How To Treat a Bee Sting Fast: 30 Proven Home Remedies

When a bee stings you, its stinger gets released into your skin. It leaves behind a venomous toxin that leads to pain and other symptoms.

In most cases, it might not create a serious reaction. But if you are allergic to bee stings, you might experience a more severe reaction; in which case, you should seek medical attention immediately.

In this article, we are going to tell you the symptoms, causes, treatments/remedies and how to avoid being stung by a bee.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Hives
2. Flushed or pale skin
3. Swollen throat, face, and lips
4. Headache
5. Dizziness or fainting
6. Nausea or vomiting
7. Abdominal cramping
8. Diarrhoea
9. Shortness of breath
10. Low blood pressure
11. Rapid heart rate

1. Cause (1):

Bees inject venom into the body. If its stinger is not removed carefully, it can be left into the skin which in turn can cause side effects to the body.

2. Cause (2):

People with weak immune system or those allergic to stings are likely to fall under serious medical complications.

Natural Remedies for Bee Stings

1. Ice

What all you need?

• Ice cubes

Directions:

1. Put ice cubes in cheesecloth and tie it from the top.
2. Press this pack on affected area for 10 minutes.
3. Repeat the process until the bee swelling dies down.

How it works: Using ice pack on affected area can numb bee sting pain and reduce swelling.

Tip: Alternatively you can make use of cold water bottle or a bag packed with frozen vegetables.

2. Baking soda

What all you need?

• One tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Mix one tsp of baking soda with a little amount of water to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste onto sting for five minutes.
3. Wash the area with lukewarm water.

How it works: Baking soda is an alkaline product that can counteract with the bee sting and bring relief from itching and pain.

Tip: Repeat the remedy after few hours if discomfort continues.

3. Honey

What all you need?

• Raw honey
• Turmeric

Directions:

1. Mix equal amount of raw honey and turmeric to form a smooth paste.
2. Apply on affected area twice or thrice a day.

How it works: Honey can help remove the bee sting venom with its antibacterial properties.

Tip: Try this remedy for several days until bee sting subsides.

4. Toothpaste

What all you need?

• White toothpaste

Directions:

1. Smear a little white toothpaste on affected area.
2. Keep it for 1-2 hours.
3. Wipe off with damp cloth.

How it works: White toothpaste can treat bee stings by balancing off the acidic venom of bee sting.

Tip: Make use of whitening gel toothpaste alone and not colored ones.

5. Plantain

What all you need?

• Plantain leaf
• Apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Steep plantain leaf in apple cider vinegar.
2. Store this mixture for few weeks.

How it works: The infused mixture can soothe itching and burning of skin.

Tip: You can also mash the plantain leaves using your fingers and apply the juice on affected area.

6. Meat tenderizer

What all you need?

• Meat tenderizer

Directions:

1. Make a solution of meat tenderizer in four parts of water.
2. Apply this paste on affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes.

How it works: Meat tenderizer contains an enzyme known as papain that can break down protein that causes pain.

Tip: You can try this remedy twice a day until you see a difference.

7. Lavender Oil

What all you need?

• Lavender oil
• Dropper bottle

Directions:

1. Apply one or two drops of lavender essential oil to the affected area using the dropper.
2. Allow the oil to absorb completely into the skin

How it works: Lavender oil can help to neutralize the bee sting venom instantly.

Tip: Rub the oil on cleansed skin and do not rub the wound with unwashed hands.

8. Crushed Garlic

What all you need?

• 1 or 2garlic cloves
• Clean cloth

Directions:

1. Crush one or two garlic cloves.
2. Apply the garlic juice on affected area.
3. Cover the wound with a clean cloth.
4. Keep it covered for 20 minutes.

How it works: The garlic juice can offer relief from pain and swelling caused by the bee sting.

Tip: Use fresh garlic solution for every application. You can also mix this with olive or coconut oil.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

What all you need?

