Getting stung by a honey bee can be one of the most painful experiences in life. Though not a common occurrence, there is a possibility that you get stung once in your lifetime. The sting itself is less painful than the swelling and irritation that follow it. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, the park or the street, a honeybee sting can happen anywhere, anytime. The honeybee dies after it stings you, but your suffering can last for days or weeks after the attack.
When the honeybee or bumblebee stings us, it leaves behind its stinger and a sac of venom in our skin. So, the first thing we need to do is carefully remove the stinger. You can do this using a credit card or long fingernail to scrape it out. However, do not use tweezers are they might squeeze more venom from the sac. If there’s an allergic reaction to the sting, it is advisable to go to the hospital immediately. Take a look at these easy home remedies to treat bee stings.
Top 10 Home Remedies For Bee Stings
Honey
How ironic that the honeybee can provide a cure for its own sting. Traditionally honey has been used to treat bee stings for centuries. Honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can prevent the wound from getting infected. It also has a soothing effect when applied directly to the stung area. However, it’s recommended that you use raw or organic honey instead of processed honey.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This effective remedy is a common commodity in most of our kitchens. Apple cider vinegar has proven to be quite successful in treating bee stings. Immediately after the sting, dab some of this vinegar on the wound. You can also soak the affected area in a solution of water and apple cider vinegar for more relief. The acidity of the vinegar neutralizes the toxins from the stinger and also eases the pain and swelling. It is recommended that you use raw and unprocessed vinegar.
Turmeric
An old Indian remedy for wounds and swelling, turmeric has proven to be an effective choice for treating bee stings. Turmeric root has antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent the wound from being further infected and swollen.
You can get dry turmeric powder from a local store for this remedy. Make a paste of turmeric and water and apply it directly on the wound. For added relief, you can mix turmeric powder and a little bit of ghee, which is Indian clarified butter.
Lavender Oil
Another simple home remedy for bee stings is lavender oil. Known for its relaxing and calming effects, lavender oil helps soothe the stung area. You can dab a couple of drops of the essential oil on a cottonball and place it directly on the wound.
The effect can be immediate relief from the pain and the swelling. It is also believed that lavender oil has properties that help neutralize the toxins in the venom.
Plantain Weed
This common backyard plant is known to be highly effective for treating bee stings. The common plantain is found abundantly in most roadsides, yards, lawns or parks from April to October. Its broad leaves have a substance called tannin that is known to curb bleeding and heal wounds. You can make a poultice or a compress of the plant’s leaves and apply directly after being stung.
Papaya
Most of us know papaya as being the delicious, juicy tropical fruit that tastes good in a salad or as a snack. However, papaya is much more than a sweet treat for our palate. The fruit has active enzymes called papain that are known to be effective in treating small wounds, blisters and burns. Papain can help breakdown the toxins in the venom and lessen the irritation. Papaya also has antiseptic properties and can help speed up the healing process.
Onions
This spring and bee-season make sure your kitchen is stocked with onions. This folk remedy for stings is known to be effective in relieving the irritation and pain from a bee attack. The next time you or a loved one gets stung, just slice an onion and apply it on the affected area.
Onion has enzymes that can draw out fluids. Applying this pungent root directly on the stung area can give relief from swelling and irritation. Keep the onion slice on the affected area for up to an hour to help the healing.
Calendula
If you have a backyard garden or just space for a pot in your balcony, make sure to plant calendula. This multipurpose herb is known to be effective in treating a range of problems, including wounds, skin irritations and bee stings. The flower of calendula has amazing antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that make it ideal for healing wounds and preventing infections. You can make a compress of calendula flowers by boiling dried or fresh flowers and then using the cooled water on the wound.
Baking Soda
This is another simple bee sting remedy that can be found in your kitchen. The next time you or someone you know gets stung by a honey bee, just make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly on the wound. Make sure to add just a little bit of water, so that the paste is thick, not watery. Let the paste dry on the wound; do not wash it off immediately. Because it has alkaline properties, the baking soda neutralizes the venom and helps reduce irritation and swelling.
Basil
Besides enhancing the flavor of the pasta or salad, basil is also handy to have in case of bee stings. Grab some fresh basil leaves from your kitchen, crush them and apply them directly on the stung area.
Basil is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling from the bee sting. It is also known to be effective in reducing the pain and irritation from the sting. You can keep a basil plant in your backyard or balcony garden for convenience.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
