The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Fels- Naptha
Posted by Renee (Bergen Co., Nj) on 08/30/2012
I caught poison ivy from a bar of fels-naptha that my husband had used for his previous case of poison ivy. The oils evidently weren't completely broken down on the bar and then were transmitted to me later. I use fels-naptha for mosquito bites - highly effective!! - but after his poison ivy use, I ended up getting poison outbreaks on several mosquito bites where I applied the fels-naptha. I had mosquito bites from the same day for which I didn't apply the fels-naptha, and these areas did not develop poison, so I know it was the fels-naptha.
If I ever use for poison again, I will cut off a piece of the bar and use it and then toss it. (It did seem to help my husband's poison ivy. ) I threw this bar away and will buy a new one for mosquito bites (& laundry use).
Fels- Naptha
Posted by Renee (Bergen Co., Nj) on 08/30/2012
★★★★★
Rub a wet bar of fels-naptha soap (found in laundry detergent aisle for about $1.50) onto bug bite/mosquito bite. Rinse with cold water. Itching disappeared for me in about 1 min. Redness and swelling visibly reduced or disappeared. May need to repeat this if symptoms reoccur. You can also leave a bit of soap to dry on the bite. My usual week-long mosquito bites disappear in no time with 1-3 applications and no itching.
Saliva, Salt Water
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 08/26/2012 2041 posts
Lisa, it has been quite a journey and educational at that; and I try to convey anything positive for everyone here although my abilities are compromised. Add the psychological or spiritual elements to the mix and things can get difficult; so the art of simplicity is the rule. Case in point, in response to the personal and give/receive nature of this E.C. site/ message board, over the past few months I have rollercoaster from very poor to somewhat good health conditions and have remained faithful here as I am still in a somewhat desperate mode clinging to what little life force I have; anyway, amazing enough and on many occasions I receive post exactly pertinent to my condition at the moment. There are the laws of average and likelihood but these occasions have been so consistent and sometimes I will have only been thinking about some aspect of some illness throughout the day and as soon as I begin reading on here the answer is posted. My belief is that as people show true concern for one another without the devil of money involved, telepathic or "miraculous" events can occur. One year ago I had been occasionally reading E.C. and after a few months decided to start posting and, to be candid, I don't think I would still be alive if not for all the great info and good hearts here.
As for NDE's my interest has certainly escalated over the past few yrs, and I have been greatly encouraged and blessed from these fortunate folks. I haven't heard of Elizabeth Kubler- Ross (that I know of). The Anita Moorjani testimony is amazing document of the healing power of "eternity" as she died of Lymphoma Cancer and totally recovered within days of her return.
All the good thoughts, deeds and even intents of people will be consummated in the next life; and we will truly love each other in such a pure way that all the pain of this body and world will be as nothing. I never really considered myself one in need of the humility that can come from suffering, but it is an unmistakable fact that suffering can be tremendously advantageous. As the destructive forces of this world weld their way over us, the big truth is that love is really all that's left of creation and that's what will live in eternity. So, as all of us here suffering from our ailments have a dual mindset of rejection (i want to get my health back) and acceptance ("Thy will be done"). The "infinity factor" should always be the focus, removing as much bad energy from our minds and lives as possible, and be ready when that great day comes.
Many thanks and blessing to you and everyone here.
"Love is the only answer - hate is the root of cancer - then" --YES
Saliva, Salt Water
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/26/2012
Hi Timh, What a beautiful post! Yes, pain and suffering are certainly humbling and unlike you, perhaps I needed to face helplessness in terms of that. I was always one to rise against the odds and have always been a fighter. Thus, I never understood those who seemed to just succumb to circumstances or complain but do nothing. I still am somewhat unable to understand that but certainly have dealt with enough physical pain to now have compassion. My husband said it has helped me to grow tremendously.
As for synchronicity, I have been fortunate enough to have always trusted in a Higher Power, God, The Universe or whatever one is comfortable calling this mysterious force. As a result, it has been a never- ending fount of answers always given in the right time, in the right way. There have been times when I have questioned this All-Knowing force but, learned early that whatever the answer given, was the right one. Sometimes, it took considerable time before that would be revealed in hindsight. It isn't always easy to see this when you are in the midst of it! Are you familiar with Abraham-Hicks? If not, check out the website because I have learned so much from this wise force. It is based in Universal Laws and they cannot be overridden. These laws work over and over again without fail.
Yes, all good thoughts, deeds and intents are rewarded. The laws of Karma are unerring, for sure. And love is the greatest force of the universe. Yes, Earth Clinic is wonderful to be able to give freely to others and reap the benefits of others' knowledge and wisdom garnered from their experience. When humanity understands we must reach back and help each other up the ladder or none of us will make it, we will finally truly understand unconditional love. Not always easy to do in the human condition...
