Natural Remedies for Bee Stings

Natural Remedies for Bee Stings
May 10, 2016 Cure All Pest Control

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If you’re a keen gardener or have small children that like to run around in the backyard, then chances are you, or one of them will get a bee sting at some point. As well as being immediately painful, the area can remain sore and tender for days if not treated immediately. Luckily there are lots of natural remedies you can apply to a sting to relieve the pain, and many of them are common household ingredients.

Firstly you need to remove the stinger if it is still attached, as it contains venom. The longer it is embedded in the skin, the more venom is pumped into the wound. Use your fingernail to gently scrape it out. Next, before applying any natural remedy, the sting should be carefully washed with soap and water to ward off any infection.

The following are just a short list of the natural remedies you can try on the sting; there are many others.

 

Baking Soda

Everyone has a jar of baking soda in the back of the pantry and, as well as a myriad of household uses; this wonder product can also soothe bee stings. Bee sting venom is acidic, so an alkaline such as baking soda helps to neutralise the acid. Simply mix a small amount of baking soda with water and make a paste you can apply directly to the sting. Let it dry and wash off once the pain and swelling have reduced. Repeat as necessary.

Garlic Cloves

Many people swear by using the juice from garlic cloves to ease the discomfort of a bee sting. Garlic juice contains both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties providing immediate relief from the effects of a sting. Take 2 to 3 garlic cloves and crush them to release the juice. Mix the crushed cloves with a little olive oil to make a paste and apply to the bee sting. Secure the mixture with a plaster or bandage and keep it on until pain and swelling have subsided.

Honey

Ironically honey is a well-known bee sting remedy because it contains antibacterial properties to prevent infection and helps to dilute the venom at the injection site. Raw organic honey is best. Apply a small amount of honey directly to the affected area and leave it on for a while before washing. Repeat a few times per day until the sting heals.

Toothpaste

If you happen to be out of any of the above ingredients, then head to the bathroom. Surprisingly toothpaste can effectively alleviate bee stings. First, because it is again an alkaline and secondly because it contains glycerin, which dries out the venom. All you need to do is dab a small amount of toothpaste on the site of the sting. It will instantly feel cool and a bit tingly, but the pain will ease. Repeat after 3 to 4 hours.