It’s springtime here in middle Tennessee, and summer is right around the corner. That means plenty of us are spending a lot of quality time outside!
With this weather, bees and wasps are starting to make themselves more and more known in our surroundings. This is a serious issue for those allergic to these creatures. For others, while not life threatening, we all know that a bee or wasp sting HURTS!
We wanted to equip our readers with several home remedies to help combat bee stings and wasp stings this spring and summer. Your first step in treating a sting is to remove the stinger with a pair of tweezers. It’ll likely look like a tiny black dot in the center of a red welt or swollen area. Next, try out one of these popular home remedies to treat the sting!
15 Home Remedies to Combat Bee Stings This Spring & Summer
1. Baking Soda
Make a thick paste of water and baking soda. Apply the mixture directly to the sting and allow it to dry. The alkaline properties of the baking soda help reduce the swelling, pain, and irritation from the sting.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Pour a little bit of apple cider vinegar directly from the bottle onto the sting. The acidity in the ACV helps neutralize the toxins. It also helps reduce swelling and pain.
3. Raw Honey
Raw honey has been a bee and wasp sting remedy for centuries. Why? Raw honey is packed with antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. By putting a little bit of raw honey on the sting, you will reduce the swelling and pain. Let it sit on the sting for at least 30 minutes before washing it off.
4. Basil
Basil is not only great for cooking, it’s also got anti-inflammatory properties. Take a handful of basil leaves and crush them up into a paste. Place the paste directly on the sting and leave it there for at least 30 minutes. Rinse the paste off with warm water. This will reduce pain and swelling. Repeat as needed.
5. Calendula
Calendula produces beautiful flowers, and also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. Pick a handful of some calendula flowers from the garden and put them in a pan of filtered water. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Let the water cool, then dip a clean cloth into the water and apply it directly to the sting. Repeat throughout the day as needed.
6. Onion
Onions are another remedy that have been around for thousands of years! Onions contain enzymes that draw out fluids. This helps relieve swelling and irritation from a bee sting. Take a fresh slice of onion, and hold it directly to the sting for a few minutes. Repeat as needed.
7. Papaya
Papaya contains papain. This is an enzyme that helps with digestion. It also helps break down the venom in bee stings and has antiseptic properties. Apply some papaya directly to stings, burns, and other skin wounds!
8. Plantain
We aren’t talking about the tiny bananas, but the “weed” that grows just about anywhere. Plantain leaves contain tannins. These are great for wounds and infamous for their ability to stop bleeding. All you have to do is pick a plantain leaf from the yard, chew it up to make it into a paste, and apply it directly to the sting.
9. Lavender Essential Oil
Pure lavender essential oil will neutralize the venom, reduce the swelling, and help calm the mood of the person who was stung. Be sure to get a trusted brand of essential oils, and make sure it isn’t packed with fillers!
10. Turmeric
Turmeric not only adds flavor to dishes, but also has been used for centuries in healing. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. Simply make a paste from turmeric powder (found in the spice aisle) and filtered water. Apply the thick paste to the sting and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse gently with warm water. Reapply the paste as needed every few hours.
11. Salt
Salt is a great remedy for stings because most of us always have some on hand. Take a bit of salt and sub some in the area where you got stung. It will gradually reduce the pain, swelling, itching, and burning that often comes with bites and stings.
12. Soap
Soap is a simple remedy that will help relieve the pain associated with a wasp or bee sting. Rub the soap with a small amount of water and let it air dry. After 15 minutes, remove the soap with warm water.
13. Sugar
Sugar can help relieve the discomfort often associated with a sting or bug bite. To apply, simply moisten the tip of your finger with saliva or water, and dip it into the sugar. Rub the affected area. This will help relieve the itch.
14. Clay
Clay or mud is a great remedy for bee stings, since most of them occur outside. If you get stung, look around for some mud or clay. The dirt and water mixture will relive the pain and reduce swelling while cooling the area. Let the mud dry until it can be easily removed with water. Wash the area with soap after you remove the clay or mud.
15. Aloe Vera
An aloe plant is one of the best house plants you can have. The pulp of aloe vera is incredibly effective at treating any bites or burns. Cut off a stalk from your aloe vera plant, squeeze out its liquid, and apply to the area where the sting or bite occurred. This will reduce pain and swelling, while acting as an antiseptic.
Healing Hands Chiropractic Wants You To Enjoy Your Spring & Summer
At Healing Hands Chiropractic, we know that a well-balanced, happy life involves spending some time in the great outdoors. Make the most of your time this spring and summer with your loved ones!
Call us today to help you get to feeling your best so you can be active this season – 615-203-3505. We look forward to hearing from you!
