Homemade Anti-Itch Spray

Oh summer… how I love thee. With the fresh peaches for cobbler, long days for family activities, abundance of fresh veggies at the farmers market and the extra time with family, summer is almost perfect…

Except for the mosquitos… or the occasional poison ivy… or itchy peeling sunburn.

It seems that itchy skin is an inevitable part of summer in some way or another.

Of course, homemade bug spray helps ward off most of the mosquitos, and homemade sunscreen helps avoid the sunburn in the first place, but it seems that at some point, someone forgets one or the other and ends up with itchy skin.

I always seem to be a magnet for mosquitos, so even just a couple minutes of cutting the boys’ hair outside or taking out the trash is usually enough to leave me with a few bites.

The solution?

Homemade Anti-itch Spray…

This anti-itch spray contains a mixture of potent natural remedies that helps eliminate itch immediately. I’ve tried it on mosquito bites, poison ivy, sunburn, chiggers,  and even stinging nettle burns and good results.

The essential oils can be left out for use on pregnant women or children, but I’d still recommend checking with a doctor before using if pregnant or if you have a medical condition.

The secret ingredient is menthol crystals. I use these potent natural crystals in my pain relief lotion bars and my soothing shower melts for cold relief.  Menthol is naturally cooling and soothing and is often used in salves, balms, mouthwashes, liniments, lozenges and other remedies.

I make this in a 4 ounce spray bottle, but you could easily double the recipe or cut in half to fit your container size.

Anti-Itch Spray Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup natural witch hazel extract
• 1 teaspoon natural salt 
• 1/2 teaspoon menthol crystals- approximately 1-2 crystals (available at Mountain Rose Herbs or Amazon)
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar (optional- can use additional aloe)
• Optional: 5 drops of lavender essential oil
• Optional: 5 drops calendula essential oil

How to Make Anti-Itch Spray:

1. Carefully heat the witch hazel extract in a small saucepan until warm to the touch (about 130 degrees). This is to melt the menthol crystals and salt, which melt at about 115 degrees F.
2. Add the salt and stir until dissolved.
3. Using tweezers or gloves, add the menthol crystals to the witch hazel and stir until dissolved. Avoid touching menthol with your hands, as it can sting eyes or other sensitive areas if you touch them after.
4. When menthol is dissolved, add the aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar and essential oils (if using) and carefully transfer to a spray bottle for use.
5. This will store for months at room temperature, but I prefer to keep in the refrigerator for extra cooling of itchy skin. This is one remedy I like to keep on hand, especially in the summer.

Ever struggled with itchy skin? What worked for you?

Homemade Anti-Itch Spray originally appeared on Wellness Mama.

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