Itching, also known as pruritus, is a condition we all are familiar with. It is our body’s natural defense mechanism that lets us know something is irritating the skin and we need to take care of the problem. Scratching an itchy area does provide so much relief! But, though this seems to give relief, excessive scratching can cause bruises and lead to infections on the skin.
When itching becomes severe, it can be a very alarming and uncomfortable situation, which causes a lot of stress. It may be caused due to allergens, dirt, insect bites, sunburn, etc. A mild itching can be easily resolved, but certain conditions such as, eczema, psoriasis, and other diseases can cause severe itching and damage the skin.
You may experience an itch at a local area on your skin, or it could be all over the body. The skin is such a large organ and it is totally exposed to so many allergens and infections that can invade it externally as well as internally. All of us face this problem every now and then, but do not know what to do other than scratch! Here are some natural treatments that you can use to get relief from itching. So, stop scratching and use these simple remedies every time you get an itch.
9 Natural Treatments For Itching
Oatmeal Bath
If your body is itching all over, the best way to treat this problem naturally is to have an oatmeal bath. It helps to moisturize your body and combats dryness, thus providing relief from itchiness due to dry skin.
Just add a handful of finely powdered oats to a bathtub of lukewarm water and soak in it for half an hour. This acts as an effective natural treatment for itching and should be done thrice a week to prevent dryness of the skin.
Juniper Berries And Cloves
Juniper berries contain substances that have anti-inflammatory properties, and have been used for ages to treat itching. Cloves contain a compound called eugenol which helps to numb your nerve endings, thus providing relief from itching. A combination of these two spices is very effective as a natural treatment for itching.
Grind the spices at home as they are best used fresh. Melt some unsalted butter in a pan and add the powder of these two spices to it. Stir it well and let it cool. This paste should be applied on the affected areas to get relief from itching.
Basil Tea Rinse
Basil contains substances called eugenols in abundance, which act as an anesthetic and provide relief from itching. Boil a bowl of water and add some basil leaves. Cover and allow it to steep well for fifteen minutes.
Let it cool, and then apply on the affected areas using a cotton ball, You can apply as many times in a day as you like, whenever you feel the itch returning. This is a perfect natural treatment for providing relief from itching.
Peppermint
Peppermint has been used as a traditional natural treatment for itching and hives since ages. It contains a substance called menthol that has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and also acts as an anesthetic when you apply it on the irritated, itchy skin.
Additionally, mint contains rosmarinic acid which is also anti-inflammatory in nature. So, brew a tea with peppermint leaves to wash the affected parts, or dip a cotton ball in this solution and apply over the itchy skin.
You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil into your bathtub and soak in it for fifteen minutes in order to get relief from itching all over your body.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most effective natural treatments for itching. Its gel contains anti-inflammatory properties and is very soothing when applied on the skin. Application of this gel on the affected areas will provide relief from itching by moisturizing and soothing it.
Also, if there is any infection at site, aloe vera will provide quicker healing. Just slice an aloe vera leaf and apply the fresh gel on the itchy areas. You can also get aloe vera gel from any health store and keep it handy for such situations, which are likely to occur again and again!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil helps moisturize your dry skin and is an effective natural treatment for itching. It also contains strong antimicrobial properties which help to kill the harmful microbes at site that are causing the infection and the itching. You can apply virgin coconut oil all over the inflamed, itchy areas of your skin to get relief from this condition.
If you have itching in the genital or anal area, apply a lot of coconut oil to get relief and cure the infection. It can be applied as many times a day as you like, in order to allow quick healing of the rashes and infection.
Moisturize Your Skin Naturally
If your skin is dry, it can cause a lot of itching. This can be prevented by using a humidifier during winters and whenever the weather is dry. Avoid using harsh, chemical based soaps. Use mild soaps that have a lot of moisture content, and are free of added perfumes and chemicals.
Also, drink plenty of water as it will keep your body and skin well hydrated, thus preventing dryness and itching on skin.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic medicines are made from natural substances, and are free of side effects. Homeopathy provides many remedies for the treatment of itching, and you should take a look at some. These medicines provide a holistic solution to the problem, and cure it from the roots.
Rhus tox, hepar sulphurs calcareum, and arsenicum album are some of the homeopathic medicines that are used to provide relief from different kinds of itching. Check with a practitioner for proper usage and dose.
Acupressure
Acupressure is another natural treatment that you can use to get relief from itching. Sounds strange, but it’s true! Yes, there are acupressure points on your hands, inner corner of the eyebrow, above the eyes, and on the cheekbone, forehead, and other areas of your body, that can be massaged to improve circulation and refresh your skin, in such a manner that it alleviates the symptoms of itching. These massages also help to treat itching due to allergies and improve your health.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
