Itching refers to the irritating sensation which leads to uncontrollable scratching of the skin. It may be caused due to various reasons like dry skin, sunburn, fungal infections, poor hygiene or allergies to plants, animals and food.
Scratching excessively can injure the skin and also leads to embarrassment in public. Hence, it is important to take care of itching. Here we mention some home remedies to cure itching.
Effective Home Remedies for Itching
Neem
Neem leaves provide relief from itching due to its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Boil some neem leaves in water for about 10-15 minutes. Then let the water cool. Taking bath with this water helps to cure the problem of itching. Alternatively, you may apply neem oil to the areas affect by itching.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil forms a protective layer on the skin that helps to prevent itching. Mix coconut oil with small quantity of lemon juice. Apply it on the affected area and let it dry. Alternatively, you may use a mixture of coconut oil and tomato juice.
Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of tomato juice. Apply the mixture on the affected area before bathing. Then bathe with warm water for relief from itching. You may also apply a mixture of 10gms of camphor with 100gms of coconut oil to reduce itching.
Oatmeal
Oat meal is very effective to provide relief from itching. Add 2 cups of oatmeal to warm bath and soak yourself for 20-30 minutes to relieve the irritation. You may also make a paste of oatmeal with water and apply on the affected areas for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse using lukewarm water. Alternatively, cook oatmeal and add 2 tablespoons of baking powder to it. Apply the paste over itchy area and let it dry. Then wash with warm water. You may also use oatmeal with tomatoes and honey. Cut 2 ripe tomatoes and add oatmeal and honey to it. Mash the mixture to form a paste. Apply the paste on itchy areas. Leave for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Basil
Basil contains eugenol which has anesthetic properties. Prepare basil tea and spray it on the affected areas. Alternatively take a jar of boiling water and add half ounce of dried basil leaves to it. Cover the jar and allow it to cool.
Then apply the solution using a clean cloth to the itchy areas for soothing effect. You may also make a mixture of basil juice and lemon juice. Apply it on affected areas to cure itching.
Aloe Vera
You may apply aloe vera gel directly on the itchy skin. Take an aloe vera leaf and slice it from the middle. Aloe vera gel will flow out of the leaf. Apply it directly on the affected area and leave for sometime before rinsing. You may also apply a paste of aloe vera gel and green clay on the itchy areas to soothe the skin. Itchiness can also be treated by applying a mixture of aloe vera, cod liver oil, lemon juice, vitamin E oil and wheat germ oil.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps to cure all kinds of itching problems. If itching occurs in a small part of the body, then make a paste of 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water. Apply the paste to affected area and let it dry for 20 minutes.
Then wash using lukewarm water. If itching occurs in various different areas of the body, then add 1-2 cups of baking soda to a tub of warm water.
Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural antiseptic which helps to destroy germs and hence provides relief from itching. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a tub of lukewarm water and soak yourself in it. You may also spray apple cider vinegar directly on the itchy areas.
White vinegar also helps to cure itching. Add a cup of white vinegar to warm bath and soak your body for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, mince fresh garlic and mix with half cup of white vinegar. Apply to affected areas using a cotton ball. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Corn Starch
You may dust corn starch on the affected area directly. Alternatively, you may add corn starch to bathing water. You may also make a paste of corn starch and vinegar. Apply it ot itchy areas and leave for 20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is beneficial in case of mosquito bites itching. Apply lemon juice directly to itchy areas and let it dry. You may mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and apply on the itchy area.
Leave for 15 minutes and wash with warm water. You may also form a paste of 2 fresh tomatoes, 1/8th cup of lemon juice and little cayenne pepper. Apply on the itchy skin for 10-20 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water.
Honey
Mix honey and cinnamon powder in equal quantities. Apply it on affected area and leave for some time. Then wash with cold water. You may also form syrup of honey and olive oil. Apply to itchy area and leave for 30 minutes. Then rinse.
Nettle Oil
Nettle Oil is one of the efficient home remedy for curing itchiness. Apply fresh stinging nettle oil on itchy area.
Egg White
Prepare a paste of corn flour and 3 egg whites. Apply to itchy area and leave for 30 minutes. Then wash with warm water.
Milk
Milk helps to soothe skin itching. You may take bath with a can of evaporated milk or wipe skin with a cloth dipped in cold milk. Alternatively, make a paste of warm milk and nutmeg powder. Apply on itchy areas and leave for an hour. Then wash with lukewarm water.
Chickweed
Soak 2 handfuls of fresh chickweed in water. Once the plant softens, let it cool and apply on the itchy area.
Peppermint
Peppermint can be used it itching occurs over a large area of body. Adding little peppermint to bath helps to relieve itching.
Essential Oil
Lavender oil and tea tree oil are very mild and can be used to treat itchiness. Apply a drop or two of these essential oils on the affected area and massage gently.
