10 Best Herbal Creams For Insect Bites

Herbal creams for insect bites are topical products containing plant extracts that help alleviate discomfort, itching, and swelling caused by insect bites.

These creams contain herbs like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and calendula, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. For example, creams with neem and chamomile help reduce itching and inflammation.

By using these creams, people can quickly soothe and heal insect bites, reducing the risk of infection and promoting a faster recovery, making their lives more comfortable and convenient.

The following article describes in detail the most important creams for insect bites, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with insect bites because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The active compounds present in Calendula, such as triterpenoids and carotenoids, work together to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and swelling associated with insect bites.

Additionally, its antiseptic properties help to prevent infection and promote healing, making it an effective remedy to alleviate discomfort and promote quick recovery from insect bites.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with insect bites.

• N-ethylcarboxamide pyrrolidone: Helps with insect bites by acting as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, reducing redness and swelling.
• Calendulin: Assists with insect bites by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, preventing infection and promoting wound healing.
• Calendol: Aids in the relief of insect bites by displaying anti-inflammatory and antipruritic (anti-itch) effects, reducing discomfort and itching sensations.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for insect bites.

• Flowers: They are commonly used due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help soothe and protect the skin from insect bites.
• Leaves: They are often used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing swelling and promoting healing.
• Seeds: They are sometimes used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce redness and itching associated with insect bites.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for insect bites.

1. Harvest calendula flowers by cutting the stems at an angle to promote re-growth and collect 1 cup of fresh flowers in a clean basket.
2. Dry the calendula flowers by spreading them out in a single layer on a paper towel for 24 hours.
3. Infuse the dried calendula in 2 cups of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil by mixing in a clean glass jar for 2 weeks.
4. Strain the infused calendula oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container and discard the solids to get 1 cup of calendula oil.
5. Mix 1/2 cup of calendula oil with 1/4 cup of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler for 10 minutes.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with insect bites because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The gel extracted from the aloe vera plant reduces redness and swelling caused by insect bites, making it an effective remedy for itchy and irritated skin. Aloe vera's natural cooling sensation calms the skin, providing quick relief from the discomfort and pain associated with insect bites.

Its antibacterial properties also help prevent infection and promote faster healing.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with insect bites.

• Aloe-emodin: It has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the redness and swelling caused by insect bites, providing relief and promoting healing.
• Catechin: As a phenolic compound, catechin has potent antioxidant properties, which help neutralize the histamine and other inflammatory substances released during an allergic reaction to insect bites, thereby reducing itching and discomfort.
• Allo-iso-aloe-emodin: It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help soothe and protect the affected area from infection and promote wound healing, reducing the risk of complications from insect bites.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for insect bites.

• Leaves: Their gel is rich in anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it an effective ingredient in creams for reducing itching and swelling caused by insect bites.
• Gel (from the leaves): This clear, jelly-like substance is extracted from the leaves and is known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to alleviate discomfort and irritation from insect bites.
• Aloe vera extract (from the leaves): This extract is made by dissolving the gel in a solvent and is often used as an active ingredient in creams and ointments to provide relief from insect bites due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for insect bites.

1. Sterilize your equipment and workspace to prevent contamination and ensure a safe process.
2. Combine 100g of aloe vera gel with 50g of distilled water in a mixing bowl.
3. Add 5g of beeswax and 10g of coconut oil to the mixture and heat until melted.
4. Stir in 5g of vitamin e oil and 2g of preservative powder to enhance shelf life.
5. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool and thicken for 30 minutes.

3. Baptisia tinctoria

Baptisia tinctoria, also known as wild indigo, creams helps with insect bites because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

The cream reduces swelling and redness associated with insect bites, providing relief from discomfort and itching. The antiseptic properties also help to prevent infection, promoting a faster recovery. Additionally, Baptisia tinctoria is rich in antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radicals and soothe the skin, making it an effective natural remedy for insect bites.

Its cooling effect also provides instant relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Baptisia tinctoria creams that help with insect bites.

