Daisies & schnapps against mosquito bites

Natural remedies for the treatment of mosquito bites

08/11/2014

Mosquito bites are usually not a particular health risk, but the itching can be extremely unpleasant. In addition, injuries to the skin caused by scratching facilitate the penetration of bacteria and other pathogens into the organism. Local inflammation is a typical consequence here. Also, some people are particularly sensitive to mosquito bites, which may be associated with corresponding swelling, redness and fluid retention in the area of ​​the injection site. To relieve the itching and prevent secondary infections, not only in the pharmacy numerous ointments are available, but also naturopathy offers various options.

In particular herbal active ingredients have proven themselves in natural medicine as a home remedy for mosquito bites. For example, according to Peter Emmrich, Vice President of the German Naturopaths, told the news agency "dpa" fresh ribwort leaves, which act against the itching. According to the experts, they are applied directly to the mosquito bite, fixed there with a cloth and then unfold a calming effect. Emmrich advises to leave the ribwort leaves about two hours on the engraving. Other herbal ingredients that can relieve the itching are "the juice of squeezed daisy with leaves and stem or the gel from the inside of an aloe vera stalk", reports the news agency "dpa", citing the expert.

Disinfect and cool onion supports
If, due to a mosquito bite, stronger skin reactions occur in the area of ​​the puncture site, an onion overlay is recommended. For application, Emmrich explained that it is best to fix a thick onion slice or a half tuber with a cloth over the puncture site. On the one hand, the onion cools and soothes the irritated skin, on the other hand "the sulfur in the onion juice has a disinfecting and antibacterial effect", so the statement of the general practitioner. Following the onion topping, Emmrich recommends rubbing the skin with a marigold cream (calendula cream). Stronger skin reactions that can reach a diameter of up to 20 centimeters, for example, are increasingly observed, according to the expert, when mosquitoes have come into contact with sprays before the sting.

Schnaps envelope on the mosquito bite
In addition to the herbal active ingredients Emmrich recommends a schnapps envelope as a way to tackle the mosquito bites. For this purpose, a cloth with high-percentage clear alcohol is soaked and wrapped around the swelling. Due to the evaporation cold of the alcohol heat is removed from the skin and this could calm down. However, the alcohol also dries out the skin. To avoid this, the skin should be treated with oil after the schnapps wrap, Emmrich continues.

Homeopathy for mosquito bites
From the field of natural medicine also proven against mosquito bites have various homeopathic remedies, such as Ledum, Apis, Cantharis and Urtica urens. However, the selection of the appropriate remedy and the right potency should be reserved for experienced homeopaths. (Fp)