How to Treat a Bee Sting
Whether you’re afraid of bees or just have had the unfortunate experience of being stung by one, it is helpful to know how to treat a basic bee sting. Read on to learn about the unlikely healing powers of curry powder, lavender oil, and more when it comes to bug bites.
Tip 1: Pull Out the Stinger
When you’re stung by a bee, carefully grasp the stinger and pull it out as fast as you can. The less venom that enters your body, the smaller and less painful the resulting welt will be. Icing the area immediately will also help to reduce the swelling.
Tip 2: Use Curry Powder
To reduce the pain from insect bites, make a paste of curry powder and water. Apply it to the bite and let dry, then wash off. The spices in the curry powder help to relieve discomfort and swelling.
Tip 3: Grab an Onion
Nobody likes a bee sting, but sometimes they’re inevitable. Bring down the pain and swelling by cutting a raw onion in half and applying the fleshy side to the sting. The sulfur in the onion will detoxify the area and give you some relief.
Tip 4: Try VapoRub
Suffering from a bee or wasp sting? Soothe the pain with Vicks VapoRub. It contains menthol, which will provide a natural, cooling anesthetic effect.
Tip 5: Apply Lavender Oil
Been stung by an insect? It’s calming, anti-inflammatory lavender oil to the rescue! Rub a bit directly onto the sting to alleviate the pain, or add a few drops to a paste of baking soda and water, and apply.
Tip 6: Squeeze a Lemon
If you’re stung by a wasp, hornet, or bee, reach for a lemon. Make sure the stinger is gone, then quickly douse the area with some lemon juice and rub it in to help neutralize the venom.
Find more helpful tips on our Bug and Pest Natural Remedies board on Pinterest. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for our Tip of the Day!
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
You May Also Like…
About the Author
Bruce Lubin and Jeanne Bossolina-Lubin are the proud parents of three boys and more than a dozen books. After saving thousands per year using everyday tips and simple lifehacks, they started their own business in the hopes of sharing their knowledge with others. They have been known to go into their friends’ refrigerators to turn their eggs upside down so that they last longer.
