Top 20 Natural Home Remedies For Scabies Treatment In Humans

1. Bush Tea

Bush tea (or Lippia multiflora) is one herb, which is native to Africa. But, today, it is available in many health food stores in the world. Don’t ignore this tea on the list of natural home remedies for scabies that you can easily follow at home. Generally, the tea contains flavonoids, which is excellent for your skin. Moreover, it possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities^[1] ^[2], which help you remove the scabies infection. Bush tea is also able to give you instant relief from its annoying symptoms and kill the virus.

In 2000, the Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a study named “Pediculicidal and scabicidal properties of Lippia multiflora essential oil.” The results of this study showed that applying lippia multiflora essential oil extracted from the leaves of Lippia multiflora to scabietic subjects for five consecutive days offered 100% treatment when compared to using benzyl benzoate with 87.5% treatment^[3].

Directions:

Firstly, take some bush tea leaves and put them into one pot of water. Later bring it to a boil.
Allow it to cool down, strain, and enjoy this tea.
To improve the taste, you can also add honey to it.
Consume this mixture 2-3 times every day.

2. Rosemary

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Rosemary is another herb, which can be used to treat scabies effectively. Rosemary comes with alpha-pinene and cineole and potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties^[4] ^[5], which will protect your affected area from secondary infection. Plus, they will help decrease pain and itchy sensations. Furthermore, it has camphor, a known astringent, which will make your affected area inhospitable for the scabies parasite extremely. Last but not least, rosemary may eliminate the irritating sensation and enhance the healing process of your skin. According to the study of “Antimicrobial activity of clove and rosemary essential oils alone and in combination” published in the scientific journal of Phytother Research in 2007, rosemary combined with clove possesses significant antimicrobial properties that help to treat scabies effectively^[6] ^[7]

Directions:

Firstly, in one pot of water, put some rosemary, and later boil it. Leave it to cool down for some minutes.
Gently apply it to your affected skin with the liquid. Wait for some minutes and then wash it off.

3. Walnuts

As we know, walnuts work amazingly for our brain health. Aside from being healthy nutritionally, the walnuts are effective in treating human skin infections such as scabies. A noted author, herbalist & Naturopathic physician, Sharol Tilgner states that the walnut contains vermifuge and antifungal agents^[8], and hence, it’s useful in removing parasites and worms as well. It is also used to treat various ailments such as Candida fungal infections, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and scabies.

Method 1:

You can soak the lesion in walnut water for a while to help heal quickly.
Alternatively, you can add one handful of walnuts in two cups of water. Then, boil until this water remains half of its initial volume.
Then, leave it to cool and drink it.

Method 2:

Mix the olive oil and coconut oil until you have 1 cup full.
Later add tea tree oil (8 or 9 drops), lavender (7 drops) and peppermint oil (3 drops).
After this, apply it to your affected skin.

4. Neem Oil

Neem oil is known as a botanical pesticide that is used to heal many skin diseases, including scabies. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may aid in eliminating fungus and bacteria trapped in your skin. Neem oil has a smell that may prevent scabies from reproducing. It also greatly shortens the duration of your condition, According to a study, most of the dogs in the study were treated of scabies after 2 weeks of using a shampoo that contained neem^[9].

Remedy 1:

You will need:

Neem oil

Process:

You dab pure neem oil directly on the affected area.
Then you massage it gently till the oil is absorbed into your skin.
You allow it to sit for a few minutes
Finally, you take a bath or wash your affected area with clean water.
You should do this process once per day for a few weeks.

Remedy 2:

You will need:

Neem oil
Turmeric powder

Process:

At first, you combine 2 ounces of neem oil with 2 ounces of freshly ground turmeric powder.
You mix them well to make an antiseptic cream.
Then you apply this cream directly on your affected area 2 or 3 times per day.

5. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper may burn and kill the mites and hence, relieve the problem of scabies. The article of “Topical capsaicin for pain management: therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of the new high-concentration capsaicin 8% patch” published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia in 2011 showed that cayenne pepper is comprised of capsaicin, a chemical that aids in reducing pain sensations when used on the skin^[10]. According to a study, capsaicin in cayenne pepper, when applied directly, helps to make the skin less sensitive. This helps reduce pain and itchiness related to scabies. The antifungal activity of cayenne pepper also helps to kill scabies-causing parasites^[11].

