How to Treat Bee and Wasp Stings Naturally at Home

Now, to most people, a bee or wasp sting, though unfortunate and pretty painful, is a short-lived ordeal. That is not to say that it can’t ruin a picnic or spoil an otherwise lovely hike. Luckily, there are lots of over-the-counter products that can help to ease the pain and reduce any swelling.

As well there are some effective natural remedies that you can use on your sting that can give you instant relief made from everyday items you can usually find in your home or garden.

For some people, however, a bee or wasp sting is a much more serious affair that can cause a severe allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis. These remedies are not to be used for such cases. Instead, medical help must be sought.

First Things First- How to Remove a Stinger

Source: ehowhealth/YouTube

Depending on what stung you, a bee or a wasp, the insect may have left the stinger in your skin. The stinger can continue to release venom into your skin over time, so removing it is the first step. This can be done by scraping the stinger out of your skin from the bottom out with the side of a credit card or something similar. Using tweezers can actually result in squeezing more of the venom into your skin. After that, wash the area with soap and water.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a long-standing remedy for bee stings as well as other itchy bites and rashes. The alkalinity of the baking soda works to neutralize the acidity of the bee venom. Wasp venom is actually less acidic, but baking soda is still thought to help ease any irritation.

Make a paste from baking soda and a little water and apply it to the sting. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off with water. Reapply if needed.

Ice

Just as with any inflammation, ice is wonderful for cooling things down, reducing swelling, and in turn, relieving pain. It is not advised to apply raw ice to your skin as it can cause burns. Instead, put some ice cubes in a ziplock bag and wrap it in a tea towel or cloth, then apply to the sting.

Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is another traditional home remedy for bee and wasp stings. The vinegar is thought to help neutralize the venom and ease pain and inflammation. You can either apply vinegar directly to the sting, press a vinegar-soaked cotton ball onto it, or soak a clean bandage in vinegar and wrap it around the stung area and leave for several minutes.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has a long list of attributes, and helping to relieve wasp and bee stings is one of them. Aloe vera is famous for its ability to soothe skin complaints, especially redness and inflammation. It is due to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that it works for bee and wasp stings. You can buy aloe vera gel over the counter, or you can harvest an aloe leaf from a plant you have at home. Apply some of the gel directly to the sting sight to help reduce swelling and prevent any infection.

Plantain Leaf

Source: Kami McBride/YouTube

Plantain (Plantago major), the ‘weed’ not the banana-type fruit, is well-known for its skin healing properties. This is a plant that is commonly found in lawns, along roadsides and growing up through cracks in pavements. It is a commonly foraged green that is used in salads and is also known as nature’s bandaid.

If you are going to forage for plantain leaves, be sure that you have a 100 percent certain ID before consuming the leaves or using them medicinally. Use reference books and local experts to help you. Plantain has long been used for its skin healing properties and is thought to have ‘drawing’ capabilities. That is to say that a poultice made from crushed plantain leaves can draw out venoms from the skin caused by insect bites and stings.

This article is for informational purposes only. Bee and wasp stings can be very serious for some people. Seek medical attention if you suspect that you are experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Always do your own research and seek medical advice before using a herb medicinally.

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• Why Bees Are Important to Our Planet

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