Summer time and the livin’ is……..ITCHY!

If you have walked through grass longer than ankle deep then my bets are that you have experienced the diabolical chiggers!! This year has been deemed one of the worst in 30 years. 

The itch that comes with a chigger bite is enough to drive a person crazy. These no-see ‘ums are invisible little devils that bite and burrow into your skin in the MOST sensitive areas. I have a few friends who have never had chiggers, and I say "had" like I would say had chicken pox, because that’s essentially what it looks like and feels like. You will never have just one chigger bite. They swarm your ankles, armpits, and your nether regions. Although I am saying bite, chiggers don’t actually bite you or burrow into your skin like many believe. They use their mouths to “drill” tiny holes into your skin and secrete enzymes that break down our skin cells. So basically little aliens are spitting on us after they drill holes in our skin. 

All of this to say, there ARE natural alternatives to bug sprays that are filled with awful chemicals. If you like to use oils, Young Living always gets my vote. Remember, all oils are not created equal and just because they tote the organic signage, does not make it so. It is so important to do your research on any brand of oil you use. 

If this information finds you on the other side, meaning you have been bitten, fear not! There are also natural ways to ease the incessant itching. First things first, if you know you have been in an area that has chiggers, take a hot shower and wash off. Use baking soda or epsom salt to scrub the skin. Then you can use lavender, tea tree, and purification on the areas affected. If you are not sure about applying an oil directly to your skin, use a carrier oil. Jojoba is a good one to keep around. 

There are a lot of recipes out there, don’t be afraid to try a few things to see what works well for you. As a side note, peppermint is a fantastically refreshing and cooling oil. That is why I like to add it to my sprays. As always, feel free to leave a comment about what has worked or ask any questions if you need some advice! 

I hope the rest of your summer is amazing. Soak up the sun and the time with your kiddos before school starts up again in just a few short weeks.