It’s getting to be that time of year when the pesky bugs will be bothering us. Now is the perfect time to infuse some lavender to make bug bite sticks. These are made in lip balm tubes so they’re extremely portable, making them perfect to take along on picnics, hikes and camping.
Lavender is antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, helps to regenerate skin, soothes inflammation, speeds up wound healing, fights infection, repels flies, fleas and moths. Dab on bee stings, bug bites and other itchy spots as needed.
You could purchase bug bite anti-itch ointments or sprays but they are not very convenient to carry with you and they are most likely to be filled with questionable ingredients you would never put on your skin, let alone on an open wound.
This is an easy and quick recipe that will keep you and your family supplied with natural, herbal bug bite sticks for all your outdoor activities this spring and summer.
Lavender Bug Bite Stick
This is a 2 part process, first you will make an infused lavender oil then you will make the bite stick.
Ingredients for the infused oil
- 1/2 cup sunflower oil or olive oil
- 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
- Small glass jar (such as a pint Mason jar)
- Large 4 cup glass measuring cup
- Rubber band
- Double boiler
- Cheesecloth
Directions for a heat infused oil
- Use a double boiler or makeshift double boiler, combine the oil and dried lavender flowers in a heatproof jar.
- Place the pan over a very low burner to start infusing the oil. Leave on the burner for 60 – 90 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Monitor the temperature of your oil and keep it between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep an eye on the water level in the boiler, making sure it doesn’t evaporate. Keep the water level at 1/4 full.
- When the infusion time is up, line a wire strainer with a few layers of cheesecloth, or place the cloth over a large measuring cup securing it with a rubber band.
- If using a wire strainer, strain your infused oil into a large bowl.
- Pour the oil and herb into the measuring cup or strainer and decant the mixture.
- With clean, dry hands, gather the cloth up and squeeze strongly, squeezing as much oil from the herb as possible.
- Compost the herb.
- Label, and store in a cool, dark location.
- The infused oil will keep for at least 1 year if not longer.
Ingredients for the bug bite stick
- 3 TBS infused lavender oil
- 2 TBS beeswax pastilles
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4-5 lip balm containers
- Small jar
Directions for the bug bite stick
- In a heatproof jar or container, combine the lavender infused oil with the beeswax.
- Set the jar down into a saucepan containing 1 to 2 inches of water, forming a makeshift double boiler.
- Place the pan over a medium-low burner until the wax is melted. Stir occasionally until combined.
- Let cool slightly then stir in the lavender essential oil and pour into lip balm tubes.
- Allow the tubes to harden, cap and label each tube.
To use: Apply as needed to soothe itchy bug bites. Keep the bug stick away from direct sunlight as it may melt and store in a cool place.
Here is a post I wrote describing how to make an infused oil using a different method. This is the cold infusion method that takes 4-6 weeks to infuse.
Lavender is a well loved and a very gentle herb that helps aid in soothing itchiness and discomfort that a minor bug bite may cause. It also acts as a very mild insect repellent, helping to reduce the chance of new bites.
I hope you enjoy making these natural bug bite sticks as much as I did, they are a much better alternative to the chemical laden bug sticks found in stores.
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