18 Natural Remedies for Itchy and Irritated Skin

1. Clay

How to use it: Mix the clay in a bowl or cup with a bit of filtered water until it has a creamy consistency like peanut butter (like in the picture at the top of the page). Then, just dab the clay paste onto itchy areas, let it dry, then rinse or peel it off.
How to do a clay pack:
Spread the clay on a piece of clean, porous fabric (i.e., wool, muslin, cotton, flannel).
 Then place the clay-covered cloth to the irritated area, with the clay directly touching the skin (see the picture on the right).
You can use bandaging tape or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep the cloth in place and protect your clothing and furniture.
 Keep the clay pack on for about 4 hours, or until the clay is hard and dry.

2.Peppermint Leaves

Peppermint is great for bug bites and itching, as it provides a cooling sensation that’ll give you welcome relief.
How to use it:
The quickest, easiest way is to crush up the leaves and rub the peppermint directly onto the skin.
You could even freeze the crushed peppermint leaves into ice cubes for a cooling double-whammy, as the cold of the ice cubes also helps to numb the affected area and bring down swelling and inflammation.
Always use clean, filtered water.

3. Fresh Basil Leaves

Basil leaves contains anti-itch compounds called camphor and thymol. This is my personal go-to trick for bug bites, as it’s so quick and easy. Plus, rubbing the leaf onto the skin satisfies the compulsive urge to scratch.
How to use it:
Crush up the leaves and rub directly onto the skin.

4. Aloe Vera

We love aloe vera for just about every kind of skin irritation. Aloe is probably best-known for its ability to heal sunburns, but it’s extremely versatile as it soothes the skin and relieves swelling and irritation. If you live in Southern California, there’s probably an 85% chance it’s already growing in your yard.
How to use it:
Break off a leaf from the plant, and cut it open lengthwise from top to bottom with a knife.
Scoop out the gooey gel inside, and rub it directly onto irritated skin. If you have extra left over, you can keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.

5. Fruit Peels

Silvana, the Gerson Institute’s Director of Education, also turned me on to a cool trick. Rub bug bites with a banana peel. Another Gerson staffer also suggested watermelon rind.
This is a great way to re-purpose kitchen scraps that might otherwise be thrown out! But, this method does have a potential drawback: the fruity scent may attract bugs. This may be a better choice for using indoors.
How to use it: Rub peel or rind onto the affected area.

6. Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains compounds called avenanthramides that reduce inflammation. This is a popular trick that’s been around for ages; I can remember my mom making me take oatmeal baths when I had chicken pox as a little kid. It’s also commonly used for poison ivy and eczema. You can add oatmeal to your bath, or make a poultice.
How to use it: To make an oatmeal poultice, add a bit of water to a cup or bowl of plain, organic, uncooked oatmeal (ground or steel-cut work best for this), then let it sit for a few minutes until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Apply the paste to the itchy area as needed.

7. Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil works as a great skin moisturizer facilitates healing and promotes skin renewal as it is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. It will also soothe your skin and reduce itching.
Simply rub extra-virgin olive oil or a combination of equal parts of olive oil and honey on your rash a few times daily until it heals completely.
Alternatively, you can add a little turmeric powder to some olive oil and apply it two or three times a day for a few days. Packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric soothes rashes and relieves itching.
In addition to olive oil, castor oil and coconut oil help heal rashes naturally. A combination of vitamin E oil and cod liver oil is another popular remedy.

8. Baking Soda

Baking soda helps dry out skin rashes. Plus, it relieves the itching and inflammation associated with rashes.
Add one part baking soda to three parts water. Apply the mixture on the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Do this once daily for a few days.
You can also mix baking soda with some coconut oil to make a paste and apply it on your rash. Leave it on for about five minutes and then rinse it off. Repeat this once or twice daily until you see improvement.
Note: Do not leave baking soda on your skin for too long because it may cause further irritation.
You can also mix baking soda with some coconut oil to make a paste and apply it on your rash. Leave it on for about five minutes and then rinse it off. Repeat this once or twice daily until you see improvement.
Note: Do not leave baking soda on your skin for too long because it may cause further irritation.

9. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is great for alleviating skin irritation and inflammation due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is excellent for rashes caused by poison ivy eczema, sunburn, chicken pox and allergies.
Grind oatmeal in a blender, food processor or coffee grinder. Mix one cup of finely ground oatmeal in warm bath water. Soak in it for at least 15 or 20 minutes. Do this daily until the rash is gone.
Alternatively, combine one-half cup of oatmeal, one-quarter cup of milk powder and two teaspoons of honey. Put this mixture in a muslin cloth, tie it strongly with a string, ribbon or rubber band, and place it in a bath tub filled with warm water. Soak in the milky bath water for at least 15 minutes. Finally pat dry and moisturize your skin. Repeat daily for a few days.
For rashes on your face, apply a thick paste of equal amounts of oatmeal and plain yogurt mixed with a little honey. Leave it on for about half an hour before washing it off. Do this daily until you see improvement.

