Natural Treatment and Home Remedies Relieve Insect Stings and Bites

Saturday, August 07, 2010 by: Fleur Hupston
Tags: insect stings, natural remedies, health news

(NewsTarget) A bee or wasp sting can be painful and traumatic for a child. Sometimes even adults are surprised at just how painful an insect sting, such as a wasp sting, can be. Weals and itching caused by bites and stings generally heal naturally within a few days. However, simple home remedies can relieve the immediate pain and discomfort caused by stings or bites.

Treating Wasp and Bee Stings

Generally, venomous insects sting because they are defending themselves. Stings are usually painful or itchy and can cause redness and swelling, which will subside naturally within a day or two. If there is an allergic reaction, such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, seek medical assistance immediately.

Bee Stings

Do not try to remove the bee`s stinger by pulling at it with tweezers or fingers, unless the poison sac is empty. Remove the sting by gently pressing it out sideways with a thumbnail. Apply ice to reduce the swelling. Bathe stings in a bowl of water into which several teaspoons of baking soda have been added. Aloe Vera gel is effective for soothing the symptoms of a bee sting.

Wasp Stings

Wasp stings can be very painful. Cut a slice of an onion and apply it to the affected area. Onions contain a healing enzyme which can relieve the pain and encourage the healing process. Alternatively, make a compress from a pad of cotton wadding, soak it in lemon juice or cider vinegar and apply to the wasp sting welt. Repeat as needed.

Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites are irritating and itchy but seldom cause more problems unless there is an allergic reaction or unless the individual concerned was bitten in an area where there is the risk of a serious disease, such as malaria.

After washing the bite area, apply witch hazel to the bite area. Distilled extract of witch hazel is easily available and an inexpensive solution for bites. Aloe Vera gel may also help - break open a leaf and rub onto the affected area or use a pure, natural Aloe gel product.

Flea Bites from Dogs and Cats

Flea bites are usually very itchy and the temptation can be to scratch the bites until they bleed. Clean the area thoroughly with water and a good quality, natural soap. Apply an ice pack on the bites to reduce swelling. A paste made from baking soda and a little water can be applied to reduce pain. Make sure all bedding and carpets are regularly washed with hot water to get rid of fleas in the house.

A few drops of lavender oil are useful for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on bites and stings. Tea tree oil or cream on the skin can also soothe and heal.

Sources:

Curing Everyday Ailments the Natural Way, Heritage Publishers, 2000 edition, page 255
http://www.mommy.com/article/natural-ways-to...
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/insect_bi...

About the author

Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.