• Isothiocyanates: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce swelling and prevent infection at the site of an insect bite.
• Saponins: Saponins have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing itching and discomfort caused by an insect bite.
• Alkaloids: Baptifoline has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which can help to reduce swelling, itching, and allergic reactions associated with insect bites.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of wild indigo used to make creams for insect bites.

• Roots: Used for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to soothe and heal insect bite skin irritations.
• Seeds: Utilized for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and itching caused by insect bites.
• Leaves: Employed for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to provide relief and protection to the skin affected by insect bites.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild indigo for insect bites.

1. Harvest 250g of dried roots and leaves of baptisia tinctoria from a trusted source in early spring.
2. Combine 250g of dried baptisia tinctoria with 500ml of oil in a clean glass jar for maceration.
3. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks with occasional shaking to facilitate infusion.
4. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth into a clean glass container and discard the solids immediately.
5. Mix 50g of beeswax with 50ml of the infused liquid and heat the mixture in a double boiler until melted.

4. Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with insect bites because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.

The active compounds in chamomile, such as apigenin and luteolin, have been shown to reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with insect bites. Additionally, chamomile's soothing and calming effects can help to ease the discomfort and promote healing of the affected area, making it a popular natural remedy for insect bite relief.

This makes it a popular natural remedy for insect bite relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with insect bites.

• Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as an antihistamine, reducing inflammation and itching caused by insect bites.
• Chamazulene: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help calm irritated skin and reduce the discomfort associated with insect bites.
• Alpha-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to reduce redness, itching, and swelling caused by insect bites, while also preventing infection.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for insect bites.

• Flowers: The flowers of Matricaria chamomilla are used to make creams for insect bites because they contain anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help calm irritated skin.
• Leaves: The leaves of Matricaria chamomilla are used to make creams for insect bites because they possess antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing swelling and promoting healing.
• Seeds: The seeds of Matricaria chamomilla are used to make creams for insect bites because they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to soothe and protect the skin from insect bites.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for insect bites.

1. Harvest 20-30 fresh matricaria chamomilla flowers that are free from pesticides and contaminants.
2. Infuse 250ml of carrier oil in a double boiler with 50g of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers for 2-3 hours.
3. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to separate the solids from the liquid.
4. Mix 50g of beeswax with 50g of shea butter and 50ml of the infused matricaria chamomilla oil in a double boiler.
5. Whip the mixture for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency suitable for application.

5. Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, creams helps with insect bites because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as quercetin and caffeic acid, work to reduce redness and itching caused by insect venom. By reducing inflammation and alleviating itching, Urtica dioica creams provide quick relief from the discomfort and pain associated with insect bites.

This natural remedy is often used as an alternative to traditional treatments, offering a soothing and effective solution for itchy insect bites.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica creams that help with insect bites.

• Alkaloids: This constituent helps by reducing inflammation and alleviating itching caused by insect bites, as it mimics the action of histamine, a chemical released by the body in response to bites.
• Triterpenes: Urtic acid, a triterpene present in Urtica dioica, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing redness and swelling associated with insect bites.
• Phenolic acids: Gallic acid, a phenolic acid found in Urtica dioica, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in soothing and calming the skin affected by insect bites.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make creams for insect bites.

• Leaves: Used due to their high concentration of histamine and other anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce itching and swelling.
• Roots: Utilized for their ability to soothe and calm irritated skin, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Stems: Employed for their similar properties to leaves, including histamine and anti-inflammatory compounds that provide relief from insect bites.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for insect bites.

1. Harvest urtica dioica leaves and stems in late spring or early summer when they are in their prime condition.
2. Chop 100g of urtica dioica leaves and stems into small pieces and dry them in a warm place for 2 weeks.
3. Combine the dried urtica dioica with 100g of coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl and discard the solids, retaining 100g of the infused oil.
5. Mix the infused oil with 20g of beeswax and 10g of shea butter in a double boiler over low heat for 10 minutes.

