So, it isn’t quite spring when the mosquitoes come out. However with the warmer weather, I thought that I saw one! That made me think of plants you can use on bug bites.  I’ve already covered plants that you can use as insect repellents. Here are 9 plants you can use to help relieve bug bites.

Plants to help with bug bites

There are several ways that you could use most of these plants. I’m going to detail different ways to use them before I list out the plants. Then with each plant I will list out the ways they can be used for bug bites.

Spit poultice – Spit poultices are great for when you’re on the go and you don’t have something with you already. How to make: Take the leaf or flower, chew it up to get the juices coming out and put it on the bug bite.

Poultice – If you want to mix a couple of plants together, this is a great option (or if the thought of using your spit makes your skin crawl). Making a poultice generally involves a mortar and pestle, but you can use two rocks in a pinch. Crush the leaves until there is enough juice to gather up and put on the bug bite. If the plant has very little moisture, you can add a little oil such as olive oil to help get the properties out – but just a little otherwise you’ll dilute what makes the plant work.

Herbal infusion – This works well if you only have dried plants, as does the following way. It’s also great for if you have a larger affected area. I detailed how to make an herbal infusion in this article. The down and dirty of it is: boil water, pour over the herbs, cover, steep for 10-15 minutes, let cool. Soak a towel in the herbal infusion then cover the bug bites.

Oil/Balm – Here’s how to infuse oils, and here’s how to make a balm. Again, this process is excellent if you only have dried herbs. It’s also helpful for larger affected areas. If you don’t have time for one, I offer a couple of different ones in my store.

Those that grow naturally in Alaska

Plantain – Plantain grows everywhere and is excellent to make a spit poultice out of. As it’s one of the most available, it’s one of my favorites to use on bug bites.
Ways to use: All

Pyrola – Pyrola has several different species and all are reported to be useful for bug bites. Ways to use: All, but I have found spit poultice and poultice to be the most effective. (See the balm here)

Mountain Sorrel – Ways to use: All

Jewelweed –  Ways to use: All

Chiming Bell leaves – Ways to use: All

Fireweed leaves – Ways to use: Herbal Infusion is reportedly the best way to use the leaves.You can make a spit poultice but it’s not as effective.

Goldenrod – Ways to use: All

Alder Leaves – Ways to use: Poultice, Herbal infusion, Oil/Balm. I don’t recommend using a spit poultice as it will be EXTREMELY bitter.

Wild Onion Flowers – Ways to use: All

Poplar Bud – Ways to use: oil/balm. Due to the sticky nature of the buds, it’s best to use as an oil or balm. Plus by the time you need it, the buds have turned into leaves. (see the balm here)

Plants you can grow yourself in Alaska

Comfrey – Ways to use: Poultice, Herbal infusion, Oil/Balm. Due to the comfrey having possible negative effects on your liver, I would avoid using comfrey in a spit poultice.

Peppermint – Ways to use: All and you can also use it in essential oil form.

Calendula – Ways to use: All

Now you’re all ready for summer time!