5 Natural Solutions to Relieve Itching

To scratch or not to scratch—that is the dilemma. When faced with an itch, most of us abandon self-control and scratch relentlessly. While this may offer temporary relief, excessive scratching can damage your skin. Breaking the skin can also increase the risk of infection.

Itching, or pruritus in medical terms, occurs when irritants affect a part of our skin. With the average adult having 20 square feet (2 square meters) of skin, there’s plenty of surface area for potential irritants. An itch acts as a natural defense mechanism, signaling the body about an external irritant. Scratching is the typical response, but it can trigger a relentless "itch-scratch" cycle, where each action perpetuates the other.

An itch can vary from a minor annoyance to a severe, sleep-disrupting ordeal. Itching can result from numerous causes, such as allergic reactions, sunburns, insect bites, poison ivy, exposure to chemicals, soaps, and detergents, medications, dry climates, skin infections, and even the natural aging process. However, more severe itching linked to conditions like psoriasis or other illnesses is not addressed here.

Scratching isn't the sole remedy for an itch. Your kitchen pantry offers several alternatives. Turn to the next page to explore simple, effective solutions.

1: Baking Soda and Oatmeal Baths

Baking soda is a versatile remedy for all types of itches. For widespread or hard-to-reach areas, take a baking soda bath by adding 1 cup of baking soda to a tub of warm water. Soak for 30 to 60 minutes, then air dry. For localized itches, create a paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Apply it to the affected area, but avoid using it on broken skin.

Alternatively, mix 1 to 2 cups of finely ground oatmeal into a warm bath (avoid hot water to prevent a messy cleanup) to soothe itching.

2: Lemon

Many traditional American remedies recommend using lemon to alleviate itchy skin, and for good reason. The aromatic compounds in lemons possess anesthetic and anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help soothe itching. Plus, you’ll enjoy a refreshing scent. Apply pure lemon juice directly to the itchy area and let it dry.

3: Juniper Berries

Native American tribes like the Paiute, Shoshone, and Cherokee were experts in stopping itches naturally. They relied on juniper berries, which are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. (You don’t need to forage for them—juniper berries are available in many grocery stores.) When combined with cloves, which contain eugenol to numb nerve endings, they create a powerful itch-relieving remedy.

To prepare a salve, melt 3 ounces of unsalted butter in a saucepan. In another pan, melt about 2 tablespoons of beeswax. Combine the melted beeswax and butter, stirring thoroughly. Add 5 tablespoons of ground juniper berries and 3 teaspoons of ground cloves to the mixture, then stir well. Let it cool before applying to itchy skin. Tip: Grind the spices at home to preserve their potent volatile compounds.

4: Herbs

Basil. Use basil tea to soothe your skin. Basil is rich in eugenol, a natural anesthetic similar to cloves. To prepare, steep 1/2 ounce of dried basil leaves in a pint of boiling water. Cover the jar to retain the eugenol’s aroma. Once cooled, soak a clean cloth in the tea and apply it to the itchy area as needed.

Mint. If you’d rather save basil for cooking, mint tea is an excellent alternative. In Chinese folk medicine, mint is prized for treating itchy skin and hives. Its high menthol content provides anesthetic and anti-inflammatory benefits, while rosmarinic acid helps reduce inflammation. To make the rinse, steep 1 ounce of dried mint leaves in a pint of boiling water. Cover, let it cool, strain, and apply with a clean cloth to the affected area.

Thyme. If mint is reserved for other uses, thyme is another effective herb for itch relief. Thyme contains thymol, a compound with anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothes itching and reduces irritation. To prepare, steep 1/2 ounce of dried thyme leaves in a pint of boiling water. Cover, cool, strain, and apply with a cloth. For added benefit, Chinese folk medicine suggests adding 1 ounce of dried dandelion root to the mixture during the right season.

5: Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is renowned for treating burns, but it’s also effective for itches. The same properties that alleviate blistering and inflammation in burns can also soothe itching. Simply break off a leaf, cut it open, and apply the gel directly to the affected area.

Additional Tips and Precautions

To learn more about common conditions linked to itching and additional home remedy suggestions, check out the next page.