Fleas are the insects that are blood sucking and feed on mammals and animals like dogs, cats etc. The bites by fleas cause inflammation, redness, itching, pain and skin burn. Skin rashes and swelling are also encountered over the infected area. Legs, feet, hands, knees and elbows are the common affected parts.
One should not scratch the infected area that may lead to further infections and wounds. Severe conditions of flea bite may include hypersensitivity conditions in which the affected persons become very sensitive to bites. One should use insecticides in our surroundings that would prevent insects and bugs. Cleanliness and proper hygienic conditions are also required for better prevention.
There are a number of medicines and ointments available for the treatment of skin infected by flea bite but natural herbs are comparatively cheap. These medicinal herbs are easily available in and around the home and are safe to use. But one should always consult doctor if the condition becomes severe.
Top 15 Herbal Remedies for Fleas
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains anthraquinones, lignins and amino acids that are useful in the treatment of various ailments. Juice of the inner leaves of aloe vera is used for medicinal purposes. It is available in the forms of cream, gel and lotion. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of this medicinal herb are useful in the treatment of wounds. It also contains minerals like zinc and vitamins like vitamin E and vitamin C. It provides relief from discomfort caused by fleas.
It should not be consumed by pregnant women. Though the aloe vera juice is bitter in taste but it has lots of medicinal properties. Aloe vera in the form of gel can be applied directly on the skin that provides relief from skin rashes and skin burns. Another way of using aloe vera is using it in combination with other essential oils like chamomile or lavender oil.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a medicinal herb which can be consumed in the form of tea or can be added in the food. In the form of essential oil, it can be added in shampoo. Its aroma is useful in preventing insects.
Baking Soda
Paste made from baking soda and water can be applied over the infected skin. It provides relief from rashes caused by fleas. Put half cup of baking soda in lukewarm bath water which is very effective in providing relief from itching skin.
Calendula
Calendula oil acts as an antiseptic agent and heals rashes and itching caused by fleas. Prepare an infusion by adding hundred grams of dried calendula blossoms in five hundred millilitres of olive oil. Apply this oil on the affected area for getting relief.
Witch Hazel
This medicinal herb is a good home remedy for curing inflammation caused by fleas. It reduces skin infections, sunburns and rashes. The frozen witch hazel should be used in first aid kit. It soothes infection and prevents swelling and inflammation caused by insect bites..
Plantain
This herb is very easily available and effective in reducing skin itching. Apply plantain leaves over the infected area for effective use. Use band aid to hold the leaves over the affected part. After some times, itching would get reduced.
Echinacea
Apply Echinacea in the tincture form to inflammation caused by insect bite. It is a good herbal remedy that can be used internally or externally. It has antiseptic properties that are useful for curing mosquito bites.
Basil
Apply the basil essential oil over the infected area to get relief from insect bites. Fresh leaves of basil can be applied over the infected area that is helpful in getting relief.
Comfrey
Comfrey soothes the skin infected by rashes, wounds and insect bites. Herbal oil prepared from comfrey roots is very effective in providing relief from pain in the infected skin. Mix comfrey with olive oil and heat for two to three weeks. Keep the extract in a bottle and use when required.
Feverfew
The herb is useful in providing relief from inflammation and pain caused by skin ailments. Tea prepared from feverfew is very effective. Though it is bitter in taste but has medicinal values. It has sedative properties and can be consumed in the forms of capsule or tincture. It contains a number of compounds that are useful in paralyzing fleas.
Grindelia
Stems, leaves and flowers of Grindelia roots are used for the treatment of infections caused by fleas. Mix one ounce of grindelia herb in one pint of water and boil for ten minutes. The liquid extract of this mixture can be applied as lotion. It is also available in the form of tincture. Having wonderful medicinal properties, grindelia is added in skin creams and ointments.
The herbal ointment can be prepared by mixing ten ounces of grindelia in liquid form with three ounces of coco and one ounce of beeswax. Heat the mixture till it gets melted. This ointment is very effective for the treatment of skin.
Green Clay
Green clay powder can be mixed with water to form a paste. This paste can be applied over the infected skin. The clay draws out oil and resin from the infected skin that helps in making the skin cool and soothes it.
Lemon Balm
Tincture prepared from lemon balm in combination with witch hazel is very useful for reducing skin ailments caused by insect bites. It has healing properties that help in curing cuts and wounds. Aloe vera and vitamin E oil can also be added in the extract. Other than this, essential oils like peppermint, rosemary etc. can act as additives. The witch hazel contained in the tincture contains alcohol that acts as a preservative.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil can be applied over the skin area affected with frequent insect bites. Massaging the oil on the entire skin is beneficial as it has insect repellent and antiseptic properties.
Lavender
Four drops of lavender in combination with four drops each of cajeput and sandalwood oil can be used in two teaspoons of carrier oil. This oil can be applied over the skin to prevent insect bites.
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.