You will need:

Cayenne pepper
Hot bath water

Process:

First of all, you add a cup of cayenne pepper to hot bath water.
Then you soak yourself in this bathwater till the water gets cold. You should remember not to let this water be in your eyes because the cayenne pepper will lead to the burning sensation.
Next, you rinse off with cool water.
You should repeat this process once per day.

Caution: You should not apply this remedy if your skin is sensitive.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric is a wonderful herb that contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties^[12] ^[13] ^[14]. These properties may greatly help you in relieving the symptoms of scabies.

In 1992, the Tropical and geographical medicine Journal published a pilot study named “The use and efficacy of Azadirachta indica ADR (‘Neem') and Curcuma longa (‘Turmeric') in scabies.” Researchers found that the combination of turmeric powder and neem leaves resolved 97 percent of 814 people with scabies within 3 to 15 days^[15].

Remedy 1:

You will need:

Turmeric powder
Lemon juice
Water

Process:

At first, you mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder with some drops of lemon juice to get a mixture.
Then you combine this mixture with water to make a thick paste.
Next, you apply this paste directly to the affected skin area.
You allow it to sit for about 1 hour.
Finally, you rinse it off with warm water.
You should apply this process once per day.

Remedy 2:

You will need:

Turmeric powder
Neem powder

Process:

At first, you mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of neem powder.
Then you combine with a little water to make a smooth paste.
You dab this paste directly on your affected skin area.
You allow it to dry naturally. After it becomes dry, you take a bath to rinse it off.
You should repeat this process once per day.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains antimicrobial and many other natural medicinal properties^[16] that may help in speeding up the treatment process of insect bites, including scabies and many other skin diseases. The gel is also used to heal wounds, insect bites, skin disorders, and acne as well. A study published in the October 2009 issue of Phytotherapy Research found that aloe vera was as useful as the conventional drug^[17]. It also didn’t cause any side effect. Here are some of the easy home remedies for scabies using aloe vera that you can try applying at home.

Remedy 1:

You will need:

Aloe vera gel only

Process:

At first, you take a fresh aloe vera leaf from an aloe vera plant.
Then you extract the leaf to get its gel.
Now, you apply the fresh aloe vera gel directly to the affected skin area.
You let it be in place for about 30 minutes, and then you rinse it off with warm water.
You should repeat this process 2 or 3 times per day for a few weeks

Remedy 2:

You will need:

Calendula petals
Turmeric powder
Aloe vera gel

Process:

First of all, you mix 1 handful of calendula petals with 1 pinch of turmeric powder to make a mixture
Then you use a blender to grind this mixture
Next, you combine this mixture with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
Then, you stir them well to make a fine paste, and then you apply this paste directly to your affected skin area.
You should let it dry naturally and apply this process twice per day for several weeks

8. Neem Leaves

Neem leaves may also be used as one of the effective home remedies for scabies because of their antifungal and antibacterial properties. Neem leaves may help in reducing itching and remove the mites quickly.

In a laboratory experiment published in the Journal of Veterinary Parasitology in 2009, Chinese scientists confirmed that 200 mg of neem oil offered a 100 % mortality rate on the scabies parasites after using 4.5 hours^[18].

According to a result of study researchers from Egypt, the neem extract had acaricidal efficiency similar to ivermectin and significantly improved the performance of the treated rabbits without causing side effects; consequently, neem extract could be “a promising alternative acaricide for veterinary use”^[19].

Remedy 1:

At first, you take 1 handful of fresh neem leaves.
Then you use a pestle and mortar or blender to crush them until it forms a fine paste. Now, you apply this paste directly to your affected skin area.
You allow it to dry naturally.
Finally, you take a bath to rinse it off.
You should do this process every day.

Remedy 2:

You add some neem leaves to a cup of water and boil it.
After it boils, you take it out and allow it to cool off to the room temperature.
You drink 1 tablespoon of this liquid 3 or 4 times per day to get relief from scabies.
You should repeat this process during 1 or 2 weeks.

9. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has a compound that is called terpinen-4-ol. It may help you to kill the parasite, which leads to scabies. Besides, the anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiparasitic, disinfectant, antifungal, antibacterial of tea tree oil^[20] may help in treating scabies^[21].

In 2004, the Archives of Dermatology published a study of “Acaricidal Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil“. This study found that a solution of tea tree oil was actually effective at getting rid of scabies mites by an ingredient present in the tea tree oil named terpinen-4-ol. This oil treatment highly helps to reduce mite survival times as tested on a woman (20 years old) with crusted scabies. After 3 hours of collection, the scabies mites were contacted with the oil product, and they started to die within 5 minutes^[22].

