Summer is approaching . Insect stings and bites are common Some may cause discomfort, unless you suffer from a severe allergic reaction. The best course of treatment is to soothe the pain and reduce swelling. Of course, you could get the stinger out. The stinging insect ( as the honeybee) inject the toxin through a stinger at the tail end of the abdomen. The reaction is usually local, but if occurs in the mouth or buccal mucosa of the cheek can be a problem I get stung on purpose from my honeybees. It is good for the immune system I also sting patients in my office using my bees. Bee venom contains more than 100 different natural compounds
Some quick remedies:
A. FOLK REMEDIES
1. Some old folk remedies are to use the juice of a cucumber, onion or radish to sooth the pain
2. Bathe in baking soda and water if stung all over the body
3. Compress with apple cider vinegar and /or lemon juice
4. I use fresh garlic on the wound
B. HERBAL REMEDIES
1. Marigold petal on a bee bite
2. Cover the bite with a macerated plantain leaf
3. Witch hazel is great , but not effective on bee stings, but better on mosquito bites
C. HOMEOPATHY
1, Apis can be used once the stinger is removed. I use Boiron 30 C
2. Hypericum can be used with great results
To make an insect bite oil:
1. 1 teaspoon of lavender essential oil
2. 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Combine and place directly on the bite. Store the bottle in a glass bottle with a tight lid. Glass bottles better than plastic.
To make a bite/sting poultice
1. 1 tablespoon of echinacea root tincture
2. 1 tablespoon of distilled water
3. 1/2 tsp of lavender essential oil
4. 1 tablespoon of beconite clay
Combine the mixture and then add to the clay. Stir slowly till all absorbed. The paste should be tacky enough to stick to the skin. Apply directly to the bite and store in a glass container in a cool place.
Until tomorrow…