• Apple cider vinegar
• Cotton ball

Directions:

1. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar mixture.
2. Apply the cotton ball on affected area for five minutes.

How it works: Apple cider vinegar has acidic properties that can counterbalance the venom acid. It can instantly reduce pain associated with the bee sting.

Tip: Make use of white vinegar if you do not have apple cider vinegar.

10. Bee Balm

What all you need:

• 1 or 3 tsp beeswax
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
• ½ tsp raw honey (optional)
• Double boiler
• Container

Directions:

1. Melt beeswax and coconut oil.
2. Remove from heat.
3. Mix the other ingredients like essential oil and honey (optional).
4. Pour into container.
5. Allow to cool in a dark cool place.

How it works: Bee balm leaves can help to alleviate the symptoms instantly. And moreover, you can carry this bee balm along with you anywhere.

Tip: Allow the bee balm to cool down completely before use.

11. Calendula Cream

What all you need?

• Calendula flowers

Directions:

1. Crush a handful of calendula flowers.
2. Extract the juice onto the affected area.

How it works: The juice of calendula flowers can instantly relieve the skin inflammation caused by bee sting.

Tip: Store this mixture in a container. Repeat this remedy whenever possible.

12. Witch Hazel

What all you need?

• Witch hazel
• Lavender oil

Directions:

1. Mix few drops of witch hazel and lavender oil each.
2. Apply it onto affected area.
3. Keep it for 15-20 minutes.

How it works: Witch hazel contains healing compounds such as tannin and garlic acid for treating bee stings.

Tip: You can also apply undiluted witch hazel alone to the affected area.

13. Mud

What all you need?

• Mud

Directions:

• Mix the mud in water to form a thick paste.
• Apply this mixture to cover the sting completely.

How it works: This is a great remedy when you are stung by a bee off-guard. It can relieve the instant pain that comes with bee sting.

Tip: Wash off the skin with antibacterial soap. Do not leave any mud residue behind as it can cause side effects.

Aloe Vera

What all you need?

• Fresh aloe vera leaf
• Knife

Directions:

• Wash a fresh aloe vera pulp.
• Extract out its gel using a knife.
• Apply its fresh gel onto affected area.

How it works: Aloe vera gel is a great remedy for soothing bee stings. Its anti-inflammatory agents can ease pain, itching, and swelling.

Tip: Reapply this gel few times a day to relieve from the stinging pain.

15. Basil Leaves

What all you need?

• Basil leaves
• Turmeric
• Bandage

Directions:

• Crush fresh basil leaves and extract out its juice.
• Add a pinch of turmeric to the basil juice.
• Cover it with a bandage and leave for an hour.

How it works: Basil contains healing compounds known as eugenol. It is known to have anti-bacterial properties which help in relieving pain.

Tip: Use a clean bandage with each application.

16. Parsley Leaves

What all you need?

• Fresh parsley leaves
• Clean cloth

Directions:

• Wash a handful of fresh parsley leaves.
• Use a blender to extract out the parsley juice.
• Apply the juice onto affected area.
• Cover with a clean cloth.

How it works: Parsley contains anti-inflammatory agents that can help reduce swelling related to bee stings. Apply its mixture four times a day.

Tip: You can do a skin test to check for allergic reactions.

17. Lavender Essential Oil

What all you need?

• Lavender essential oil
• Olive oil or coconut oil

Directions:

• Mix two drops of lavender essential oil with one drop of olive or coconut oil.
• Apply this infused oil directly onto sting area.

How it works: Lavender herb can disinfect bee sting to great effects. Its analgesic properties can alleviate pain and inflammation related to bee sting.

Tip: Rinse off the oil using cold water.

18. Aspirin

What all you need?

• Aspirin

Directions:

• Crush aspirin into a fine powder.
• Mix the aspirin using a few drops of water.
• Apply this paste onto affected area.
• Allow it to dry for few minutes.

How it works: Aspirin is an effective remedy for neutralizing the venom of bee sting. Its presence of anti-inflammatory agents can alleviate its pain and swelling.

