A useful tool from
NaturalHerbsGuide
.
Back to Disorder Library
Bee Sting
About
To Americans, the sting of a wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, bee (including Africanized Honey Bees), or sawfly can be deadly and cause a condition where a person that is allergic to bee stings can go into anaphylactic shock.
Notes
Cortisone cream or Benadryl cream or tablets relieve the itching caused by the sting as these are both antihistamines. To relieve the pain and swelling the use of aspirin or ibuprofen has proven beneficial. Large doses of Vitamin C has proven beneficial for relieving the severity of bee stings.
It is not wise to squash a yellow jacket, as that will set off a chemical that alarms the other yellow jackets in the area and causes them to attack. Best to just leave them alone.
The use of a Lil Sucker (a venom extractor) can be used if you are stung to suck out the venom immediately. The Lil Sucker can also be used to remove the stinger. More information on this tool can be obtained by calling International Reforestation Suppliers at 800-321-1037.
You will have a better chance of not being stung by a bee if you avoid the following: wearing clothing that is dark colored or flowered; perfumes; suntan lotions; hair sprays; it is best to get these unscented. Shiny jewelry seems to draw the bees to you. Wearing closed shoes, long sleeved shirts, long pants and tighter fitting clothes outside or if bees or wasps are in the area will help to keep you from being attacked.
Advice
Anyone allergic to bee stings should carry epinephrine with you. Always take a bee sting seriously.
Many home remedies can be used to relieve pain and swelling: 1) Baking soda paste, aspirin paste, or crushed papaya enzyme tablets. 2) Make a poultice out of charcoal tablets with 2 charcoal capsules and 6 drops of goldenseal to remove toxins from the sting. Only tablets for internal use are suggested. 3) Several times a day use an ice compress on the sting. 4) Lavender oil directly on the sting. 5) Plantain leaf juice directly on the sting.
Other things that help: toothpaste, calamine lotion, and your can use meat tenderizer that contains papain to the sting.
Take the stinger out by scraping it out. Never squeeze or pull out the stinger by hand - you may break the venom sac to subject to more poison.
Helpful nutrients for this condition.
No Nutrients Listed.
Helpful herbs and supplements for this condition.
Comfrey, Slippery Elm, & White Oak Bark/Leaves
Type:
External
Purposes:
Apply a warm poultice to the sting using a combination of these herbs to lessen the pain of the sting and encourage healing.
Purchase
Research Top Brands
Lobelia/Plantain
Type:
External
Purposes:
Using a lobelia or plantain poultice more times than not will draw the stinger out of the stung area and promote healing.
Purchase
Research Top Brands
Echinacea and/or Goldenseal
Type:
Internal
Purposes:
Echinacea will aid the immune system in fighting off infections. The Cherokee Indians first discovered the benefits of Goldenseal when they used it to treat skin irritations and diseases. Goldenseal has been chosen in place of antibiotics as it has similar attributes and can lessen swelling and chance for infection. Both herbs can be used in capsule form or in tea.
Purchase
Research Top Brands
Juniper Tea
Type:
Internal/External
Purposes:
Juniper Berries are considered to have antibacterial components. Juniper Tea may be just the ticket in flushing your body of the venom from the bee sting. In addition, there has been mention that if you crush up the berries and apply them to the bee sting, the infection from the venom will be drawn out from the bite.
Purchase
Research Top Brands
Yellow Dock
Type:
Internal
Purposes:
Yellow Dock is known for clearing up toxicities of the skin; drinking tea can help eliminate the poison from the venom that has been deposited in the sting area.
Dosage:
Can also take 2 capsules of yellow dock every hour until symptoms are not bothersome any more.
Purchase
Research Top Brands