The fragrant basil plant is a key ingredient of many of your favorite Italian recipes, and it does double duty as a mosquito bite remedy. Studies suggest that this common herb contains chemical compounds, like eugenol, that could relieve itchy skin.
To make a basil rub, boil two cups of water and add half an ounce of dried basil leaves. Leave the mixture to steep until it is cool. Then dip a washcloth into it and rub it gently on your mosquito bites. Alternately, just chop some fresh basil leaves up until very fine, and rub them on to your skin.
Of course, the best way to get rid of mosquito bite irritation is to not get bitten at all! Keep in mind that these insects are more active in the evening and at night. If you want to enjoy a summer evening outdoors but are scared of being bit, cover your skin and stay away from standing water to reduce the chance of getting bit.
Do not let bugs ruin your summer spending time outside with family and friends. Stop the bites and, if you are bit, quickly stop the swelling and itching with a safe, cost-efficient homemade remedy.