Remedy 1:

You will need:

Tea tree oil
Olive oil

Process:

At first, you mix 1 tablespoon tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Then you soak a cotton ball in this oil mixture and apply it directly on the affected skin area.
You should apply this process 2 times per day from 1 to 2 weeks.

Remedy 2:

You will need:
Pure tea tree oil
Warm bath water

Process:

You mix 10 drops of pure tea tree oil with warm water that is put in a bathtub.
Then you take a bath with this water 2 times per day during a few weeks.

Note: Nursing mothers and pregnant women should avoid applying tea tree oil. Besides, if you have sensitive skin, you should first test it on a small area before using.

10. Garlic

Garlic contains a strong antibacterial agent^[23] that may help in removing mites causing the infection. Garlic acts in two ways. First, it may help to ease the infection and prevent the infection from returning. In another way, garlic may be made like a paste to smother the mites and prevent it from acting on your skin. Garlic contains antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic properties^[24] ^[25] thanks to allicin – a compound found in garlic.

According to a study in 2000, topically applying garlic juice may effectively help to reduce Northern fowl mites in laying hens^[26].

Remedy:

At first, you take some garlic cloves.
Then you extract these garlic cloves to get its juice.
Now, you apply this juice directly on your affected skin area.
Along with that, you may also consume 3 or 4 cloves of garlic daily for internal action. You have to make sure that you leave a gap of 2 days after you use garlic for 3 days on your skin.
Keep applying this process on a regularize basic.

11. Sulfur

Sulfur is great for treating many skin diseases, including scabies. The study of “Treatment of scabies using 8% and 10% topical sulfur ointment in different regimens of application” published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in 2012 looked at using 8% & 10% topical sulfur ointment in treating scabies. The results showed that three successive days and nights of using 8% & 10% sulfur ointment were effective regimens without “statistical difference in favor of three successive days” and using this ointment in the single day was much less effective with fewer adverse effects^[27]. You can try using this remedy to get rid of scabies. Sulfur has been used for the treatment of different skin problems for a long time. It’s very effective in removing the scabies mites and their eggs.

Remedy:

Firstly, you take 1 tablespoon of sulfur and 9 tablespoons of petroleum jelly.
Then you mix well to have a mixture.
You apply this mixture directly on your affected skin area.

12. Bleach

Bleach is one of the most popular home remedies for scabies because it can help in killing mites. Bleach has chlorine^[28], a disinfectant that helps fight off mites causing the infection in the initial place.

Remedy:

You will need:
Bleach
Water

Process:

Firstly, you take bleach and water at the ratio of 1:3

Then you mix it well and spray this mixture directly on the affected area

You should apply this process twice per day for a few days.

Along with this remedy, it is very important that you should avoid contact with infected people and their personal items. Besides, you have to keep the surrounding area clean and neat to prevent scabies and mites from spreading.

13. Coconut, Olive, Tea tree, Peppermint Oil And Lavender

One of the powerful home remedies for scabies is using olive oil and coconut oil with a few essential oils.

According to a study, essential oils, especially coconut oil, tea tree oil, palmarosa oil, clove oil, and eucalyptus oil, are potential alternative products to deal with Sarcoptes scabiei infections in animals and humans and to control the mites in the living environment as well^[7].

Ingredients:

½ cup of coconut oil
Tea tree oil
½ cup of extra virgin olive oil
Lavender oil
Peppermint oil

Practice:

Mix the olive oil and coconut oil until you have 1 cup full.
Later add tea tree oil (8 or 9 drops), lavender (7 drops), and peppermint oil (3 drops).
After this, apply it to your affected skin.

14. Mustard Oil

Mustard oil has been demonstrated as one of the best and most effective home remedies for scabies. It does this by murdering the skin mites causing the infection, as applied on your infected areas^[29] ^[7].

Directions:

Apply a little mustard oil to the affected skin.
This oil also works as the best in the case of cracked skin and rashes.

15. Pure Lavender Oil

The pure lavender oil contains antibacterial properties^[30] that may aid in promoting the skin cell regeneration and killing parasites, including scabie-causing mites. Aromatherapist & author Patricia Davis notes in her book, “Aromatherapy: An A-Z,” that the irritation of the skin may develop into an infection. Scabies is curable with medicine from the doctor or naturally with the essential oils, like lavender. Lavender enhances skin cell regeneration and murders parasites, too as per Julie Lawless in her book “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils.”

