Home Remedies for Itching
Itching can be caused by anything from dry skin to a reaction to poison ivy. Home remedies for itching are numerous, but the best course of action is to keep the area clean and avoid scratching. The more you scratch, the more histamines your body will release to the area, which will only cause more itching.
Bath Home Remedies for Itching
A relaxing soak in a warm bath is a simple, effective way to control itching, but don’t use a drying soap or body wash. These will only increase the itching later. Instead, try adding two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your bath water. This is an anti-inflammatory that also quiets the itch.
Other effective home remedies for the bath include adding one can of evaporated milk to the water or some colloidal oatmeal and stirring into the water until dissolved. When you get out of the tub, gently pat yourself dry, leaving the residue of the milk or oatmeal on the skin to keep the itch under control. You can also brew some peppermint tea or yellow dock in water, then add to bath water for a soothing soak.
Home Remedies to Apply to Itching Skin
If you don’t have time to soak in the tub and want something to apply directly to the affected area, try aloe vera gel to soothe and protect the skin. You can also boil some jewelweed (easily found at an herbalist’s shop) in water, then strain it out and let the water cool before dabbing generously on your itching skin.
One of the oldest home remedies for itching skin is a simple poultice. Add two generous handfuls of chickweed to some warm water and let sit for a few hours or until the leaves are soft and pliable. Place the cooled, softened plant directly to the itching area to soothe the irritation and draw out any heat. You can store the leaves for this poultice in the refrigerator for up to twenty-four hours.
Jojoba oil can be used for the base of several home remedies for itching. Blend in chamomile, lavender or rosemary essential oils for an excellent anti-itching salve that you can gently dab onto the itching skin. Don’t rub it in, as this will irritate the skin and may increase the urge to scratch.
If you like drinking herbal teas, you’re in luck. A refreshing tea can be brewed from two parts agrimony, two parts chamomile, one part stinging nettle and one part heart’s ease. You can drink a cup of the tea three times daily. To double the effectiveness, brew enough of the tea so that you can also soak some soft, natural cloths in the liquid and apply to the skin for five or ten minutes every hour.
Cornstarch is an excellent way to keep itchy skin dry and prevent chafing from clothing. Gently dust your itching skin with the cornstarch before getting dressed to keep moisture from accumulating and keep clothes from rubbing the rash. You can also toss a handful of cornstarch into your bath water in the evening for a calming bath before bed.
It can be difficult to keep your hands off of itching skin, but it’s very important to touch the area as little as possible so that it can heal quickly. The above home remedies for itching can help you resist the urge to scratch until the irritated area has healed.