Stop Scratching: Itching Remedies Made at Home

Instead of turning to itching remedies such as anti-itch ointments and cortisone creams, use some of these itching home remedies to scratch that itch once and for all.

Although your parents probably told you to stop scratching that itch violently when you were little, self-discipline can be pretty hard when that itch is just there, begging for some attention. Scratching it only made it worse, and the cycle would continue. Whether it's a result of a bug bite, allergies, dry skin or even poison ivy, itching can be frustrating and cause sleepless nights and endless frustration while you're awake. Many over-the-counter cortisone creams and anti-itch ointments don't work but many itching remedies are sitting in your kitchen cupboard, just waiting to be found! Use these itching home remedies to relieve that itching and get a peaceful night's sleep without any harmful side effects or dangerous chemicals touching your body.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great item to have in your house because of its properties as a deodorizer and a cleaning agent, but did you know it's also one of the most effective itching remedies? If you've got a widespread rash or itches in hard-to-reach areas, add one cup of baking soda to a tub of warm water and soak for 30-60 minutes. You can make a baking soda paste for smaller itches by adding 3 parts of baking soda to one part of water. Apply this paste to the itch 3-4 times a day to find quick relief. Note: don't use this remedy if your skin is broken.

Lemon

Many itching home remedies often contain citrus fruit because aromatic substances in lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits contain a natural anesthetic and also act as effective anti-inflammatory agents. Simply squeeze some fresh lemon juice on your skin and allow it to dry. This will help relieve itching and also make you smell great!

Basil

Many itching remedies are made from spices and herbs commonly used in food, and basil is one of them. Available at your local supermarket, basil contains large amounts of eugenol, a natural anesthetic. Splash your skin with some homemade basil tea to relieve itching quickly. Simply add half an ounce of dried basil leaves to a pint of boiling water in a jar. Cover the jar to prevent the eugenol from escaping and allow it to steep, and then cool. Dip a clean washcloth into the cooled basil tea and apply to the itchy areas as often as needed.

Mint

The Chinese have used mint in all their itching remedies for centuries, and you can now take advantage of this tried and tested remedy too. Mint contains a lot of menthol, which is similar to eugenol and has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Mint also contains rosmarinic acid, an anti-inflammatory which is easily and quickly absorbed by the skin. Make a mint rinse by placing an ounce of dried mint leaves in a pint of boiling water. Allow it to cool, dip a clean washcloth into the rinse and apply to the itch as often as necessary.

Thyme

Just like mint and basil, thyme also works as a great anti-inflammatory and anesthetic because of the large amounts of thymol it contains. This means it numbs the area while reducing inflammation at the same time. Just like the previous itching remedies, make a thyme rinse to apply to the affected area by adding half an ounce of dried thyme leaves to a pint of boiling water. Use as often as necessary and get rid of that annoying itch for good!