Drinking chamomile tea, aloe vera juice, or coconut water can help soothe itching due to their anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.
Itchy skin can drive you crazy. While creams and medications help, what you drink may provide faster relief. Certain beverages contain natural compounds that calm inflammation, hydrate skin, and block itch signals. Discover the most effective drinks to stop itching and how they work.
Why Some Drinks Relieve Itching
Itching occurs when nerve endings in your skin get irritated. This triggers a histamine response causing inflammation. The right drinks can:
- Reduce histamine production
- Hydrate dry skin
- Provide anti-inflammatory compounds
- Support skin barrier function
1. Oatmeal Water
Oatmeal contains avenanthramides – powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation. A 2019 study found oatmeal significantly improved itching in eczema patients.
How to make it:
- Blend 1/4 cup colloidal oats (use a high-powered blender for finest texture)
- Mix with 2 cups warm water
- Strain through cheesecloth
- Drink 1-2 cups daily
2. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe contains 75 active compounds including lupeol – a natural anti-itch agent. Research shows it’s particularly effective for psoriasis and allergic reactions.
| Type | How Much | When |
|---|---|---|
| Pure inner leaf juice | 2 oz | Morning & night |
| Store-bought (99% pure) | 4 oz | With meals |
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile’s apigenin binds to the same brain receptors as anti-anxiety drugs, reducing itch-scratch cycles. It also contains bisabolol which repairs skin damage.
Pro tip: Brew 3 tea bags in 8 oz water for extra strength. Add honey for additional antimicrobial benefits.
Other Powerful Anti-Itch Drinks
Cooling Peppermint Tea
The menthol provides immediate cooling relief while reducing histamine release. Works best for heat-related itching.
Turmeric Golden Milk
Curcumin in turmeric blocks inflammatory cytokines. Combine with coconut milk for better absorption.
Cucumber-Kale Juice
Provides silica for skin repair and quercetin to stabilize mast cells. Use a cold press juicer to preserve nutrients.
Drinks That Make Itching Worse
Avoid these when dealing with itchy skin:
- Alcohol (dries skin)
- Coffee (increases cortisol)
- Sugary juices (feeds yeast infections)
- Dairy (may trigger histamine response)
When to See a Doctor
While these drinks help, consult a dermatologist if:
- Itching lasts more than 2 weeks
- You develop open sores
- Itching affects sleep
- You see signs of infection (pus, red streaks)
For chronic conditions like eczema, combining these drinks with medical treatments works best. The right beverage can provide that extra relief when you need it most.
