Whether you’re terrified of them, allergic to them, or just think they’re a nuisance, most of us aren’t big fans of stinging insects like wasps and bees.
If you’re stung by a bee or wasp, the first thing to do is pull out the stinger as quickly as possible to reduce your risk of getting more venom from the insect. Then clean the wound thoroughly and find some pain relief, through natural means if possible. If you don’t have a bee or wasp allergy, there are some safe and effective natural treatments for stings that you can try to relieve the pain.
Ice
Ice is a great thing to have on hand for lots of cuts, bruises, stings, and burn injuries. Once you’ve cleaned your sting site, apply an ice pack for about 20 minutes to dull the pain, reduce swelling, and reduce blood flow to that region.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a great home remedy for wasp and hornet stings because it neutralizes powerful alkaline-like wasp and hornet venom. Soak a bandage or cloth in vinegar for 15 minutes and then apply it directly onto the sting site.
Baking Soda
An effective natural remedy for bee stings is baking soda, as this household product helps neutralize and absorb bee venom quite well. You can combine baking soda and water to make a paste and then let it sit on the sting site for about 15 minutes.
Plantain Leaves
Plantains are delicious in Latin American cuisine, but this isn’t what we’re talking about here for insect stings. Plantain broad leaf and plantain long leaf are weeds that commonly grow around homes in areas where soil has been disturbed and in sidewalk cracks. You can also buy a Plantago major plant from your local garden shop.
To relieve the pain after a sting, you’ll need to get the natural juices from this plant. Crush the leaves up with a spoon or toss them into a food processor, and then press them onto your sting site with a moist towel. If you learn to identify this plant, this can be a useful remedy while you’re out walking, hiking, or camping.
Aloe Vera
Another plant that’s useful to have around the house at all times is aloe vera. Simply cut open a leaf and rub the gel directly onto your sting site for immediate relief.
Honey
Ironically, honey, which comes from bees, can actually help take the pain and burning sensations away after a bee sting. Natural honey is great for healing wounds of all types. Simply dab a bit onto your sting site and cover with a washcloth for about 30 minutes.
Olive Leaf Cut and Wound Remedy
Our topical Olive Leaf Cut and Wound Remedy is great for releaving pain and burning sensations on the skin after getting stung. This is a natural homeopathic medicine that stimulates the body’s curative responses to help the body heal itself without the use of pharmaceuticals or antiseptic chemicals.
Spray directly on the sting location and cover the entire area. Repeat 2-3 times per day as needed.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to remember that bee and wasp stings can be very dangerous is you’re allergic to the venom, and immediate medication may be required. Signs of a stinging insect allergy include itching, redness, shortness of breath, hives, welts, and dizziness.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away and ask if he or she recommends over-the-counter Benadryl to slow the anaphylaxis.