You hear a piercing scream as you watch your child running from the swing set into your open arms. The redness on her forearm is getting darker and darker as she sobs, "it stung me." As spring and summer settle in, so will the honeybees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets. Be ready for those nasty stings with a few home remedies.
Toothpaste
Clean the sting site with soap and water, and then dry the area. Rub a cap full of a whitening mint tooth paste, not the gel formula, onto the area. The whitening beads actually create a mild abrasive that tends to relieve the itch. The glycerin (found in most toothpaste brands), will dry out the venom that pools under the sting site. You will feel a slight tingling sensation as the paste neutralizes the venom. It will take up to 10 minutes to feel relief, but should last several hours.
Baking Soda
The kitchen has several home remedies for bee stings. Mix 1 tbsp. of baking soda with 2 tsp. of water to form a thick paste as a quick and easy remedy for a screaming child in pain from a bee sting. Clean the sting site with soap and water, dry the area and then apply a thick covering of the paste, leaving it on for 15 to 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, wipe off and apply a light ice pack to minimize the pain and swelling.
Meat Tenderizer
Do not leave meat tenderizer on the site for more than 30 minutes because it can cause redness from the spices in the product. Most meat tenderizers contain an enzyme found in papaya that breaks down the toxins in insect stings and bites. You can also apply a piece of papaya to the site. Clean the sting site with soap and water and dry the area. Mix 2 tbsp. of meat tenderizer with 2 tsp. of water until you have a thick paste. Apply the paste to the sting site. The mixture should relieve the pain and itching within minutes as the enzyme breaks down the protein in the bee venom.
Raw Honey
Raw honey, preferably a brand made locally, is an effective home remedy for a bee sting. Honey, as a home remedy, can be used for cuts, stings, burns, and infections and acts as a cooling astringent. Clean the sting site with soap and water, dry the area and apply 1/2 tsp. of honey to the sting site. Leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. If the pain persists, apply a fresh covering of honey and cover with a cold, wet washcloth.
Member Comments
RickYoung April 18
Don't forget a fresh aloe vera plant leaf