Also, I would love you to check out the books by Dr. Brian L. Weiss. They are truly remarkable and have been a comfort to me since they were written back in the 80's. Over the years, I have recommended this book to many people especially in times of their suffering. The first book is called "Many Lives, Many Masters" which I would recommend starting with as you then have the background of this man's remarkable story. "Only Love Is Real" is another beautiful one and resonates with what you said at the end of your post. And finally, "Messages From The Masters" is a summation of his books and the wisdom of "the Masters" who with all the love and compassion give us messages that are so beautiful and reassuring they would move me to tears.
Anyway, Timh, thank you again for your beautiful post and know that you are in my thoughts sending you healing love and grateful to know you through these pages. With love and respect, Lisa
Saliva, Salt Water
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 05/24/2015
Someone mentioned chiggers. Try a bath in baking soda (maybe some epsom salts too?). An old home remedy of my mom's.
Essential Oils
Posted by Erica (Saint James City, Florida) on 08/11/2012
To repel No-See-Ums I use a DEET free plant based insect repellent containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. I recently moved to SW Florida and am extremely sensitive to the bites... Itching, swelling and fatigue. I even have scars from scratching in my sleep! I haven't found anything to alleviate the itching, so for me prevention is the best medicine.
Onion
Posted by Donna (Virginia Beach, Virginia, Usa) on 05/04/2012
★★★★★
A friend once told me to put raw onion on insect bites, and it really did help me! Just take a piece of raw onion, use your fingernail to press into it to release some of the juice and rub it on the bite. I found that it works best if you try to apply it as soon as you get bit. It helps with the itch and the duration of the itch is greatly reduced.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Chela (Dallas, Texas) on 09/21/2011
★★★★★
I had 6 terrible bug bites on my legs that were inflamed and raised for 5 days with no itch relief. Almost immediately after applying a drop of peppermint oil to each one the itch disappeared. Yay for relief!
Mosquito Bites
Posted by Lizzie (London, Uk) on 08/14/2011
★★★★★
I always get bitten and itch so badly afterwards. Yesterday a friend told me she had tried every method under the sun to try and relieve the itching until she came across someone who told her to use a flannel placed in very hot water. Last night I was itching like crazy! Decided to give it a go. Water was so hot, almost unbearable, placed it on the bites for a couple of mins. It stings really bad and then... Nothing! What a relief. She told me that it lasts for about a day. I only tried it last night so don't know. But at last, a cure for that terrible itching!!
Clear Nail Polish for Chigger Bites
Posted by Geneva (Paragould, Ar.) on 06/27/2011
★★★★★
I paint the chigger bites with clear nail polish. It kills the chigger and the pain goes away. Hope this help you.
Chigger Bite Remedies
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 07/17/2011
★★★★★
Try adding baking soda to your bath! Probably about a cup.
Chigger Bite Remedies
Posted by Zdavid (Nc) on 07/01/2014
I am very sensitive to chigger bites. One or two bites on my feet or lower legs will keep me awake at night for a couple of weeks. I've found nothing will stop the itch, except scratching, which only lasts as long as you scratch it.
The best remedy is prevention. I buy an all-natural spray containing natural oils like cedar and eucalyptus and apply, religiously, to my feet and lower legs before going outside during the summer. I also spray my garden shoes every time. It works, and beats itchy and scratchy any day.
Limes
Posted by Soaring Eagle (Encinitas, Ca.) on 04/18/2011
★★★★★
I was in the Yucatan, Mexico and in the jungle I was attacked by hundreds or thousands of Mosquitos. All night I scratched but my feet were the worst. I spent the entire next day thinking like an American and tried to find a Pharmacy, but when I went back to where I was staying, after the locals got over cracking up at my bloody and swollen size 13 feet, they took me to the local market and we stocked up on LIMES!!! . CUT THEM IN HALF, SQUEEZE THE JUICE ON THE BITES, TAKE THE LIME ITSELF AND RUB IT ON THE BITES, and it will take away the itching and swelling. Also works on spider bites!!! . Take care.
Limes
Posted by Tm (Brisbane, Qld) on 04/19/2011
Thanks for the tip about Limes for Mosquito bites. I will definitely try that. Also, my friend was surfing in Papa New Guinea and hit a coral reef which completely cut up his back. One of the local surfers rubbed lime on it, which my friend said hurt like hell, but he didn't get an infection.
Ragweed
Posted by Lou Thomas (Milwaukee, Wis.) on 10/06/2010
Just heard on public radio of using rag weed on mosquito bites ---reportedly causes welts to disappear.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Gramma (Raymond, Alberta, Canada) on 09/13/2009
★★★★★
My husband and I use coconut oil as a rub for aches and pains. Hubby had his right shoulder replaced 10 years ago and coconut oil keeps him pain free. I need back surgery but am too old so I use coconut oil to relieve pain. We also use it to rub arthritic knees, hips, elbows and hands. We were in Majuro for 18 months five years ago and were introduced to coconut oil by the natives when I stepped onto a red ant pile and was severely bitten all over my legs. Instant relief from coconut oil. We don't measure, we just scoop out a little and rub it on. It has to be 100% pure coconut oil to work.