Remedy 1:

You will need:

Pure lavender oil
Warm bath water

Process:

At first, you mix 5 drops of pure lavender oil with the warm bathwater.
Then you soak yourself in this bathwater and wait for 15 to 20 minutes.
You should apply this process once per day for a few weeks.

Remedy 2:

You will need:

Pure lavender oil
Alcohol

Process:

First of all, you mix pure lavender oil and alcohol at an equal ratio.
Then you apply it directly on the affected skin area and massage it gently
You should do this process twice per day.

You can try using one of these home remedies for scabies to heal scabies and its symptoms faster.

16. White Vinegar

White vinegar has the acidic nature^[31] that may change the pH level of your skin. It has been said that any change in your pH level may make mites die.

Remedy:

You will need:

White vinegar
Water
Cotton ball

Process:

First of all, you take white vinegar and water at an equal ratio
Next, you pour all these ingredients in a bowl and mix well
Now, you soak a cotton ball in this water and apply it directly to your affected skin area.
You allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Finally, you rinse it off with warm water.
You should repeat this process 3 times per day for 10-15 days.

17. Zinc

Zinc cannot directly heal scabies; however, it may greatly help you in preventing fungal outbreaks and dealing with secondary skin infections.

The study about “The Danish Treatment of Scabies” in the Royal Army Medical Corps Journal reported that zinc is considered one of the key ingredients in an herbal ointment to treat scabies^[32]. Applying this ointment to the affected area helps the patient to get rid of this issue after 24 hours.

Remedy:

You will need:

Zinc tablets
Water
Turmeric powder

Process:

At first, you grind 2 or 3 zinc tablets to make a fine powder.
Then you combine it with a little water to get a thick paste. You may also add some teaspoons of turmeric powder to make the paste more effective.
Now, you apply this paste directly on the affected skin area.
You allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes or till it dries naturally.
Finally, you rinse it off with warm water.
You should repeat this process once per day.
At the same time, you should eat more foods that are rich in zinc, such as sunflower seeds, wheat bran, whole grain products, soybeans, etc.

18. Onion

Quercetin in onions makes it be one of the wonderful home remedies for scabies^[33]. Quercetin can aid in soothing your affected skin area. Besides, sulfur compounds that are in onions also aid in healing and removing scabies and mites on your skin. In addition, it may prevent the infection from spreading to other skin areas.

Remedy:

At first, you use a blender to grind a medium sized onion until it forms a fine paste.
Then you strain the paste to get its juice.
You apply this juice directly on your skin area and let it be on your skin for a few hours to get the best results.
Keep reapplying this process every day.

19. Clove Oil

Clove also contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties^[34], and thereby using clove is also considered as one of the home remedies for scabies. It was observed that the oil of clove might be effective in managing scabies and other forms of skin ailments in a recent study conducted by Australian researchers. This oil had the ability to murder mites in 15 minutes in a recent study conducted by QIMR (Queensland Institute of Medical Research), Australia.

A study published in the PLoS ONE Journal in 2010 tested the ability of clove oil to treat scabies harvested from rabbits and pigs. The results of bioassays reported that clove oil was effectively toxic against scabies mites, which may kill mites after 1 hour of contact. The main component of clove oil, known as eugenol, demonstrated the levels of toxicity similar to benzyl benzoate^[35].

Directions:

Apply clove oil directly to your affected skin areas.
However, clove oil may be very strong, and it may lead to burning on your skin. In such cases, you should dilute this oil with some drops of olive oil and then apply it directly to your skin.
Besides, you may crush some clove leaves and combine it with a little water or olive oil and apply it to the affected area.

20. Bitter Gourd Juice

The bitter gourd is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin C, B1-2-3, magnesium, folate, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and manganese. It also contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties that may help to treat itching and pain caused by scabies quickly. Thanks to the presence of bioactive compounds, bitter gourd has the ability to treat various lifestyle-related disorders, including fever, cancer insurgence, abdominal pain, diabetes mellitus, kidney (stone), and scabies^[36].

Directions:

At first, you mix 1 teaspoon of lime juice with a cup of bitter gourd juice.
Then you drink this mixture daily for a week to eliminate scabies faster.
Keep applying this process until you get rid of scabies completely.

If you want to know more about natural home remedies for other diseases and conditions, go to our main Home Remedies page. After reading the article of the top 20 natural home remedies for scabies treatment in humans, hope that it may help you find out the best solution to get rid of scabies quickly and easily.

CONTENTS

What Is Scabies?