When a bee stings you, it leaves behind a poisonous toxin that causes a stinging, burning pain, red spots on the skin, itching, and slight swelling. Some people allergic to this toxin may experience a severe allergic reaction to bee stings, which can be life-threatening and require emergency treatment.
Unless you are allergic to bee stings or have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, you can treat bee stings at home without visiting a doctor or pharmacy. Essential oils are a good choice here.
Before applying essential oils to bee stings
Instead of using hydrocortisone creams or taking oral antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or Chlorpheniramine, we recommend using essential oils for bee stings. Essential oils can provide an effective treatment for bee stings due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
They can help reduce pain and symptoms of itching and swelling, prevent infection, and speed up the healing process after a bee sting.
Before applying essential oils to the sting, it is important to check that the sting is still in the skin. In many cases, the venom sac remains in the skin. As long as it remains intact, it will continue to pump venom. Remove it as soon as possible to limit the amount of toxins released into the skin.
You can scrape off stingers and venom sacs with a clean fingernail or a credit card. Avoid squeezing it or using tweezers, as this may puncture the venom sac and make your symptoms worse.
After removing the stinger and venom sac and washing the affected area, you can apply essential oils to the stinger. It is important to note that essential oils should be mixed with carrier oil before applying to the skin. Grapeseed oil is an especially good choice because it is easily absorbed into the skin and its astringent properties are beneficial for bee stings.
Which essential oil is best for bee stings?
We recommend that you apply the essential oil of your choice as needed until the pain and swelling of the bee sting subside. After applying the oil to the affected area, try not to scratch and sting, as this can increase the risk of swelling, itching, and infection.
Below we’ve listed specific essential oils that can help reduce pain and discomfort after a bee sting. Some may also help relieve symptoms of itching and swelling and prevent infection:
- Lavender
- tea tree
- German Chamomile
- basil
- Geranium
- thyme
- eucalyptus
- fragrant
Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil is gentle and soothing on the skin and has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, making it excellent oil for bee stings.
The application of lavender essential oil can also reduce the risk of allergic reactions and help prevent infection.
Unlike most other essential oils, lavender essential oil does not need to be mixed with carrier oil. Applying directly to the skin helps reduce itching and provides quick relief from burning and stinging.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree is a natural antiseptic that can help relieve sting, itching, and inflammation from bee stings. Tea tree oil also acts as a natural antihistamine, helping to reduce swelling and itching.
You will need to mix tea tree oil with carrier oil before applying to the affected area. Add one drop of tea tree oil for every four or five drops of carrier oil.
Tea tree oil can also be mixed with witch hazel to create an effective remedy for bee stings. This combination can help relieve pain, relieve inflammation and itching, and clear bacteria from the skin.
German Chamomile
German chamomile essential oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, making it ideal for bee sting relief. It also has antihistamine effects because it acts on allergens and produces antibodies that prevent histamine from working.
Basil Essential Oil
Basil essential oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itch properties that help relieve skin irritation. It also has antibacterial properties that help prevent infection and is great for insect bites, especially bee stings.
Mix one drop of basil essential oil with one drop of peppermint essential oil and two drops of carrier oil. This should create an effective remedy for pain and itching from bee stings. Use your fingertips to apply basil oil to the sting, followed by peppermint oil, followed by carrier oil.
Geranium essential oil
Geranium essential oil is known for its ability to reduce swelling and pain. It also speeds healing after a bee sting. Thanks to its antiseptic, antibacterial, and astringent properties, this essential oil also protects against infections.
Thyme essential oil
Thyme is an effective antiseptic for bee stings. It also prevents infections that occur when bacteria and dirt enter the body through the wound left by the sting.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus contains antiseptic properties that help protect insect bites or bites from infection. It is one of the best essential oils for preventing and reducing infections.
Eucalyptus can also be an effective pain reliever, plus it can help calm swelling and cool the burning sensation after a bee sting.
Frankincense essential oil
Boswellia is known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that can help relieve pain and swelling.
Essential Oils: Natural Remedies for Bee Stings
If you or your family happens to be stung by a bee, we recommend trying one of the essential oils listed above to help reduce pain and swelling. Don’t forget to gently remove the sting first, and then apply carrier oil if needed.
Also, please note that essential oils are not intended to treat anaphylactic shock from bee stings. This is a very serious allergic reaction and if you notice any symptoms you should see your doctor right away.
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