
First, mix the oils; add 5 drops of tea tree, 5 drops of thyme, 10 drops of rosemary and 4 drops of sage. Once you mix all oils, add them in your shampoo.To use, apply the shampoo on your scalp and massage it gently for no more than 10 minutes (and no less than 5.)
Then rinse with water and repeat the process three times a week.
Care For An Anti-Itch Bath?
This one is straightforward. All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of baking soda with ten drops of lavender essential oil. You then pour this mixture into your bath and wait for 30 minutes.Then, enjoy the bath and carefully massage itchy areas. Once you’re done with your bath, use a towel to dry your skin.
Spray The Itchiness, Spray It Away!
Spraying is fun and practical. So why not use it as a method of combating the itching? Here’s what you need:
- A spray bottle
- Lavender oil (~50 drops)
- Eucalyptus oil (~40 drops)
- Shopping BagWater (5 tablespoons)
- Shopping BagVodka (1 tablespoon)
First and foremost, don’t drink the vodka! Find a spray bottle and disinfect it accordingly (you can wash it in a dishwasher or sink it in boiling water.)
Then mix all oils. Note that we added the ~ before the numbers.Why? Well, the ~ means that you can use 55 or 45 drops of lavender oil or 35 or 45 of eucalyptus.
Play with it and see if the mixture is potent or not, then dilute it or increase the number of drops.So, first add oils, then water and then vodka. You don’t have to spend it all at once, of course!
Also, remember to shake the can before you use it. To apply, spray on your skin and wait for it to do its magic.
Don’t Like Oils? Here’s A List Of 10 Natural Remedies For Itching (The Ones That Actually Work)
If you are looking for a non-oil solution to your itching problem, here are some remedies that can help you with that.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is used by everyone, everywhere for everything! Seriously, it’s in virtually every skincare product, from sops to sun creams.
It grows everywhere and is very inexpensive. If you have fresh aloe vera at your disposal, extract its juice and apply directly on your skin.
Oatmeal
Aside from being a part of a nutritious breakfast, oatmeal does wonder against skin problems.
It is cheap and easy to use; mix uncooked oatmeal with hot water and wait for it to become gelly. Once it hardens, apply the gel on the infected area.
Apple Cide Vinegar
ACV is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and is exceptionally effective against skin problems. It can also help you with dandruff and sunburns.It is also disposable and straightforward to use; add a couple of vinegar drops to a piece of cloth (make sure it is sterile) and start treating the infected part.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil helps with itching regardless of the cause. And, it can be applied on your skin, or you can add it to your diet and strengthen your skin from within.For fastest results, apply it to your skin. Don’t overdo it because you only need a small amount of oil to cover large parts of your skin.
Baking Soda
Aside from removing odors, baking soda is a useful tool against inflammations and itchiness. It is incredibly inexpensive, and you can add it to your bath or make a pasty mixture and apply it directly to your skin.
Cold Water
Yes, cold water! Why not? Water is PH neutral, and itchiness is acidic. Cold water not only cools the infected area, but it can also reduce the swelling and hydrate your skin.Ice is good too. You might feel uncomfortable at first, but your skin will quickly fall in love with water’s cooling effect!
Milk
Milk is an excellent solution for dry and itchy skin due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties.
You can just dip a piece of cloth in it and apply it to your skin. Easy, simple and cheap!
Honey
There is a reason why we add honey to our skin care products. Honey is antimicrobial and also helps keep your skin moist and vibrant.
To use, heat 2 teaspoons of honey and apply it on your skin while it is still warm. Leave for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with water.
Mint Tea
Mint contains menthol, which is used in some anesthetics and has anti-inflammatory properties. Make mint tea and dip a piece of cloth in it and apply on your skin.
Dry Basil
Yes, you can use basil to reduce the itchiness (thanks to its anesthetic properties.) Add about half an ounce of basil to a 16-oz cup of boiling water.
Make sure that you cover the cup to stop eugenol fro escaping. Let it cool, and then dip a piece of cloth into a mixture and start applying to your skin.
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Final Thoughts About Essential Oils For Itching
Essentially (pun intended), essential oils can affect our well-being on all levels if we use them correctly.
It is vital that you use them according to our suggestions and that you consult with your doctor (preferably dermatologist) or better yet, an aromatherapist.If you struggle with itchiness, you can use oils and remedies provided in our list. Naturally, these aren’t the only tools to combat itchiness, but they are the most effective at it.Should you buy essential oils, start small, especially if you are new to this. Also, try one of the home remedies and recipes we outlined in this article.
And don’t forget that you can always test the product and see if it affects you positively.If it does, excellent; if it doesn’t, don’t give up, cross it off the list, and seek an oil or remedy that will help you.
But whatever you do, don’t give up, for you’ll eventually find the ingredient that will put an end to your itching problem!
