• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Wellness Mama script logo

Wellness Mama®

Simple Answers for Healthier Families

  • About
  • Favorites
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Health
  • Natural Home
  • Motherhood
  • Mindset
  • Natural Remedies
  • Beauty
  • Organization
  • Travel
  • Reviews
  • Recipes
DIY anti-itch spray
  • Natural Remedies

Homemade Cooling Anti-Itch Spray

Katie WellsJun 27, 2018Updated: Jul 30, 2019
Reading Time: 3 min

This post contains affiliate links.
Click here to read my affiliate policy.

Jump to Recipe
Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Homemade Cooling Anti-Itch Spray
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Homemade Anti-Itch Spray
  • Cooling Anti-Itch Spray Recipe+−
    • Use & Storage
  • Other Natural Remedies for Itchy Skin

Oh summer… how I love thee. With an abundance of fresh veggies at the farmer’s market (not to mention fresh peaches for cobbler) and lots of fun activities to do as a family, summer is almost perfect…

Except for the mosquitoes… or the occasional poison ivy… or an itchy peeling sunburn!

Of course, homemade bug spray helps ward off most of the mosquitoes, and homemade sunscreen helps avoid the sunburn in the first place. Still, it seems that at some point someone forgets one or the other and ends up with itchy, irritated skin.

I always seem to be a magnet for mosquitoes, so even just a couple minutes of cutting the boys’ hair outside or taking out the trash is usually enough to leave me with a few bites.

The solution?

Homemade Anti-Itch Spray

This anti-itch spray contains a mixture of potent natural remedies that help eliminate itch immediately. I’ve tried it on mosquito bites, poison ivy, sunburn, chigger bites, and even stinging nettle burns with good results.

The secret ingredient is menthol crystals. I use these potent natural crystals in my pain relief lotion bars and my soothing shower melts for cold relief. Menthol is naturally cooling and soothing and is often used in salves, balms, mouthwashes, liniments, lozenges, and other remedies.

I make this in a 4-ounce spray bottle, but you could easily double the recipe or cut in half to fit your container size.

DIY anti-itch spray

Cooling Anti-Itch Spray Recipe

Katie Wells
This simple Anti-Itch Spray uses witch hazel, aloe vera gel, sea salt, menthol crystals, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils to stop the itch.
4.60 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 10 mins

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup witch hazel
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp menthol crystals
  • 2 TBSP aloe vera gel
  • 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar (or additional aloe)
  • 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
  • 5 drops calendula essential oil (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, heat the witch hazel over low heat until warm to the touch (about 130 degrees).
  • Add the salt and stir until dissolved.
  • Using tweezers or gloves, add the menthol crystals to the witch hazel and stir until dissolved. Avoid touching menthol with your hands, as it can sting eyes or other sensitive areas if you touch them afterward.
  • When the menthol is dissolved set the mixture aside to cool.
  • When it is cool, add the aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils if using.
  • Carefully transfer the mixture to a spray bottle for use.

Notes

To use, spray and let dry on itchy skin. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Use & Storage

Spray and let dry on itchy skin as needed. This will store for months at room temperature, but I prefer to keep in the refrigerator for extra cooling of itchy skin.

Note: The essential oils can be left out for use on pregnant women or children, but I’d still recommend checking with a doctor before using if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.

Other Natural Remedies for Itchy Skin

If you don’t have all the ingredients for this anti-itch spray on hand when itchy skin strikes, there are some simple natural methods to try:

  • Apply a paste of bentonite clay and water to treat itchy skin. I also use bentonite clay in my anti-itch cream (use it like calamine lotion).
  • Crush peppermint leaves and rub them on bug bites for a natural menthol effect.
  • Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda and water for a soothing paste.
  • The Native Americans used jewelweed for its skin-soothing properties. If you don’t feel like playing naturalist and foraging for it (thus getting more poison ivy), you can buy an herbal jewelweed salve.

While the spray is my first choice when it comes to soothing an itchy bug bite, I have also been introduced to the Bug Bite Thing. Simply put the device on the bug bite itself and pull up to suction up the irritants!

Ever struggled with itchy skin? What worked for you?

