As we are all spending as much time outside as possible this Summer, accidents are going to happen. A simple hike can turn into a disaster after mistakenly getting too close to a bee hive and before you know it, you’re stung and in a lot of pain. The next time this happens, have no fear… simple home remedies for bee stings are usually laying around your house.Here are a few household items that can help tremendously if you are trying to treat a bee sting. If you have a bee infestation causing the problem, contact your local bee removal expert today.
First things first. Once you’ve been stung, do NOT try to pull the stinger out. If you’re allergic, seek medical attention immediately. The venom is stored right at the end of the bee’s stinger and will continue to cause damage to the wound. Using your fingernail or a credit card, gently scrape the stinger out and remove yourself from the area. The venom releases pheromones that will alert other bees that there is danger and could cause some pretty bad problems for everyone. Once the stinger is removed, wash the area with warm water and a gentle soap. Your next step: look around for any of these remedies to help ease the pain, neutralize the wound and heal you quickly.
Ice
It seems obvious but the ice helps slow your blood flow, stopping the venom from spreading and causing more pain. Ice it for 20 minutes and then use any of these other remedies afterwards. This is one of the most common home remedies for bee stings.
Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Apply baking soda directly to the wound, covering it completely. Next, pour white vinegar over it and let the bubbles do the rest. As it bubbles, it draws the venom out and helps diffuse the pain. Let it stand for 5 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Lavender Essential Oil
Usually with essential oils, it is suggested to dilute it (50/50) with another mild oil due to it’s concentrated state. However, in the event of a bee sting, the strength of pure lavender oil is perfect for neutralizing the venom. Pour two drops on the area and let it soak in. You can do this 2 times the first day and once again on the following day.
Honey
The irony in all of this is that the cause of the pain is also the remedy with bees. Honey has been used for years in natural medicine due to it’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a small amount of honey to the wound for 20-30 min and wash it off with warm water. It will help draw the venom out while protecting it from becoming infected.
Toothpaste
This is another great remedy because it works the same way that baking soda does. The ingredients found in toothpaste are great for drawing the venom out and drying the wound up. The mint in toothpaste offers a soothing feeling to the sting. Leave it on the affected area for 20 minutes. Then wash with warm water.
Luckily, a bee sting won’t send you to the emergency room (unless you’re allergic of course). The most important thing to remember is that you must correctly remove the stinger and wash it thoroughly before you using any remedy. Infection can occur if this is not done first, and that’s where things get messy. As long as you take the right first steps, followed by a little TLC from your kitchen pantry or medicine cabinet, you’ll be healed in no time.
Have you tried any of these home remedies for bee stings? Let us know in the comments below!
