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Herbal & homeopathic remedies for naturally treating insect bites & stings
Insect
Bites and Stings · Symptoms · Causes
Most insect stings and bites are just annoyances that itch a lot
and produce small skin lesions but sometimes a large angry swelling
may occur as the body reacts to the irritants or toxins. Although
there are preparations that give some relief from the symptoms like
itching, nothing really prevents the itching except time.
Sometimes, there is an excessive or allergic reaction that calls for
a doctor’s consultation as sensitivity could develop, causing a more
serious reaction and even death at a later exposure. Such reactions
include anaphylaxis – a response that leads to shortness of breath
and tightening of your throat. Bee-stings are supposed to be most
notorious in this respect.
More people are allergic to stings than to bites from the insects.
In other words, stinging insects are more dangerous than biting
insects.
The
general symptoms of insect stings and bites are
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Redness
·
Swelling and bruising
·
Itching and appearance of blisters which are tender and
painful
·
Sores due to scratching after itching, these may become
infected
·
In extreme allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions),
symptoms may include:
·
Severe swelling, sometimes an allergic reaction called angioedema occurs which involves swelling throughout the
body, especially the face, lips, and around the eyes
·
Abdominal pain
·
A state of shock
·
Difficulty in breathing
·
Vomiting and sweating
·
Feeling of severe sickness after a few hours
·
Twitching
·
Loss of consciousness
Normally, a bite or a sting from an insect (winged or otherwise like
bees, wasps, hornets, fleas, mosquitoes and spiders, though spiders
are not strictly insects) produces a localized reaction but when the
insect injects poison through its sting, further irritation of the
skin occurs.
Stinging insects include bumblebees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps,
and fire and harvester ants.
Biting insects include conenose bugs, mosquitoes, horseflies,
deerflies, bedbugs, and black flies, spiders like female redback and
funnel-web in Australia, katipo in New Zealand etc.
Herbal
and homeopathic remedies are a more natural but still highly
effective alternative to treating insect bites. These remedies
are soothing and gentle on the skin, and also support the body’s
natural ability to maintain harmony. Herbal ingredients such as Aloe
ferox, Urtica urens and Calendula officinalis (Marigold) support and
promote skin health, especially if outside irritants are the cause.
·
Quercitin is a well known flavonoid, usually found
mostly in onions and apples and is considered to be a
'building block' for other flavonoids. Dietary
flavonoids are important and powerful anti-oxidants
found in fruits, vegetables and herbs and can also
support immunity, healthy blood vessels and circulation.
Quercitin is known for its ability to maintain healthy
histamine levels. Other benefits include healthy
circulation and the maintenance of stable blood sugar
levels.
·
Aloe ferox - This is a succulent and well-known
medicinal herb native to South Africa. Aloe ferox has
many different therapeutic uses and writings from as
early as 1500BC in Ancient Egypt document its medicinal
uses. For centuries this herb has been used topically
for skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis. European
sailors routinely used the sap to heal and protect their
skin from the elements, rope burns, and salt water
exposure. Modern research has verified the antiseptic,
anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial functions of Aloe
ferox.
·
Hamamelis virginianum (Witchhazel) - This is an
excellent astringent herb with anti-inflammatory
properties. It can be used to treat itching, insect
bites and stings, sunburn, minor burns, grazes, rashes
and most skin irritations. Witchhazel also has
antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties that help to
treat and prevent infections.
·
Calendula officinalis (Marigold) - Mostly found
in the Mediterranean, this plant is used for its
culinary and medicinal properties. It easily grows from
seeds in well-drained alkaline soils under lightly
shaded locations. Its orange and gold colored flowers
are rich in flavonoids, specifically carotenoid
pigments, and triterpenoids, which give it its
anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is
also a strong antiviral agent and also helps fight out
certain parasites. Marigold has traditionally been used
externally for treating insect bites, cuts and small
wounds, cracked skin and sunburn.
·
Melaleuca laterifolia - This is also known as Tea
Tree Oil and is used externally for inflammation and to
treat various skin conditions. This oil has excellent
anti-bacterial and healing properties and is one of the
strongest anti-fungal remedies available. Tea Tree Oil
will soothe and reduce inflammation of the skin as well
as effectively treat any fungal infections.
·
Vitamin E Oil - The main function of vitamin E is
to maintain the integrity of the body's intracellular
membrane by protecting its physical stability and
providing a defense line against tissue damage caused by
oxidation. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents
free radical damage in biological membranes.