Clear Tape
Posted by Paula (London, England and Poitiers, France) on 09/04/2009
I tried B1 for insect bites but it did not agree with me. The most incredible treatment for them that I've EVER used is fresh lemon juice it immediately removes the pain and itching. If the bite is big you may have to reapply but it works amazingly on other spots and cuts etc.as well. i found that oil pulling with olive oil seems to stop one being bitten.
Clear Tape
Posted by Dara (Cork, Ireland) on 07/01/2012
What is clear tape? Is that like Sellotape or Scotch tape, I don't know what you call it in the States? The clear sticky strips for sticking things to the wall for example?
EC: Yes, what people seem to be talking about in this home remedy is any sort of see-through, plastic-like tape. It would go by many names and come in different qualities, but any kind of tape made out of polypropylene or cellophane should do the trick.
Cucumber
Posted by Raffia (Texas) on 06/09/2014
Cucumber worked for me last week, but this time is isn't helping at all. From one (chigger?) bite on my ankle, most of my foot is swollen and red, with a kind of thick part around the bite. Skin is also kind of bumpy, almost a rash. Maddening. Have tried hot water just now. Tried ice earlier. Also echinacea. Also aspirin. Now to read through the rest of the pages!!
Salt
Posted by Connie (Manitowoc, Wisconsin) on 08/02/2009
★★★★★
Try rubbing salt into a mosquito bite, just ordinary table salt. I tried it on a new itchy bite I thought was from a mosquito; the bite was gone the next day. Mosquito bites usually last days on me.
Salt
Posted by Martha (Waxhaw, Nc) on 05/14/2012
I recently had a bite on my neck that started itching so bad I could hardly stand it. I thought it was a spider bite but was not sure. I went online and read about spider bites and it said to use Baking Soda, made into a paste. I tried it and it helped so much. The next day it had started trying to dry up. I still do not know what bite I had, but whatever it was the BS seemed to work.
Salt
Posted by Imran (London, Uk) on 10/04/2012
★★★★★
I had maybe 6-8 mosquito bites on my feet and ankles it was so itchy it was becoming unbareable so I got normal cooking salt rubbed it in for about 1 mins on my slightly wet feet in the tub and immediately started feeling relief... Also as a side benefit it made my feet smooth not that I cared but something I noticed main thing was my itchyness was GONE!
Iodine
Posted by Susan (Northern, IL) on 11/02/2008
★★★★★
When I get bites, they swell and itch horribly. After trying lots of tricks over my lifetime, I just discovered that iodine works great. I have the kind w/o additives, but storebought would be OK for this purpose. Recently tried this on bites I'd scratched open, and it took the itch away quickly. Didn't scar as bad as usual, also.
Garlic
Posted by Robbie (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) on 08/04/2008
★★★★★
This is going to sound hideous... and it is, but it does the trick.
When ever I have a cold I have a number of remedies I use.
In Scotland we have a thing called a hot toddy which is basically whiskey, cloves, honey and lemon made into a tea.
However, my other remedy (and this is the disgusting one) I have used and it works... is blend some garlic cloves and water into a blender. Then gulp down some of the brew at night. I normally just try to drink the whole thing. I don't really bother with measurements, Just play about till you find something that works for you. It's the garlic your eating, the water just helps it go own. Plus it's broken up and therefore absorbed into the body quicker and easier.
I also do the same as a mosquito repellent. Blend the garlic and water together and pour through a siv. The pulp I place in plant pots on my pation and the water garlic solution I place in a squeezy bottle and go around spraying my windows and door frames. All blood eating creatures hate garlic.
You can also use Listerine which surprisingly mosqutios hate for some reason. I use a combination of the two.
Aspirin
Posted by Ann (Deer Park, WA) on 06/26/2008
★★★★★
I had multiple mosquito bites and checked earth clinic for relief. Found a remedy of wetting the bites and rubbing in an aspirin. (I also wet the aspirin.) Immediately the burning and itching was gone and the bites healed so much faster than previous episodes. Also,the bites didn't swell anywhere near as much as previous bites. My arm was so full of bites that it was red from the wrist to the elbow. The first time it took two aspirins, but as the bites healed one did the job. The aspirin left a white gritty residue, but that was a very small payment for great relief. Thank you!
Aspirin
Posted by Sylvia (Wilmington, NC) on 05/20/2008
★★★★★
I tried the aspirin on a mosquito bite and it worked well, the itching left. Thanks.
Aspirin
Posted by Daisy (Jax, Fl) on 06/05/2015
ASA is the abbreviation for acetylsalicilic (sp?) acid - in other words, aspirin.
