About the Recipe
Use this cooling oat and mint compress when your skin is inflamed, irritated, or itchy - whether from bug bites, mild sunburn, or contact with plants like poison ivy or sumac.
Ingredients
½ cup rolled oats
1 small handful fresh mint or 1 mint tea bag
2 cups hot water
Optional: 1 drop lavender essential oil (for additional cooling + calming)
Clean cloth, cheesecloth, or old sock (cut open)
Preparation
Add oats and mint (or tea bag) to a heat-safe bowl.
Pour in hot water and steep for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or fine mesh, reserving the liquid.
Soak your cloth in the liquid, gently wring out, and apply to affected area.
Primary Symptoms
Itchy or inflamed skin due to heat, bites, sweat, or minor irritation
Notes and Variations
Use mint tea if fresh mint isn’t available
Colloidal oats are ideal, but regular rolled oats work well
For extra relief, place the bowl in the fridge after steeping to cool before use
Don’t use on broken skin or infected areas—seek medical care if needed
Add lavender essential oil only if no known sensitivities exist