Homemade anti-itch spray recipe

Category: Natural Remedies

Share this article

FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn
Print / PDF / Email

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

  • All Posts

You may also enjoy these posts…

Homemade Anti-Itch Cream - Like Calamine Lotion

Homemade Anti-Itch Cream (Like Calamine Lotion)

DIY Cooling Spray

Essential Oil Cooling Spray for Summer

How to make natural bug spray in about five minutes

All-Natural Homemade Bug Spray Recipes That Work!

DIY Sea Spray for Healthy Skin

Sea Salt Spray for Healthy Skin

Homemade Sleepytime Foot Spray

Sleepy Time Foot Spray Tutorial

Radish cream cheese dip recipe

Radish Cream Cheese Dip (Cool & Zesty!)

Reader Interactions

Discussion (43 Comments)

  1. Kathi

    July 6, 2015 at 2:02 PM

    Thanks everybody for the poison suggestions but my problem is I didn’t know I was in it (since I bought mulch). I’m highly allergic to it so I know exactly what each plant looks like and I’m careful to stay away . But I’ve still never found a good solution once I have it. It just keeps spreading on me like wildfire and everything I’ve ever purchased doesn’t seem to do any good. Suggestions from drug stores, doctor’s offices, holistic physicians, homeopathic remedies, old-wives remedies and on and on. None of them gives me much relief. I’ve just learned my lesson – no more mulching flower beds anymore.

    Reply
  2. Carol

    July 5, 2015 at 12:01 PM

    To Kathi:
    Sounds like they ‘mulched’ up a bunch of poison oak/ivy/sumac! How horrible!
    Wonder if you could go back to them and get them to admit where they got the plants from?
    Anyway, I really feel for your pain and itchiness!
    Unfortunately for me, the only thing that seems to get rid of poison oak is antibiotics, those HORRIBLE things!!! I HATE using anti’s, but in your circumstances, MY choice would be to use them. I have tried MANY things, but none seem to rid it fast enough….usually two to three WEEKS of suffering.
    A local made product here in Oregon is Tecnu, available at most all stores…there is a wash and cream which I have used with some success…mostly herbal ingredients

    Reply
    • Jody

      July 5, 2015 at 5:09 PM

      In reference to itchiness from poison oak and ivy…..
      My son is a hiker and has had is share of run-ins with poison oak and ivy, and he says the best thing to put on it right away is mud. Go down to the creek (if you’re near one) and get some mud and pack it on the itchy skin. It takes away the oils that are secreted from the plants. I’m wondering if using bentonite and water to make a mud would work too?

      Reply
    • Angie

      July 6, 2015 at 10:08 PM

      You might try thyme as its a natural antibiotic. Boil water and pour over a sprig of thyme in a coffee mug, steep 3-5 minutes, remove thyme and drink. You can use a bit of organic honey to sweeten to taste.

      Reply
  3. Diana

    July 5, 2015 at 9:32 AM

    The Calendula Essential Oil link does not exist. Not sure Mountain Rose even sells it. I searched for it on their website.

    Reply
  4. Tanya Skinner

    July 3, 2015 at 8:37 AM

    I do not see Calendula essential oil as an option on MRH website? Would it be under another name? Thanks!!!

    Reply
  5. Lori

    July 2, 2015 at 11:38 PM

    Just curious, Katie, which one lasts longer and works the best against mosquitoes? This recipe or the one you wrote about that’s like calamine lotion?

    thanks again,
    Lori

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      July 6, 2015 at 8:57 PM

      Honestly, I think that it might vary from person to person. I would be inclined to try to the calamine, but this one might be better for you.

      Reply
  6. Lori

    July 2, 2015 at 11:35 PM

    Thanks Katie! I’m always every mosquitoe’s favorite person too and can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
  7. Kathi

    July 2, 2015 at 7:20 PM

    I am having a horrible 2015 this year because of a truckload of mulch I got to “dress up” my mother’s flower beds at her house. It’s now 9 weeks later and I’m still overrun with poison. I’m told it’s systemic in my system now. Clear up a large batch in several places and it starts all over again several other places on the body. I’m ordering the menthol crystals now to make this- hope it helps. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Kate

