Home Remedies for Scabies: 7 Natural Recipes

Updated in July 2023

Home remedies for scabies, like taking a bath in chamomile tea, massaging the skin with olive oil, or applying a rue compress on the skin, generally contain soothing, hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. They help to relieve itching and irritation that is characteristic of scabies. 

Home remedies should not replace scabies treatment prescribed by your doctor, however. They can be used to complement prescribed treatment and speed-up recovery. 

In addition to medical treatment and home remedies, you should also consider washing all contaminated clothes and bed linens in hot water. These items should be separated from other laundry and then ironed. 

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Home remedies for scabies include:

1. Olive oil massage

An excellent home remedy for scabies is massaging the affected area with olive oil. The olive oil helps to soothe and hydrate the skin, relieving itching associate with this skin condition. 

How to use: Warm up the olive oil, and rub into the affected area using a cotton ball or gauze several times per day. Avoid applying to any open wounds, being sure to apply only to intact skin. 

2. Watercress infusion

Watercress is a plant that contains a potent depurative action that is able to eliminate the toxins accumulated in the blood. It can also reduce skin inflammation and discomfort from scabies. Watercress is high in vitamin A, which helps to promote optimal skin health.

Ingredients

  • 2 sprigs of watercress
  • 200 ml of water

How to prepare

Place the ingredients in a blender and mix until well-combined. Then drink one cup of this juice per day while fasting.

3. Rue compresses

Rue is a medicinal plant that is commonly used as a home remedy for skin conditions. It contains soothing properties that help to combat irritation. It is a great way to quickly relieve itching from scabies. 

Ingredients

  • 20 g of rue 
  • 1 liter of water
  • Gauze or a clean cloth  

How to prepare

Place all the ingredients in a pot and boil for 5 minutes. Then strain, wait for it to cool, and soak the gauze or cloth. Wring out the gauze and apply to the affected areas of the skin. 

4. Fumitory tea compresses 

Fumitory tea contains anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties that help to relieve itching, a common symptom of scabies.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons of dried fumitory leaves
  • 150 ml of water
  • Gauze or clean cloth 

How to prepare

Place the fumitory leaves in water and bring to a boil. Then remove from heat and wait for it to cool. Strain and soak the gauze in the infusion. Wring out the gauze and apply to affected areas of the skin 2 to 3 times per day.

5. Chamomile tea bath

Taking a bath in chamomile tea is another great home remedy for scabies. This medicinal plant contains soothing properties that can be used for skin irritation. 

Ingredients

  • 100g g of dried chamomile leaves
  • 1 liter of water  

How to prepare

Place the chamomile leaves in the water and boil. Once boiled, strain and wait for it to cool. Fill the bathtub with mildly cool water, and pour the tea over your body.  

6. Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera contains healing properties that can help to relieve itching that is associated with scabies. 

How to use: Cut off an aloe vera leaf, remove the gel and apply over the affected area 3 times per day. 

7. Clove essential oil

Clove essential oil contains healing, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to relieve irritation and inflammation from scabies. Learn more about the health benefits of cloves and how to use it. 

How to use: Place 2 to 3 drops of clove essential oil  2 a 3 on a cotton ball and apply to affected areas.