Home Remedies for Bee Stings

Summer means spending a lot more time outdoors ... and that can mean bee stings.

When a bee stings, it is injecting venom into the skin (the good news is, the bee dies after it stings you). Typically, those who are stung by bees suffer only a local reaction, such as the reddening, swelling or itching at the sting site. Some people have bee sting allergies, which can lead to severe reactions and possible make medical attention necessary.

The first step after being stung is to remove the stinger. This should be done by scraping the surface of the skin rather than by yanking at the stinger. After that has been done, cleanse the sting site. Then, you can set about taking care of the pain.

If you're stung, there are things in your kitchen that can help relieve the discomfort. Pretty much everyone knows ice can help, but there are a variety of other home remedies as well.

Honey and vinegar (raw apple cider is best) can be applied directly to the sting site. When using vinegar, a little thyme or rosemary can be added. A wet aspirin can also be rubbed on the sting.

Tomatoes are another remedy. Simply cut the fruit in half and put the inner side against the sting for a few minutes. A slice of onion will also work. Another food with drawing and pain relief power for stings is egg yolk, which can be applied directly to the sting.

For a bee sting relief paste, mix three teaspoons of baking soda with water until a creamy paste forms. Then smear a thick covering on the sting. Aloe Vera can be used, as can lavender.

Should you get stung while on the road, you can actually find a pain relief remedy in nature. Plantain is a common weed that is found anywhere soil has been disturbed. It is typically found along the side of roadways or in the cracks of sidewalks. The plant has drawing power and will make it easier to get a bee stinger out from under the skin. It also cleanses and relieves pain.

When you locate the plantain, pick off a few leaves that are relatively clean (as far away from the side of the road as you can and where chemicals are not apt to have hit it). Chew up the leaves, keeping them and your saliva at the front of your mouth. Then spit the chewed up leaves onto the sting and press them there for a few minutes.

If you can't find any plantain, a thick covering of mud will also draw out the stinger.

Medical attention should be sought if the person who was stung:

Has difficulty breathing.

Develops a rash.

Has a fast heartbeat.

Becomes nauseous.

Develops a headache.

Vomits.