Tip: Wash the affected area using warm water. Repeat the remedy whenever possible.

19. Epsom Salt

What all you need?

• Epsom salt

Directions:

• Mix Epsom salt with a little amount of water to form a smooth paste.
• Apply this paste onto affected area.

How it works: Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfate essential for reducing swelling and drawing out the venom from the skin.

Tip: Wash off the Epsom salt mixture using warm water. Keep the area clean until next application.

20. Papaya

What all you need?

• Raw papaya

Directions:

• Slice a raw papaya into pieces.
• Apply it on the bee sting area.

How it works: Raw papaya is an excellent remedy for bee sting. It contains a compound known as papain which can draw out the poison caused by bee sting.

Tip: Try this remedy twice a day for best results.

21. Mustard

What all you need?

• Mustard seeds

Directions:

• Grind mustard seeds into fine powder.
• Mix the mustard seeds powder using water.
• Apply the paste onto bee sting area.

How it works: Mustard contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that can alleviate bee stings.

Tip: Try this remedy thrice a day for best results.

22. Tobacco

What all you need?

• Tobacco

Directions:

• Add little water to tobacco mixture.
• Apply its mixture onto bee sting area.
• Wrap the area using a clean cloth.
• Leave the cloth for 15-20 minutes.

How it works: Tobacco is a great healer for bee stings because it can neutralize the poison and reduce the pain.

Tip: Make use of a clean cloth or bandage for each application.

23. Onion

What all you need?

• Onion slices

Directions:

1. Place onion slices onto affected area to alleviate the pain.

How it works: The onion juice can soothe pain related with bee sting.

Tip: You can try this remedy twice or thrice a day.

24. Soap

What all you need?

• Anti bacterial soap
• Tweezers

Directions:

• Remove the sting poison using a pair of tweezers.
• Wash the affected area using antibacterial soap and warm water.

How it works: Keeping the sting area clean is important to prevent side effects. Washing the area with soap keeps the area clean.

Tip: Avoid using soap that contains harsh chemicals.

25. Tea Tree Oil

What all you need?

• One drop tea tree oil
• Bandage

Directions:

• Dab one drop of tea tree oil onto affected area.
• Cover it with a bandage for several hours.

How it works: Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and is a great healer for easing bee sting pain.

Tip: Try this remedy twice a day for best results.

26. Calamine Lotion

What all you need?

• Calamine lotion

Directions:

• Apply calamine lotion on sting area.
• Allow it to remain for 45 minutes.

How it works: Calamine lotion can reduce symptoms such as swelling and itching.

Tip: Reapply the lotion every three to four hours daily until the symptoms subside.

27. Peanut Butter

What all you need?

• Peanut butter

Directions:

1. Spread peanut butter over sting area.
2. Rinse off after 10 minutes.

How it works: Peanut butter is a great remedy to minimize the impact of sting poison within few minutes.

Tip: You can also use a clean band aid to give coverage to the peanut butter.

28. Limewater (Choona)

What all you need?

• Pickling lime (choona)

Directions:

• Apply few drops of pickling lime onto the affected area.
• Gently rub onto skin.

How it works: Choona or pickling lime is an antacid and can neutralize the effects of acid to a great extent.

Tip: Try this remedy every three to four hours for soothing pain.

29. Fennel Seeds and Rock Salt

What all you need?

• Fennel seeds
• Rock salt

Directions:

1. Crush few fennel seeds and rock salt to form a fine powder.
2. Add a little amount of water to the mixture to form a smooth paste.
3. Apply onto the affected swollen area.

How it works: The fusion of rock salt and fennel seeds can work effectively to reduce the swelling caused by a bee sting.

Tip: Apply the mixture onto affected area four times a day for best results.

30. Activated Charcoal

What all you need?

• Activated charcoal
• Clean water
• Bandage

Directions:

1. Mix activated charcoal to a little amount of clean water to form a fine paste.
2. Apply this paste onto affected area.
3. Cover the wound using a bandage for 15-20 minutes.
4. Repeat daily until wound heals.