6. Plantago major

Plantago major, also known as plantain, creams helps with insect bites because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The cream is typically made from the extract of the plantain leaves, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to calm and reduce swelling caused by insect bites. The plantain's active compounds, such as aucubin and caffeic acid, help to reduce redness, itching, and pain, promoting a quick recovery from the bite.

This natural remedy provides a safe and effective way to alleviate discomfort and itching caused by insect bites.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major creams that help with insect bites.

• Apolipins: These flavonoid glycosides have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and itching caused by insect bites.
• Apolavin: This flavonoid glycoside has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help soothe and calm the skin affected by insect bites, reducing redness and discomfort.
• Caffeic acid: This phenolic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help prevent infection and reduce inflammation caused by insect bites.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make creams for insect bites.

• Leaves: The leaves are used because they contain anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that help soothe and calm insect bite reactions.
• Seeds: The seeds are used because they contain mucilage, a natural gel-like substance that helps to reduce swelling and itching associated with insect bites.
• Roots: The roots are used because they contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce redness, swelling, and the risk of infection caused by insect bites.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for insect bites.

1. Harvest 1 cup of dried plantago major leaves in late summer when the seeds are mature.
2. Infuse 2 cups of distilled water with the dried plantago major leaves for 4-6 hours.
3. Strain the infused liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a bowl.
4. Mix 1/2 cup of beeswax and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler.
5. Blend the infused liquid with 1/4 cup of shea butter and the beeswax mixture until smooth.

7. Symphytum officinale

Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, creams helps with insect bites because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as allantoin and rosmarinic acid, work together to reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with insect bites. Comfrey cream also possesses antimicrobial properties, which help prevent infection and promote healing of the affected area.

By soothing and calming the skin, comfrey cream provides relief and promotes the body's natural recovery process from insect bites.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale creams that help with insect bites.

• Allantoin: It helps to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing, which can alleviate the discomfort and swelling associated with insect bites.
• Saponins: They have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to soothe itchy skin, prevent infection, and reduce the risk of further irritation.
• Flavonoids: They possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to calm the skin, reduce redness and swelling, and promote the healing of insect bite wounds.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of comfrey used to make creams for insect bites.

• Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of allantoin, which helps soothe and heal insect bites.
• Roots: Roots are also used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing swelling and discomfort caused by insect bites.
• Stems: Stems are sometimes used due to their content of saponins, which can help to reduce itching and irritation from insect bites.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic comfrey for insect bites.

1. Harvest 25 grams of symphytum officinale roots and leaves in late summer or early autumn.
2. Dry the plant material at 40 degrees celsius for 24 hours using a low-temperature oven.
3. Grind the dried plant material into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 2 minutes.
4. Mix 100 grams of the powder with 500 grams of emulsifying wax and 250 grams of coconut oil for 5 minutes.
5. Heat the mixture to 60 degrees celsius for 30 minutes using a double boiler.

8. Hamamelis virginiana

Hamamelis virginiana, also known as American witch hazel, creams helps with insect bites because of its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

The tannins present in witch hazel help to reduce the swelling and itching associated with insect bites. It also has antiseptic properties that help to prevent infection and promote healing. By applying witch hazel cream to the affected area, you can alleviate the discomfort and promote quick recovery from insect bites.

This natural remedy is a popular choice for those seeking a gentle and effective solution.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hamamelis virginiana creams that help with insect bites.

• Tannins: Tannins have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and swelling caused by insect bites.
• Hamamelitannin: Hamamelitannin, a type of gallotannin, has potent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, which help prevent infection and reduce itching and discomfort from insect bites.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Hamamelis virginiana have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation, itching, and pain caused by insect bites.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of american witch hazel used to make creams for insect bites.

• Buds: Buds are used due to their high concentration of tannins, which provide anti-inflammatory and astringent properties to soothe insect bites.
• Leaves: Leaves are used for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help reduce itching, redness, and swelling caused by insect bites.
• Barks: Barks are used for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing inflammation and soothing irritated skin affected by insect bites.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic american witch hazel for insect bites.

