Itchy skin can be a symptom of many things, including an allergic reaction, a healing wound, bug bite, or skin condition like eczema. Whatever the reason, there are aromatherapy solutions to mitigate the itch. You’ll find many anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing essential oils able to provide relief.
Essential Oils That May Help
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for itchy skin are:
• Black pepper
• Cedarwood
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
• Sandalwood
Safety First
If you think your itch may be a sign of something more serious, such as a serious allergic reaction, seek medical attention.
How to Use Them
When itchy skin is driving you crazy, these aromatherapy methods may bring you back to sanity.
• Skin salve. Combine the benefits of the essential oils listed here with other relieving ingredients, such as coconut oil, for a powerfully soothing salve.
• Soothing soak. For allover itching, an oil-infused temperate, not hot, bath may ease your discomfort.
• Cool compress. As an alternative to scratching, cover the area with a cool compress of anti-inflammatory and anti-itch essential oils.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Moisturize. Sometimes a little coconut oil and aloe vera gel is all you need to relieve dry, itchy skin.
• Make oatmeal. If the area is small, apply an oatmeal poultice. If it’s large, sit in an oatmeal-infused bath.
• Eat well. Diet-related allergies and inflammatory foods could be the cause of the itch. Eat an organic anti-inflammatory diet, and pay attention if foods are causing skin sensitivity.
Remedies for Itchy Skin
For relief from the itch, turn to these effective aromatherapy recipes.
ANTI-ITCH SALVE
This healing salve combines the skin-soothing powers of honey and essential oils with moisturizing shea butter and coconut oil. The recipe makes a large batch, perfect for allover or chronic itching.
½ cup shea butter
½ cup coconut oil
1 tablespoon local honey
25 drops cedarwood essential oil
10 drops German chamomile essential oil
1 8-ounce dark-glass jar
Use a double boiler to melt and combine the shea butter and coconut, then add in the honey. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils, then blend it (with an immersion blender or a mixer) until it reaches a lotion consistency. Pour the mixture into your container.
SKIN-SOOTHING COMPRESS
Ease the itch with a trio of essential oils that may help soothe and heal skin while reducing inflammation.
2 drops cedarwood oil
2 drops black-pepper oil
2 drops helichrysum oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup cool or cold water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large glass bowl, then stir in the water. Soak the washcloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to the affected area. Hold it there until the washcloth comes to room temperature. Repeat the process with a fresh cloth, as needed.
