Essential Oils To Help With Itching

Essential Oils To Help With Itching

Essential Oils for Itching and Itchy Skin

Essential oils for itching and itchy skin include Frankincense, Myrrh, Tea Tree, German Blue Chamomile, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Oregano. Depending on the oil and the cause of the irritation, properly diluted essential oils can be incorporated into topical aromatherapy routines for cooling, soothing and comforting itchy or dry-feeling skin.

Essential oils should generally be diluted in a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. Fractionated coconut oil, jojoba and sweet almond oil are useful carrier choices. If itching is associated with an insect bite, a cooling or soothing aromatic preparation may also provide temporary comfort.

Persistent, severe or unexplained itching can have many causes, including allergies, medications, skin conditions and underlying health problems. Aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for appropriate medical evaluation.

The essential oils mentioned in this article can be purchased at the end of this page for convenient shopping.

Best Essential Oils for Itching and Itchy Skin

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil has a warm, resinous aroma and a long history of use in aromatic and skin-care preparations. It can be incorporated into a diluted topical blend for dry, uncomfortable or itchy-feeling skin.

For a simple application, dilute frankincense in a gentle carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil and massage a small amount into the affected area. Frankincense is also frequently incorporated into skin-care routines for dry skin and mature skin.

For convenient topical application, BioSource Naturals also offers a Frankincense Essential Oil Roll-On pre-diluted in sweet almond oil.

Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh essential oil has been valued for centuries in aromatic, ceremonial and skin-care preparations. Its rich, earthy aroma makes it especially appealing in blends intended for dry, chapped or uncomfortable-feeling skin.

Myrrh also blends beautifully with frankincense. For a ready-made combination, consider Frankincense-Myrrh Massage Oil, which provides the oils in a moisturizing massage base.

Do not use myrrh essential oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding without guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree essential oil is one of the most familiar essential oils used in natural skin-care routines. Its fresh, medicinal aroma makes it popular in preparations for oily, irritated or blemish-prone skin.

Tea tree is also commonly incorporated into routines for acne and dandruff.

For itchy-feeling skin, add a small amount of tea tree essential oil to an appropriate carrier oil or unscented skin-care base before topical application.

German Blue Chamomile Essential Oil

German Blue Chamomile essential oil is especially well suited to soothing skin-care preparations. It is commonly used in cosmetic formulations designed for dry, sensitive or irritated-feeling skin.

It can also be incorporated into properly diluted topical preparations after minor insect bites.

Dilute a small amount of German Blue Chamomile in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil contains a high concentration of aromatic constituents including carvacrol. However, oregano is a particularly potent “hot” essential oil and can itself irritate sensitive skin.

For that reason, oregano should be used cautiously and at a low dilution rather than being considered a first choice for already irritated skin. Do not apply it undiluted. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding and use additional caution with children.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil produces a distinctive cooling sensation on the skin and may be useful when temporary cooling comfort is desired after minor insect bites or other minor skin irritation.

Peppermint is potent, so use only a small amount and dilute it thoroughly in a carrier oil. Avoid the face and eye area, and follow appropriate age and safety precautions.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil has a fresh, penetrating aroma and can be incorporated into diluted topical aromatherapy preparations.

For dry or itchy-feeling skin, dilute eucalyptus in a moisturizing carrier such as jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil.

Follow appropriate safety precautions for children and people with health conditions when using eucalyptus essential oil.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has a bright citrus-herbal aroma and contains aromatic constituents including citral.

Like oregano, however, lemongrass can be irritating to sensitive skin and requires careful dilution. It should not be applied undiluted or used on already highly irritated or damaged skin. Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without professional guidance.

Dry Skin Essential Oil Blend

If itching accompanies very dry-feeling skin, Dry Skin Essential Oil Blend offers a ready-made topical option.

The blend combines Palmarosa, Rosemary, Rose, Sandalwood, Clary Sage and Jasmine Absolute in a fractionated coconut carrier-oil base.

The Dry Skin Essential Oil Blend Roll-On is pre-diluted in sweet almond oil for convenient topical application.

How to Use Essential Oils for Itchy Skin

For topical use, essential oils should generally be diluted before application. A carrier oil can both dilute the essential oil and provide additional emollient support for dry-feeling skin.

Before applying a new essential oil preparation more broadly, test a small amount on a limited area of skin. Discontinue use if burning, increased redness, swelling or irritation occurs.

Avoid applying essential oils to the eyes, mucous membranes, broken skin or severely irritated areas. Some essential oils require additional precautions for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, medications or particular health conditions.

If itching is severe, widespread, persistent, accompanied by swelling or difficulty breathing, or has no obvious cause, seek appropriate medical care.

Related Articles

Continue exploring natural skin-care and aromatherapy topics:

• Essential Oils for Insect Bites
• DIY Bug Repellent & Bug Bite Itch Relief Recipes
• Must Have Essential Oils for First Aid
• Essential Oils for External Hemorrhoids

Note: Always dilute essential oils appropriately for direct skin contact and follow the safety guidance for each individual essential oil.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.