Natural Bee Sting Remedies
If you keep bees you are going to get stung once and awhile. What you might not know is that relief from bee stings is available from some unlikely sources.
If you do get stung, first make sure that you extract the stinger and clean the area. Removing the stinger as quickly as possible will help reduce swelling and itching later on, but be careful that you do not leave any part of the stinger in the wound. Most treatments will work best if applied immediately, although some will help to relieve itching the next day or days after.
After you’ve removed the stinger you can apply any of the following treatments to help with the pain and swelling.
Garlic - Crush one or two cloves of garlic and hold them against the area for 10-20 minutes. Make sure that the juices are released onto the wound. This should help neutralize the poisons from the sting.
Parsley - Parsley leaves will help to relieve the irritation of a bee sting. Crush a clump of leaves and hold them to the wound, again for 10-20 minutes. Make sure to use freshly cut parsley. You can do the same with basil leaves.
Ice - One of the most effective remedies at reducing the swelling and pain of a sting, use ice against the area for 30-40 minutes for relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar - Best if used immediately after the stinger is removed, rubbing vinegar on the wound will help to soothe the sting.
Lavender - One of the most popular cures for a bee sting, a drop of lavender essential oil on the sting will bring quick relief. This remedy will help to neutralize the poisons and is one of the fastest working treatments.
Apis - Apis is the homeopathic remedy for a bee sting. This treatment is used in homeopathy for many insect stings and other burning and itching pains. Usually available as a small pellet to be taken orally, you can also find apis pastes to apply directly.
Honey - My personal favorite, honey can actually reduce the itching and swelling from a bee sting. Apply a few drops to the area and leave on for an hour or so. Do not use this remedy if you are allergic to bees. This should help to soothe the systems and can be reapplied if they persist.
None of these remedies are a cure for a bee sting and if you being to experience any sort of serious reaction or are allergic to bee stings, please call your doctor.
The places you can find soothing relief for a bee sting can be surprising – sometimes you can even look back in the hive for help!
Questions? Feel free to email us at hostilevalleyliving@gmail.com.
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