First of all, basil will relieve bites since it contains camphor. Rub the leaves directly on the affected parts of the body—this will prevent itching and have a cooling effect. We also have natural acids such as lemon, whose juice can be extracted and used to soak a cotton pad before applying it to the bites.
In addition, there are lemon-based creams to fight itching. The hadiths mention vinegar, which is effective thanks to its acidity. It is also possible to apply an ice cube to the skin, which will also reduce swelling. Aloe vera, for its part, soothes and disinfects. If it happens that one does not have access to these remedies, toothpaste can be applied instead, as it has the same soothing and calming effect as aloe vera-based creams.
What the science says: parasites and bites, natural skin care
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context only — these studies look at material causes; healing belongs to Allah.
Parasites and bites
Repellent essential oils (citronella, lemon eucalyptus, geranium) have been the subject of reviews on mosquitoes (Planta Med, 2011) (J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2025); against lice, physical treatments (fine-tooth comb, occlusive oils) are preferred over insecticides; against intestinal worms, garlic, pumpkin seeds and hand hygiene go alongside the dewormer. Precaution: a bite that swells significantly, a fever after travel, or an infestation that persists requires a doctor; diluted essential oils, not for young children.
Natural skin care
Aloe vera promotes healing and soothes the skin according to a review of clinical trials (Iran J Med Sci, 2019) (Plast Reconstr Surg, 2018); in eczema, daily moisturizing with emollients is the foundation of treatment (Int J Dermatol, 2025) and the skin microbiome plays a central role (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 2023). Olive oil, black seed oil, honey and shea butter are the emollients of tradition. Precaution: test any new product on a small area for 24 hours; a lesion that spreads, oozes or becomes infected calls for a doctor.
