Natural Bug Bite Relief: 7 Herbal Ingredients That Help Soothe Summer Skin
Summer is full of fun adventures.
Mornings in the garden.
Camping trips beneath the stars.
Backyard barbecues.
Mountain hikes.
Evening walks.
Unfortunately, it’s also the season of itchy mosquito bites, rough gardening hands, sun-stressed skin, and all the little irritations that come from spending more time outdoors.
While bug spray can help prevent bites, what do you do once the itching starts?
For generations, herbalists have turned to plants to help comfort irritated skin after insect bites and outdoor adventures. Today, many of those same botanicals continue to be used in skincare because of their soothing and skin-supportive properties.
Let’s explore seven of our Grounded Sage favorites for bug bite relief.
1. Calendula
If you have used any Grounded Sage products before, you know we LOVE this plant.
Calendula has been used in traditional herbalism for centuries. Its bright orange flowers contain naturally occurring compounds that help comfort irritated skin while supporting the skin’s natural recovery process.
Calendula is especially loved for: Redness relief, dry skin patches, minor skin irritations, and weather-stressed skin.
2. Chickweed
Chickweed may be one of herbalism’s best-kept secrets.
Traditionally, it has been used to calm: itchy skin, bug bites, rashes, and irritated patches from allergies or inflammation.
It’s one of our favorite botanicals for summer skincare.
3. Lemon Balm (Melissa)
Lemon balm is more than a wonderfully fresh citrusy herb.
Historically, it has been used to provide cooling comfort for reactive skin.
Many herbalists recommend lemon balm preparations after:
- mosquito bites
- itchy skin
- outdoor irritation
4. Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is one of the most researched ingredients for dry, itchy skin.
It helps support the skin barrier while soothing visible dryness and discomfort.
It’s a wonderful choice after spending long hours outdoors.
5. Menthol
Sometimes the fastest relief comes from simply cooling the skin.
Menthol creates an immediate cooling sensation that temporarily helps relieve feelings of itchiness while leaving skin feeling refreshed.
Perfect after a day in the garden or around the campfire.
6. Stinging Nettle
Ironically, the plant that stings you can also help comfort irritated skin afterward. Stinging nettle is rich in naturally occurring minerals and plant compounds traditionally used to support stressed skin. See our IG post all about this magical plant!
7. Red Raspberry Seed
Summer means increased exposure to environmental stressors.
Red raspberry seed extract is naturally rich in antioxidants that help support healthy-looking skin while nourishing the skin barrier.
Summer Skin Needs More Than Bug Spray
Prevention is wonderful. But even with the best bug spray, mosquito bites happen. Having products that comfort your skin afterward can make a huge the difference. Forget irritation and long lasting scars from mosquito bite scabs- yikes! Calm your skin naturally instead.
Introducing Our Summer Rescue Kit
That’s exactly why we created our limited-edition Summer Rescue Kit.
Instead of reaching for multiple products to do the job, we’ve paired two botanical favorites together in one seasonal bundle.
🍋 Lemon Balm & Mint Handmade Soap
Made with:
- Lemon Balm
- Menthol
- Colloidal Oatmeal
- Turmeric
- Zinc Oxide
- Organic Plant Oils
To gently cleanse the irritated skin
🌼 Travel-Size Calendula Balm
Packed with:
- Calendula
- Chickweed
- Stinging Nettle
- Camelina
- Red Raspberry Seed
- Vitamin E
To help nourish + protect skin from endless itch and inflammation post cleanse.
We can’t promise the mosquitoes will leave you alone…But we can help your skin feel a little more comfortable afterward. 😉
🌿 Shop the Summer Rescue Kit while this seasonal bundle is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What helps soothe mosquito bites naturally?
Many people use botanicals like calendula, chickweed, lemon balm, colloidal oatmeal, and menthol to help comfort itchy, irritated skin after bug bites.
What should I pack for camping skincare?
A gentle cleanser, nourishing balm, sunscreen, and insect repellent are great essentials for keeping skin comfortable during outdoor adventures.
Can gardeners benefit from herbal skincare?
Yes. Gardening can leave skin dry, rough, and exposed to dirt, plants, and insects. Gentle cleansers and botanical balms can help support skin after a day outdoors.