10. Cold Compress

A cold compress can be beneficial in reducing rashes, especially those caused by heat, insect bites, poison ivy and shingles. It helps ease itching swelling and inflammation, and can be particularly useful if a rash begins to develop into blisters.
Put ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag and place it on the affected area for a few minutes. Repeat a few times daily for a few days.
Alternatively, you can simply soak a clean washcloth in ice-cold water and place it on the rash for about 10 minutes.

11. Coriander

Coriander is considered an effective Ayurvedic remedy for rashes and itchy skin, owing to its anti-irritant, soothing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Its inviting scent is also calming and relaxing.

12.Coconut oil

Whether due to dry skin or an insect bite, whatever the cause of the itch, coconut oil can work wonders. The best way to use it is to rub a little coconut oil directly onto the affected area. If you suffer from a widespread itch all over the body especially during the winter, soak in a bathtub of lukewarm water; then just pat yourself dry and apply the oil all over. Read more benefits of coconut oil.

13.Petroleum jelly

If your skin is of the sensitive type, the best remedy is petroleum jelly. It does not contain any harmful chemicals and by its very nature, has a soothing action on the skin. Therefore, it not just relieves your itch, but it also ensures the skin irritation becomes less. Best of all, it is safe as well as inexpensive and so you don’t have to worry about how often you apply it. Here are 8 ways petroleum jelly can be used for good skin and hair

14. Lemon

People have used lemon to treat itchy skin for ages. Lemon contains citric and acetic acids, which have great antiseptic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating properties.
Extract the juice from one to two fresh lemons.
Apply the juice on the affected skin area using a cotton ball.
Let it dry on its own and then wash the area with lukewarm water.
Repeat twice daily until the condition improves.
Note: This remedy is not suitable for those who have sensitive skin.

15.Tulsi or Holy basil

Tulsi leaves are rich in thymol, eugenol and camphor and these have the ability to reduce irritation of the skin. Just wash a few leaves and rub them over the affected area. Or prepare a tea by boiling a few leaves in water in a covered utensil; then dip a cotton ball or cloth into the tea and apply to the itchy skin.

16.Apple cider vinegar

Many people use vinegar on the scalp for dandruff; by the same logic, it works well for itchy skin, too. It has a good antiseptic and antifungal action and this makes it a good anti-itching agent. Dip a cotton ball or cloth in a little apple cider vinegar and dab on the itchy area. Or if you feel a general itchy sensation all over the body, add a cupful into your bath water.  Here are amazing health benefits of apple cider vinegar

17.Cool Water

The sensations of both cold and itching travel along the same nerve fibers in the body, so applying cool water on the affected skin can bring instant relief from itchiness  There are many ways to use cool water for itchy skin.
Run cool tap water over the affected skin for as long as necessary.
Rub an ice cube wrapped in a cloth over the affected area.
Take a cool shower or bath.
Apply a cold compress or cloth wet with cool water to the affected area.
Thyme contains significant amounts of thymol, which has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thymol can numb the nerve fibers as well as reduce inflammation caused by excessive scratching.
Add one tablespoon of dried thyme leaves to two cups of boiling water.
Cover it and allow it to cool.
Strain the solution.
Use a clean cloth to apply the solution directly on the itchy skin.
Do this as many times as necessary.
Save any leftover solution in a jar to use later.

18. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic and soothing properties that help relieve itching caused by dermatitis scabies or stress.
Add several drops of peppermint oil to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Soak in this water for half an hour. Pat dry and then apply a moisturizing lotion. Do this once daily.
Add three or four drops of peppermint oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil like coconut, olive or almond oil. Apply the diluted peppermint oil to the affected skin area. Massage gently so the oil penetrates deep into the skin. Follow this remedy once or twice daily.
Next time you suffer from itchy skin, simply try one of these home remedies instead of scratching like crazy.

Remedies for Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts abnormally to certain stimuli
These stimuli are referred to as allergens
CAUSES
The Immune system incorrectly perceives some substances as a threat
Respiratory allergies are caused by airborne allergens like dust, pollen, etc
Food allergy is caused as an adverse reaction to certain food items
Contact allergy is caused by skin's reaction to some metals, fragrances or latex

SYMPTOMS

Reaction to allergens vary in individuals and can cause:
Hives
Rashes
Anaphylactic attack in severe cases
There are 3 types of allergies:
Respiratory allergies which lead to
Sneezing
Coughing
Watering of eyes and nose
Asthma
Food allergies which lead to
Diarrhea
Flatulence
Eczema
Skin rashes
Swelling of throat
Contact allergies which cause
Itching inflammation
Burning sensation
Blisters

Simple techniques

Natural home remedy using carrot juice, beetroot juice and cucumber juice

Take 250 ml carrot juice
Add 100 ml beetroot juice
Add 100 ml cucumber juice
Mix well
Have once everyday
This helps reduce allergic reaction and soothes existing allergies

Natural home remedy using lemon and honey

Lemon helps flush toxins from the body. It is an antibiotic and has anti-allergic properties
Take 1 glass lukewarm water
Squeeze ½ lemon in it
Add 1 tsp honey
Mix well

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