1. Harvest 20-30 grams of dried hamamelis virginiana leaves and flowers on a sunny day in late summer.
2. Dry the plant material in a low-temperature oven at 30c for 2 hours or in a dehydrator.
3. Infuse 10 grams of dried hamamelis virginiana in 100ml of carrier oil such as coconut oil for 2 weeks.
4. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then add 10 grams of beeswax.
5. Heat the mixture in a double boiler at 60c for 30 minutes then pour into jars to cool.

9. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with insect bites because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The active compound glycyrrhizin in licorice root reduces redness, swelling, and itching caused by insect bites. It also has antiseptic properties that prevent infection and promote healing.

By applying a topical cream containing licorice extract, individuals can find relief from the discomfort and pain associated with insect bites, allowing the skin to recover faster and minimizing the risk of scarring.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with insect bites.

• Licorice flavonoids: These flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with insect bites.
• Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties, which help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing the discomfort and itching caused by insect bites.
• Asteranes: These triterpenoid saponins have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing of the skin after an insect bite.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for insect bites.

• Roots: Glycyrrhizin is extracted from the roots, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to relieve itching and redness caused by insect bites.
• Leaves: The leaves contain glycosides that help to reduce swelling and itching associated with insect bites.
• Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain flavonoids and saponins that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which aid in soothing and protecting the skin after an insect bite.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for insect bites.

1. Infuse 25 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots in 500 milliliters of carrier oil for 2 weeks.
2. Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter and discard the solids.
3. Mix 10 grams of beeswax and 20 grams of shea butter in a double boiler.
4. Combine the infused oil with the beeswax and shea butter mixture and heat until fully incorporated.
5. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let it cool and solidify for at least 30 minutes.

10. Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, creams helps with insect bites because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.

The plant's natural compounds, such as taraxasterol and chicoric acid, have been found to reduce itching and swelling caused by insect bites. These properties make dandelion creams an effective remedy for soothing itchy skin and reducing the discomfort associated with insect bites, providing quick relief and promoting a smooth healing process.

Its natural composition also makes it a gentle and non-irritating option.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale creams that help with insect bites.

• Taraxasterol: A triterpenoid that helps to reduce inflammation and itching associated with insect bites by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.
• Taraxanthin: A carotenoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe and calm the skin affected by insect bites.
• Alkaloids: These compounds may help to reduce the histamine release in response to insect bites, thereby alleviating symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make creams for insect bites.

• Leaves: Their extracts are used due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help alleviate itching and redness associated with insect bites.
• Roots: The roots' extracts are used because of their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which aid in reducing swelling and preventing infection from insect bites.
• Seeds: The seeds' extracts are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help in soothing and protecting the skin from further damage caused by insect bites.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for insect bites.

1. Harvest 100g of taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers when they are in full bloom for maximum potency.
2. Combine the harvested taraxacum officinale with 200g of coconut oil in a stainless steel pot.
3. Heat the mixture over low heat for 20 minutes to infuse the taraxacum officinale into the coconut oil.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass container and discard the solids immediately.
5. Allow the infused oil to cool and thicken before whipping it into a creamy texture with a hand mixer.

What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for insect bites?

The best combination of herbal creams that help with insect bites is often a blend of Calendula, Aloe Vera, and Tea Tree.

Calendula cream soothes and calms the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Aloe Vera cream provides long-lasting hydration and cooling relief, while Tea Tree oil offers antimicrobial properties to prevent infection.

When combined, these creams can effectively alleviate itching, redness, and swelling associated with insect bites, promoting a quick and natural recovery.

What ailments similar to insect bites are treated with herbal creams?

Ailments similar to insect bites that are treated with herbal creams are skin irritations, rashes, and minor burns.

Herbal creams can provide relief from symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.

For example, creams containing aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm irritated skin, while creams with capsaicin or menthol can reduce pain and itching associated with minor burns and sunburns.