Though we are now nearing the end of summer, I’m still seeing a lot of mosquitos and various other biting insects. I figured it would be nice to share some of my tips and tricks for naturally repelling and treating bites when they happen.

Why Bother Approaching this Naturally?

When I was in elementary school, I did a book report on the environmentalist Rachel Carson, whose 1962 book Silent Spring raised awareness about the dangers of widespread chemical use, particularly pesticides like DDT.

DDT, which was used topically during and after World War II to protect soldiers and civilians from lice and mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, was applied directly to the skin, clothing, and bedding. However, as concerns over its environmental and health effects grew (cancer, neurological issues, reproductive issues, liver damage) —largely due to Carson's influential work—its use was eventually restricted and banned in many countries.

Though DDT is thankfully banned now, we do use several other chemicals to repel/kill bugs on our bodies that have been similarly linked to cancer and other health conditions. Since doing that book report all those years ago, I’ve wondered how humans fended off these pests before chemicals were introduced. Evolutionarily, we shouldn’t need these chemicals to prevent bug bites.

Breakdown of the Health Risks & Environmental Impact of the Top Chemical Insect Repellants Used Today:

Prevention: Repelling Insects Herbally

In my opinion, being preventative and prepared when you go outdoors is one of the best ways to avoid being stung. Thinking about the habitat of these various insects and their food chain hierarchy can also be helpful, especially if you own the land and can make changes to entice natural predators.

Mosquitos

Mosquitos thrive in moist and warm climates, and lay their eggs in stagnant standing water. You can see their larvae sometimes in the bottom of planters, bird baths or puddles. I will dump out these standing water sources, preventing the larvae from maturing. Around my property, I also try to make it more inviting for spiders, bats and dragonflies, which are their natural predators. I’ve also seen others mention that they used a fake dragonfly to successfully repel mosquitos.

Yarrow Leaf

Rubbing yarrow leaves on your exposed skin transfers a small amount of the volatile oils to your skin, and helps repel bugs.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are a popular choice for natural bug repellant these days, and they do work well for that purpose. Though I am phasing out my use of essential oils due to the issues with sustainability, endocrine disruption and some of them being quite irritating to our systems, I still think they work well as insect repellent. Personally, I will probably still end up using them on an occasionally on my clothing or even my skin in diluted amounts while I’m outdoors to repel insects.

Some of the EO’s I have found to work best for repelling insects:

• Cinnamon

• Thyme

• Clove (caution, irritating)

• Citronella

• Lemongrass

• Peppermint

• Lemon

• Eucalyptus

You can add a few drops of each to a spray bottle with some distilled water and spray your clothes and extremities as you leave the house. I leave a bottle by my front door for quick and easy application.

Herbs for Healing Venomous Stings + Bites

Nature provides us with an array of herbs that can offer significant relief and healing for venomous stings and bites. These herbs have been traditionally used for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and venom-neutralizing properties. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective herbs for treating stings and bites, along with their key constituents and practical applications.

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Plantain (Plantago spp.)

Tobacco is a powerful herb traditionally used for its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Nicotine, the active constituent in tobacco, works quickly to reduce pain and inflammation. A simple "spit poultice" made by chewing a small amount of tobacco and applying it directly to the sting can provide fast relief. Plantain, another readily available herb, is known for its drawing properties and can be used similarly to help draw out venom while reducing pain and swelling.

How to Use:

• Chew a small amount of tobacco or plantain leaves.

• Apply the chewed herb directly to the sting site.

• Cover with a fresh plantain leaf to hold the poultice in place.

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Lobelia, sometimes referred to as "Indian Tobacco," contains lobeline, a compound that acts on the respiratory system and can help in cases where breathing is affected by a sting. Lobelia is also known for its bronchodilating and expectorant properties, making it useful in easing lung distress that may accompany severe stings or bites.

How to Use:

• Ingest small amounts of lobelia leaves or tincture as needed.

• Use externally as a poultice on the sting or bite site.

Caution: Lobelia can induce vomiting in large doses and should be used with care.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage, revered in many traditions for its healing properties, is another excellent herb for stings. The astringent nature of sage makes it effective in reducing swelling and inflammation when applied to insect stings. Sage’s essential oils also provide a soothing effect, helping to alleviate pain and irritation.

How to Use:

• Crush fresh sage leaves and apply them directly to the sting.

• Use as a poultice or as part of a compress for larger areas.

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)

Echinacea, AKA ‘purple coneflower’ is well-known for its immune-boosting properties, but it also really good for treating venomous stings and bites. Echinacea contains compounds that protect hyaluronic acid in the body, which is essential for maintaining tissue integrity. In the skin, hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture, helping to keep it hydrated, plump, and smooth, while also providing structure by binding water to maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity. This is particularly important for healing bites from venomous spiders, like the Brown Recluse or Hobo Spider, whose venom breaks down tissues (aka necrosis). Echinacea is a very safe and non-toxic herb that can be used both internally and externally to combat venom and promote healing.

How to Use:

• Take Echinacea tincture or capsules internally.

• Apply Echinacea tincture directly to the affected area or use in a poultice.

Other Useful Herbs

• Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris): This herb is an effective astringent, reducing inflammation and pain when applied to stings.

• Purslane (Portulaca oleracea): Traditionally used for caterpillar stings, Purslane is soothing and anti-inflammatory.

• Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana): Native American remedy, effective as a poultice for insect bites and stings.

Spiders and Snake Bites

For more severe bites, such as those from venomous spiders like the Brown Recluse, or even snake bites, certain herbs can offer support alongside emergency medical care. A "drawing poultice" made from plantain, prickly pear cactus, or clay can help extract venom.

Echinacea is highly recommended for such bites due to its tissue-protective properties mentioned above. Other herbs like Field Bindweed, Sunflower Leaf, and Black Cohosh have also been traditionally used in treating these dangerous bites.

Considerations

As with most herbal remedies, we have little information from modern science and need to rely heavily on traditional and indigenous use. Depending on where you are located, you may not have access to all of the herbs mentioned in this article. I urge you to become familiar with the medicinal plants and traditional uses local to you, not only to keep the historic uses alive, but also so that you always have what you need on-hand.

It’s also worth noting that while these herbs can provide significant relief and are valuable tools in managing stings and bites, it’s important to recognize their limits. In cases of severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, or when dealing with highly venomous bites, immediate medical intervention is essential.

Herbs like Ephedra (AKA ma huang), Lobelia, and caffeine-containing plants can offer some respiratory support, but they are no substitute for an EpiPen or other emergency medical treatments. Many of them do not work fast enough to provide the kind of relief needed for anaphylaxis. Always be prepared to seek professional help when needed.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article! Let me know if you learned anything new in the comments.

Sources:

Toxicological Profile for DEET (N,N-DIETHYL-META-TOLUAMIDE). Atlanta (GA): Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (US); 2017 Aug. 3, HEALTH EFFECTS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592096/

National Research Council (US) Subcommittee to Review Permethrin Toxicity from Military Uniforms. Health Effects of Permethrin-Impregnated Army Battle-Dress Uniforms. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1994. 4 Acute and Short-Term Toxicity of Permethrin. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK231556/

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