This article is shared with permission from our friends at frugallysustainable.com [1].
Being the outdoorsy type of family that we are, we go through quite a bit of bug repellent.
Nevertheless, we always end up with some type of bite or rash.
One of the most common remedies for these types of ailments is calamine lotion. Calamine serves a variety of purposes. It seems to be the go-to for those suffering from poison ivy and mosquito bites to chicken pox and eczema.
While there aren’t any red flags with purchasing calamine lotion from the store, making your own at home can easily save you money in the long run. Here’s a homemade recipe that you can make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredient Highlights and Benefits
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is a main ingredient in this recipe. According to Everyday Roots, “Bentonite clay is a base used in a lot of dermatologic formulas and is currently being studied for use in battlefield wound dressings since it seems to help them heal better. It also acts as a shield against urushiol, which is an oily organic substance found plants such as poison ivy and poison oak. If you happen to encounter poison ivy or something of the like, applying bentonite clay afterward will draw out the oil, thanks to its unique way of binding elements.” [2]
Sea Salt
Applying sea salt to your skin will help get rid of dead skin cells. In turn, this relieves, “inflammation, and any matter of infuriating itchiness.” [2]
Baking Soda
We all know the many benefits of baking soda by now. While it’s mainly used in the kitchen or around the home, baking soda is also helpful in relieving itchiness and irritation caused by bug bites. When you get bitten by a bug, it injects acid into you, which is what causes the bite to swell or itch [3]. Because baking soda is alkaline, it neutralizes the acidity of the bug bite [2].
This DIY calamine lotion will work wonders on any bug bite or skin condition that causes itchiness and irritation.
Homemade Calamine Lotion
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
- 15 drops essential oils (use one or a combination of lavender, geranium, chamomile, yarrow, peppermint, and tea tree)
- Enough water to form a paste
Instructions:
1. In a small glass or ceramic bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients.
2. Slowly mix in the water until a smooth paste forms, then add the essential oils.
3. Use as you would calamine lotion and apply directly to affected area.
Note: Because of the water content, I’d estimate that this lotion could be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days. Your best bet is to keep a small glass jar of the dry ingredients pre-mixed, then spoon a small amount into your hand and make a paste with the liquids as needed, similar to how one would use this Herbal Healing Clay.
Looking for ingredients? Mountain Rose Herbs carries the sea salt, bentonite clay, and essential oils you will need.
You might also like:
Sources:
1. A. (2012, July 15). A Recipe for Homemade Calamine Lotion. Retrieved August 24, 2016 from http://frugallysustainable.com/a-recipe-for-homemade-calamine-lotion/
2. Goodall, C. (n.d.) How to Make Homemade Calamine Lotion. Retrieved August 24, 2016 from http://everydayroots.com/homemade-calamine-lotion
3. Nordqvist, C. (2014, September 8). What are insect bites? How to treat insect bites. Retrieved August 24, 2016 from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/174229.php
