What Are Natural Remedies For Bee Stings?

Edited and Published by Wellness Dina

Recognizing a Bee Sting

How does a person recognize that they have been stung by a bee? Many of us are told as children, “If you see a bee to run in the opposite direction.” Or some may have even been told “If you leave it alone, it will leave you alone.” Either way, nearly everyone has experienced a sting of some kind. Aside from the pinch one feels from a sting, if they are not allergic to bee stings, they may not even realize that they have been stung. However, a mild allergic reaction to a sting is most common. Depending on the strength of the venom from the sting and the severity of the allergy an individual may have, the area where the sting happened will begin to swell. If a person has a mild to severe allergic reaction, the swelling may escalate very quickly and relief is not only wanted, it is required.

Options for Home Treatment – Most Homes are Already Prepared

So how does one treat a bee sting? Well, for those that do not require an epi-pen (epinephrine pen), a home remedy may be all that is needed to offer relief and reduction of swelling.

First and foremost, the stinger needs to be removed if it is still visible at the entry site. A typical response would be to grab a set of tweezers and pull the stinger out. However, by doing this the stinger is squeezed and more venom may enter the sting site. Most times, using a credit card (or any flat instrument with little flexibility) to scrape the stinger out is a more ideal option. Avoid scratching the sting site as it will be itchy. Wash the sting site as soon as possible and then apply a home remedy.

Once the stinger has been removed and the area cleaned, treating the sting is next on the priority list. Some ‘tried and true’ methods may be easily located in the average American kitchen. Honey dabbed on the area with a loose bandage; a paste of baking soda added to the sting site then wrapped in gauze; soaking the sting site in a bowl of apple cider vinegar; or a drop of toothpaste on the affected area are just a few options that may allow relief when stung. Placing a small amount of any of these common household items on the sting site and allowing time for the product to work its magic, may be all that is needed for the pain, swelling and/or itching from the sting to begin to subside (Healthline.com).

When to Treat and When to Seek Medical Assistance

When treating a sting, it is important to act as quickly as possible. As soon as a sting has occurred and the individual knows that they have been stung, treatment should begin immediately. In many cases, a simple swab of honey or a paste of baking soda may be all that is needed to treat the sting. However, if signs of a severe allergic reaction such as excessive swelling, vomiting, nausea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, diarrhea or even loss of consciousness occur, professional medical treatment should be sought out.

Sources:

Healthline.com [https://www.healthline.com/health/outdoor-health/home-remedies-for-bee-stings]

Photo Credits:

Bee Sting [ID 76029516 © Lightsecond | Dreamstime.com]