How it works: Activated charcoal can help to draw out the venom from the stung area and offer great relief from itching.

Tip: Make use of fresh mixture for every application because making use of old mixture might not be as effective as its primary application.

31. Marshmallow Leaves

What all you need?

• Marshmallow leaves

Directions:

1. Crush few marshmallow leaves to form a smooth paste.
2. Apply this paste onto stung area.
3. Allow it to dry.
4. Rinse off with cold water.

How it works: Marshmallows leaves contain sticky mucilage that soothe skin and relieve pain from bee stings.

Tip: Try this remedy daily for best results.

32. Peppermint

What all you need?

• Peppermint leaves

Directions:

• Crush fresh peppermint leaves and extract out its juice.
• Apply the juice onto affected area.
• Allow it to dry naturally.
• Rinse off with cold water.
• Repeat once or twice daily.

How it works: Peppermint can disinfect bee sting and soothe skin itching. It contains analgesic agents helpful for alleviating pain and swelling.

Tip: You can also make use of one or two drops of peppermint oil on the affected area.

33. Rhubarb Juice

What all you need?

• Rhubarb stalk

Directions:

• Break the stalk of fresh rhubarb.
• Extract out its juice.
• Apply the freshly extracted juice to the bee-stung area.

How it works: This is quite simply the easiest method to alleviate the symptoms of a bee sting.

Tip: Applying raw rhubarb can stain skin on a temporary basis.

34. Turmeric

What all you need?

• Turmeric powder
• Ghee

Directions:

• Mix one tsp of turmeric powder with little amount of water to form a smooth paste.
• Add one tsp of ghee in the turmeric paste.
• Apply the paste onto affected area.

How it works: Turmeric has antiseptic and antibacterial agents to prevent the bee stung wound from getting infected.

Tip: Try this remedy twice a day for best results.

What to do immediately when you get stung

• Remove any stinger immediately using a tweezer or a credit card.
• Take an anthihistamine such as Benadryl to help with itching and swelling.
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for immediate pain relief.
• Wash the bee sting using soap and water. Apply hydrocortisone cream over the sting to treat redness, itching, and swelling.
• Get a tetanus booster to avoid any kind of side effects.
• Lastly, most bee stings do not require medical care.

When to Seek Medical Help

1. Look out for allergic reactions such as rash and mild breathing problems. If you notice any of these symptoms then you will need medical help. Doctors are likely to prescribe injections of antihistamines, steroids, and epinephrine.
2. Insect stings can also be accompanied with severe allergic reactions such as shortness of breath and low blood pressure. The doctor will then prescribe you an epinephrine autoinjector to treat such allergic reactions.
3. Even if you do not develop allergic reactions after multiple bee stings, you will still need medical attention. You will be kept under observation in the emergency ward of the hospital. The doctor will then take several blood tests to rule out any other possibilities.
4. People stung by bee inside mouth or throat also need to remain in the emergency department until the doctors do not notice any side effects.
5. If you are stung by the bee on the eyeball then you should get yourself evaluated by an eye doctor.

How to Avoid Bee Stings

• While cleaning your lawn or garden, do not wear bright or floral clothing as it can attract the bees.
• When you throw a barbeque or an outdoors party, make sure not to leave the caned soda bottles open as it can attract bees.
• Do not panic when a bee comes near you. Instead stay calm and be very still. Brush it off gently.
• Do not work in your garden or lawn without wearing footwear, socks, and gloves.
• Put on long-sleeved shirt and trousers to keep your skin covered from bees.
• Do not leave your garbage can open.
• Remove any beehives nearby home.
• Do not put on strong perfumes.
• Keep your windows rolled up while driving.

I hope this article has given insight into some of these queries; how to treat a bee sting, bee sting allergy treatment, bee sting swelling next day, how to remove bee stinger, bee sting itchy, bee sting picture, bee sting symptoms, wasp sting.

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