The home remedies for ant bites given in this article are safe, natural, effective, and true to research.
Ant bites are one of the most common problems that occur in summers or warm weathers when the ants are out in complete force. Ant bites can be painful and distressing at the same time. Even though the pain lasts for some seconds, the itch stays for days and turns uncontrollable later. Besides this, the histamine action makes them red and swollen. If you have been experiencing this lately, here are some natural tricks for you to follow to get rid of ant bites.
Also Read: home remedies for mosquito bites
Symptoms Of Ant Bites
- Pain when the ant stings.
- The bitten part becomes itchy, red, and swollen within a few minutes.
- Hives
5 Amazing Home Remedies For Ant Bites
5. Rub Aloe Vera Gel On The Infected Skin Part
Procedure:
- Take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf.
- Slit open the leaf using a knife.
- Take out its gel and apply on the infected skin region.
- Leave it for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water.
- Repeat the steps multiple times a day to get rid of ant bites.
How Does This Work?
Aloe Vera: This evergreen herb has been used since ancient times to treat various skin ailments. From pimples, psoriasis, to reversing the aging signs, Aloe Vera has been proven effective. The reason Aloe Vera is one of the best home remedies for ant bites is due to its natural antiseptic and cooling properties. The gel helps in soothing irritation, pain, and inflammation that occurs after ant bites.
The two main compounds in Aloe Vera responsible for healing skin irritations are glucose and mannose. These natural sugars support skin healing much faster. The gel also contains natural sterols tryptophane and phenylalanine, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
Also, it has vitamin C, vitamin B, and other essential minerals for combating the infection that may be causing the irritation. Aloe vera gel also has a rare compound called anthraquinone, which is highly helpful in restricting the skin allergies and inflammation.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You are consuming the gel. It is only for external application and not for consumption.
- You have severe skin allergies. Consult a doctor before use.
- You have excess dry skin. It can harden the skin more.
Other than these, Aloe Vera has no known side effects when applied on the skin.
4. Apply A Pack Of Natural Clay (Fuller’s Earth)
Procedure:
- Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of natural clay (or fuller’s earth).
- Mix it with some amounts of water to form a fine, smooth paste.
- Apply the mixture on the infected skin region.
- Leave it for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Wash off with cold water to soothe the bitten part.
- Repeat two times a day to heal faster.
How Does This Work?
Natural Clay: Fuller’s earth is naturally occurring clay and packed with essential minerals as well as nutrients. It has quartz, magnesium chloride, calcite, dolomite, calcium, iron, and silica. Its antibacterial properties help in eliminating the bacteria build-up on the skin and reduce inflammations.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You are consuming it. It is only for external application.
- You have excessively sensitive or dry skin.
There are no adverse side effects of using fuller’s earth on skin.
3. Use The Paste Of Basil Leaves
Procedure:
- Take some fresh basil leaves.
- Either crush them or grind them in a mixer with a few drops of water.
- Apply the paste on the itchy skin region.
- Repeat the remedy two times a day for faster healing.
How Does This Work?
Basil Leaves: These green leaves are one of the best home remedies for ant bites. They are enriched with natural flavonoids, antioxidants, vicenin, orientin, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, limonene, eugenol, etc. However, the two essential compounds that work effectively on ant stings are thymol and camphor. The two exhibit anti-itch and cooling properties on the skin. Thus, reducing the swelling, irritation, and redness naturally.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You are suffering from serious skin allergies. The condition might worsen.
2. Camphor and Coconut Oil
Procedure:
- Take 7 to 10 teaspoons of coconut oil.
- Add one teaspoon of organic camphor in it.
- Leave the mixture aside for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Apply the oil on the irritated skin.
- Repeat the remedy two times in a day.
How Does This Work?
Camphor: Camphor is a white, flammable, and waxy solid with a powerful aroma. It is found in the wood of a tree named Cinnamomum camphora or camphor laurel. This tree is extensively found in Borneo, Sumatra, and Indonesia. It acts as an antimicrobial substance and can be used as a local anesthetic. The reason it is one of the ideal home remedies for ant bites is due to the presence of menthol in them. When applied, it readily is absorbed by the skin and produces a cooling sensation to soothe the inflamed region.
Coconut Oil: Since the power of camphor is too high, it cannot be applied directly on the skin. There might be a severe burning sensation. Hence, it is often diluted with a carrier oil and since its skin what could be better than coconut oil? The natural antioxidants (ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and phenolic compounds) in coconut oil form blood vessels and cells in the infected area; thus, helping the skin infection or wound heal faster.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You are using camphor without diluting it with coconut oil. It will worsen the condition.
- You have an overly sensitive skin. You may not be able to handle the power of camphor.
- You are consuming the mixture. The remedy is only for topical application.
- You are using camphor and coconut oil that is not organic.
1. Chickpeas/Lentil Powder, Rose Water, & Basil
Procedure:
- Take some fresh basil leaves and extracts its fresh juice.
- Mix lentil or chickpea powder to it.
- Add a few drops of rosewater to it.
- Apply the paste on the irritated skin.
- Leave for a while and then wash off.
- Repeat the remedy two times a day.
How Does This Work?
Chickpeas or Lentils: Chickpea flour is one of the best ways to treat ant bites. It is enriched with essential minerals like phosphorus, manganese, and iron. However, the reason they act the best on ant bites is due to the presence of phytosterols. They exhibit anti-itch properties and help in reducing redness and skin irritation.
Rose Water: Rose water is made from rose petals and roses are one of the best ways to soothe skin irritation. This is because they have astringents in them. Besides this, rose water antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Basil: Natural basil leaves help treat ant bites naturally. This is due to the presence of two essential compounds named camphor & thymol. Both assist in soothing skin inflammation and irritation.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
You are consuming it. Other than this, there are no known adverse effects of applying the remedy on skin. It is good for sensitive skin as well.
How To Prevent Ant Bites?
Ant bites can be very painful. Rather than experiencing and curing them, it is better to prevent. Use a natural ant repellent. Here are a few to note:
- Use Fresh Mint Leaves: Peppermint leaves naturally destroy an ant’s smelling sense. Keep in mind an ant will never attack a region where a strong smell does not attract it. So, place fresh mint leaves in regions where you feel that ants may enter the house. Say, for instance, the entrance of the house, windowsills, and other doorways. To apply on the body, just boil some mint leaves and apply the liquid on the skin when warm.
- Cinnamon & Garlic: Both these natural herbs have a powerful aroma to keep the ants away. Just keep cinnamon sticks or garlic cloves (peeled) on regions where you feel ants might enter the house. To use cinnamon on the skin, boil them with water and apply the liquid when warm.
- Black Pepper: This spice has the aroma that can repel ants. However, it cannot be used on skin. Perhaps, you can keep it inside the pockets. Ants just need the smell of black pepper to keep them away from attacking you. In the house, you can sprinkle some fresh black pepper powder on regions where you feel ants appear frequent. But don’t keep it in the regions where your kids or pets go frequently.
The home remedies for ant bites given in this article are effective and safe. If you have any other remedy to treat ant bites naturally, feel free to drop it in the comments section.