Home Remedies for Itching

Itching is a superficial sensation in the skin, probably originating at the border between the epidermis and the dermis. Histamine, a body chemical released in response to contact with an irritant of some kind, is thought to be one of the most common triggers for itching, although there are other chemical mediators in the skin and blood.

There are many causes of itching. Common causes of acute itching include allergies to plants, pollens, cats, dogs, feathers, perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning solutions, other chemicals, and smoke. Short-lived skin problems such as very dry skin, fungal infection, lice, scabies, and sunburn are also frequent reasons for itching. Pregnancy can sometimes produce itching and related skin problems.

Home remedies for Itching

Home remedies for Itching #1: A paste made from aloe vera gel and green clay soothes the skin.

Home remedies for Itching #2: Chamomile cream, calendula lotion, or comfrey ointment can be applied directly to the itchy areas as often as needed. They have anti- inflammatory properties that help to relieve your discomfort.

Home remedies for Itching #3: Jewelweed, otherwise known as impatiens, can be boiled in a gallon of water, strained and cooled. The liquid stops itching extremely well. In fact, in clinical trials, it worked just as well as prescription cortisone creams. Jewelweed is a perennial wildflower that should be available at herb shops and through herbalists. It is not the same plant as the flowering annual called impatiens that is commonly sold in nurseries and garden centers.

Home remedies for Itching #4: An herbal tea made from two parts each of agrimony and chamomile and one part each of stinging nettle and heart's-ease can be taken three times a day as an aid to soothing the itching. In addition to drinking the tea, dip a clean cloth into it and apply it as a compress to the affected areas for five minutes every half hour, as needed. Other plants containing naturally antihistaminic compounds from which you can make a combination tea include basil, fennel, ginkgo, oregano, tarragon, tea, thyme, and yarrow. These teas should be used to compress the affected areas of itchy skin, as well as drunk three times a day

Home remedies for Itching #5: Diluted chamomile, lavender, and rosemary essential oils are soothing and relaxing, and help ease itching. You can add up to 10 drops of any of these oils (or a combination) to a tubful of water to make an aromatherapy bath, or you can dilute them in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and apply it to the hives with a compress.

Home remedies for Itching #6: Rhus toxicodendron 30x or 15c is recommended for itching, especially if it is accompanied by joint pain or fever, or if discomfort is worse with the cold or scratching. Take one dose four times a day, up to a total of eight doses.