5 Natural Itching Remedies

Whether it is sunburn, dry skin, an allergic reaction or any other number of causes, itching can be  a very uncomfortable condition. It is so uncomfortable that people have been known to scratch themselves into bleeding from sheer desperation for relief. 

There are many causes of itching which may include: 

• Change in air temperature particularly humidity
• Allergic reaction to soap products
• Exposure to a itch causing plant like poison ivy
• Poor gut health
• Insect bites
• Rashes

Hopefully, you can avoid this prickly, tapping, annoying feeling with these 5 natural itching remedies. It is a good way to use plant-based approaches which have been proven to enhance systemic healing. This is because the human body meshes well with nature rather than synthetics derived from nature. 

Aloha Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant sports thick, spiked, cactus-like leaves filled with a healing gel that can be applied directly from a sliced piece. This plant brags its potent healing powers by easily sealing and regrowing where the leaf was cut. Therefore, it can be used over and over for a multitude of applications.

A study of aloe vera compared to a topical medicine published in Phytotherapy Research, reported,

“It is concluded that Aloe vera gel is as effective as benzyl benzoate in the treatment of scabies [contagious skin infection that causes severe itching]”

Aloe vera gel should first be applied to a small patch of skin to determine a non-allergic response. As stated it can be rubbed on the skin directly from a cut leaf however the gel can also be purchased over-the-counter in most health stores.

Sow Your Oats

Soaking in a bathtub filled with oats has been a longtime remedy for itch related conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and other skin related conditions.

Over time, different iterations of oatmeal applications have been test with one showing some impressive results. Known as colloidal oatmeal, this is a formula of finely ground oatmeal.

“Colloidal” is described as a substance of large or ultramicroscopic particles of one substance dispersed through another often used in gels and other topical applications.

Results from a randomized controlled trial of colloidal oatmeal, published in the ‘Journal of drugs in dermatology’ stated,

“…these results demonstrate that colloidal oatmeal can provide clinically effective benefits for dry and compromised skin by strengthening skin barrier”

Look for colloidal oatmeal to add to your bath or in the ingredients of skin creams.

Three-fecta

Common itch relievers will contain one or more of the following ingredients. These are the tried and true ‘three-fecta’ that, when combined, can offer natural relief that lasts. 

• Menthol – “Application of a 3% menthol-containing moisturizing cream was safe in healthy individuals and participants with dermatitis. In the latter, itch scores were significantly reduced during follow-up.” – International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

• Camphor – “The present results indicate that camphor induces both cold and warm sensations and improves blood circulation.” – Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin

• Calamine – “Zinc oxide [main ingredient in calamine lotion] works with other active ingredients to provide a barrier that helps dry skin that’s weeping from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. It even has antimicrobial properties that can help keep germs at bay.” -Michigan State University

Don’t let your desperation to itch cause skin irritation that may get infected and cause an even bigger problem. Stop the itch by trying these 5 natural itching remedies. Be sure to discuss with your physician or naturopathic doctor beforehand. Learn how to let your body acclimate to natural healing and rebalance for more optimal functioning all-around.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19274696/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272074/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29282180/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25451841/