It acts as
a co-enzyme in cellular membranes and serves as a
scavenger for free radicals. Vitamin E maintains the
integrity of the body's intracellular membrane, helps
protect against heart disease and the development of
cancers by enhancing immune function.
·
Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – A culinary herb,
thyme is extensively used in flavoring dishes and
cuisines. It is mostly grown in the Mediterranean and
can be found across the arid hillsides. Its white or
pink flowers and grayish green leaves are the ones that
have medicinal qualities, although the leaves are also
popularly used for flavoring dishes due to their pungent
taste and rich aroma.Essential oil of common thyme (as
also of its relative Spanish thyme – Thymus zygis)
flower stalks and leaves contains thymol, cineole,
methylchavicol and borneol making it a very effective
antiseptic. Common thyme is supposed to carry wonderful
antibacterial properties as well. It is therefore widely
recommended for insect bites and stings and minor cuts
and grazes.
Stay allergy-free using natural immune
system support.
Natural soothing cream to promote
healthy skin all over.
Promotes the natural healing of wounds,
minor burns, grazes and bites.
·
It is believed that insects are attracted to people
deficient in zinc. If you are prone to insect bites,
take at least 50-60 milligrams of zinc every day. It
will take about a month to build up enough zinc in your
system to discourage insects but take extra supplements
only with the approval of your doctor.
·
A naturally occurring flavonoid, quercetin, is often
prescribed before being exposed to the particular
insect, you are allergic to. This lessens the severity
of the allergic response. Quercetin supplements help if
you have a history of an allergy to these particular
insects like bees and wasps. Eating foods high in
flavonoids (such as fruits and vegetables) on a regular
basis also does the trick but the effects are more
pronounced when supplements are taken. Vitamin C
enhances the effects of quercetin. Our product
AllergiClear
also contains quercetin.
·
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids – Omega-3 essential fatty
acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help
protect against the extreme reaction of anaphylaxis and
other allergic responses. A diet rich in omega-3s is
recommended for people who are exposed to insect bites
and stings on a routine basis.
·
Try to wear full body covering clothes in insect
infested areas. In an insect prone area, a full brimmed
hat along with tucked pant cuffs in the socks also gain
importance as neck in the upper part and ankles in the
lower part are very insect bites prone areas. Check your
clothes periodically for bugs.
·
Try not to provoke insects by avoiding rapid or jerky
movements around insect hives or nests. Also avoid
perfumed and floral-patterned clothing. Restrain
yourself from having sweetened beverages when eating
outdoors and don’t eat near garbage cans.
·
Avoid use of insect repellent on sunburned skin. Also,
when applying both sunscreen and bug repellent, apply
the sunscreen first. Then, wait at least 20 minutes
before applying the bug repellent.
·
Don’t use bug repellent on children's hands as there are
chances of them rubbing their eyes or putting their
hands in their mouths. One should never inhale or ingest
insect repellent.
·
To relieve the itching and inflammation immediately
after being bitten, here are some easy treatments:
In general, applying ice pack on the affected part
gives tremendous relief in case of all insect bites
(winged or otherwise). Ice slows the rate of venom
absorption and also relieves in itching and pain.
Afterwards, raise and support the affected part.
Flies and mosquitoes: Rub aspirin on the infected
part or apply calamine lotion (calamine lotion with coal
tar is even more effective) and ice packs.
Wasps: Lemon juice, vinegar, mud may be applied on
the infected parts.
Bees: First of all, remove the bee-sting and the tiny
venom sac – remember, never squeeze the sac as this will
force the remaining venom into the skin, instead use the
back of a knife or any straight-edged object across the
stinger. Afterwards, applying baking soda, household
ammonia shall relieve the pain very promptly.
Spiders: Never cut the site of the spider bite or
cauterize it. Also, don’t use a constrictive bandage as
it will increase the pain. Try and take the spider along
while visiting the doctor to facilitate him in treating
you.
Wash thoroughly the affected part with soap and water to
avoid infection. Generally, sores get formed due to
scratching after the itching. These sores are highly
infection prone, hence the cleanliness required.
·
In case of severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis,
which can be fatal if not treated immediately:
›
Check the person's airway, breathing, and pulse. If
necessary begin rescue breathing and call for emergency.
›
Use the person's Epinepherine pen or other emergency
kit if he has one. As a precautionary measure, anyone
who
›
Try and keep the person calm.
›
Remove nearby rings and other constricting items in
case of swelling.
›
Stay with the person until medical help arrives.
Stay allergy-free using natural immune
system support.
Natural soothing cream to promote
healthy skin all over.
Promotes the natural healing of wounds,
minor burns, grazes and bites.
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