      July 6, 2015 at 4:19 PM

      I know, I know, you’re sick of advice for systemic poisons. I have more than 20 years of experience with Gulf War Syndrome. The most major relief I’ve gotten is from stinging nettles (Uritica dioica). Crazy, right? That ubiquitous plant that grows on the edges of woods with tiny little stingers that gives you a terrible rash if you walk through it. If you dry those pesky leaves and make a delicately tasting tea out of them and drink it, it helps clear your skin. (About 1 TBS of dried leaves to 8 oz of boiling water, steep for a few minutes). Once my tea is made I use the warm wet leaves and slather them on any problem areas of skin. You can get a delicious high dose of stinging nettles if you drink some liquid chlorophyl. Just kidding, it’s not delicious, it tastes rather like pond scum, get the mint flavored one, it’s much better. I make an wonderful anti-itch balm the main ingredient is olive oil infused for two weeks with dried stinging nettles.

      Reply
  8. Amanda Johnson

    July 2, 2015 at 6:19 PM

    Would Calendula hydrosol work in place of the EO?

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      July 8, 2015 at 8:57 PM

      Yes

      Reply
  9. Patti B.

    July 2, 2015 at 5:17 PM

    Hi there Is there an alternative to using the menthol crystals? I am allergic to menthol. Thank you

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      July 6, 2015 at 9:02 PM

      They are the main active ingredient. This may not be the best recipe for you, but you could try experimenting for alternatives…

      Reply
      • Patti B.

        July 7, 2015 at 12:30 PM

        Thank you! I did see your reply on Facebook! I will try the peppermint or eucalyptus oil. Strangely, I’m not allergic to the therapeutic grade of of either of these oils but when they are ingredients in other things, I am. Maybe that would be true for the menthol crystals as well. Thank you again!

        Reply
  10. Lisa

    July 2, 2015 at 5:09 PM

    Last night I came out of denial as to why my skin itches. Coconut oil! This stuff is drying out my skin and making it HURT so bad. It seems like everyone in Western Civilization touts what a good moisturizer CO is. A found a blog with many comments of others sharing how CO has almost ruined their skin. Truly – I share this to liberate those who don’t understand why they itch so much – it could be the coconut oil if you use it as moisturizer. For some of us it really, really dries our skin. Not saying it’s like this for everyone.

    Reply
    • meghan

      July 5, 2015 at 7:27 AM

      Using any oil over dry skin will create a barrier that locks moisture OUT, making skin even drier. But if you put oil on top of wet skin (or better yet, make a cream of oil + water), moisture will be locked in. Hope that helps.

      Reply
      • Lisa

        July 6, 2015 at 1:52 PM

        Yes. I know this. But with coconut oil this understanding is not applicable for my skin. I did use it with water already on my skin and I also combined it with shea butter – and still it dried me out bad. I would use coconut oil to wash my face – lots o’ water – and put my Weleda moisturizer on afterward and the next day the skin on my face would be a dried out sponge. It is not a universally effective moisturizer for all and that makes sense.

        Reply
        • Haren

          July 7, 2015 at 6:28 AM

          It’s not for everybody. It’s like when people tell me to deep condition pre shampoo with organic virgin coconut oil and how soft it leaves hair but I have done this and it actually doesn’t help my hair at all. It feels as if it leaves it dry and fragile. So it works for them but not for me. The same thing seems to go for you. Coconut oil is not your friend. There are other oils out there so maybe you can find something else to use that your body will like better. Good luck. New natural products are complicated to perfect for your needs but you might be able to get it just right eventually.

          Reply
          • Lisa

            July 7, 2015 at 2:06 PM

            Not wanting to be off topic again as far as thread etiquette goes … but thank you for your support. I found online that I am not alone. I will keep eating CO. I have ordered me some avocado oil and will see how that goes. From what I read, people love it for their hair and scalp. 😉

    • Heather

      June 18, 2016 at 3:59 AM

      Coconut oil has been a life saver for me!!

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Join the Conversation... Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Please read the comment policy.

Recipe Rating




The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service, Full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, and Comment Policy. Content may not be reproduced in any form. Ads provided by CafeMedia Family & Parenting Network. Displayed ads do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Wellness Mama.


Content

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Favorites
  • Wellnesse

Support

  • Newsletter
  • Podcast Application
  • Medical Review Board
  • My Books
  • Sitemap
  • Contact

Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Full Disclaimer
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Promo Guidelines
  • Comment Policy

Join the
Wellness Mama Tribe!


Copyright © 2023 · Wellness Mama® · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding