If you are looking for a potent solution that saves you from pesky mosquito bites, then you must try a mix of olive oil and aloe vera. We are not saying for the sake of it – we have research to back out our claim!
Check out the plant mosquitoes hate the most here
Olive Oil and Aloe Vera – A Potent Combo for Mosquito Bite
In a study by the Department of Zoology, University of Science and Technology, Pakistan, about 6 volunteers were included in an experiment where a mixture of olive oil and aloe vera gel was massaged on the naked area of the body of 3 volunteers, and nothing was applied on the remaining 3. Then, they spent a night in the backyard of a house to check the incidence of mosquito attacks. Volunteers, who didn’t apply the mixture, reported mosquito bites at night.
Aloe vera gel and olive oil have a mosquito repellent property when mixed. The lotion can be prepared with different concentrations as per skin sensitivity.
How Aloe Vera is Effective Against Mosquito Bites?
Aloe vera is popular for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and can treat irritation caused by mosquito bites. However, when applied in excess, it may cause redness, burning, and stinging sensation. It is always recommended to do a patch test on a small area of skin.
How Olive Oil is Effective Against Mosquito Bites?
As per the study done at the Department of Dermatology, Taiwan, more than 200 different chemical compounds have been detected in olive oil, including sterols, carotenoids, triterpenic alcohols, and phenolic compounds.
Olive oil is also potent in calming the itch caused by mosquito bites as it has oleocanthal, which emits the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes that help relieve inflammation and pain.
Hydrophilic phenols are the most abundant antioxidants of olive oil. The phenolic contents have antioxidant properties higher than those of vitamin E. In fact, these phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity exhibit anti-inflammatory properties when olive oil is included in a regular diet or applied to the skin.
Preparing the Solution
Preparing this anti-mosquito lotion is fairly easy.
- Take a fresh, clean aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel from it.
- In a bowl, add 200 ml virgin olive oil and mix aloe vera gel to make a smooth paste.
- Apply it to the exposed areas of the body to save yourself from mosquito bites!
As one’s skin can be allergic to Aloe vera gel, it is recommended that you do a skin patch test before applying it to the entire hand or land. Olive oil has skin smoothening properties and keeps it moisturized.
Check out the symptoms of a sunburnt aloe vera and the solutions here!
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