Bug Bites And Stings - Herbal Remedies To Ease Pain And Irritation

As much as I love bright clear days, there is something about them that I equally hate; Bug bites and stings. I shudder at the thought of an insect coming near me, because aside from the obvious pain and discomfort associated with bites and stings, I'm also allergic to them. You soon know if you are allergic as whichever part of the body has been attacked soon resembles an odd shaped balloon.

It's all very well and good taking preventative measures to not be bitten or stung, but I found that the more I applied insect repellent, the more I would be attacked. That's where the natural side came in. Citronella is a great way to deter insects from coming near you, it works for me at least. A few drops of citronella oil or a citronella candle can do wonders, but what if you still get bitten or stung?

First off, run to the kitchen and get an onion!

Yep, an onion.

For rapid pain relief from insect stings, nettle stings and mosquito bites, peel and cut a slice of onion, and place it over wherever the sting or bites are on the body. The anti-inflammatory enzymes in the onion breaks down the hormones that the body produces after shock. The juice of an onion is a natural painkiller and contains powerful antiseptic properties that will fight off any bacterial infection left by the insect.

Aloe Vera - This is such a cool plant that has many uses, keeping an Aloe Vera plant in the home can be very useful indeed. The gel inside the leaves contains loads of natural healing juices and should be applied to bug bites and stings for pain relief.

The gel from the Aloe Vera plant also contains anti-inflammatory properties and a substance that stimulates the immune system to help fight off infection.

Arnica - Like Aloe Vera, Arnica can be used for many different ailments, so it's always useful to have some Arnica gel in the home. For bug bites and stings Arnica will reduce pain and irritation to the affected skin.

Chickweed - This European herb gives a cooling anti-inflammatory feeling to bites and stings, and is great for easing the discomfort of nettle stings.

Marigold - The petals of this plant are used to make healing infusions that will soothe bug bites and stings. It reduces swelling and prevents infection.

Plantain - Will reduce the swelling from bites and stings and also help with irritation from nettle stings.

Bee stings are acidic and so alkalis are needed to neutralise them.

Bicarbonate of soda and water, or water and parsley leaf made into a paste and applied to the sting will neutralise it.

Wasp stings are alkaline, so need acids to neutralise them.

Lemon juice is most effective here.

To help release and break down toxins in the bloodstream, this easy tincture will provide natural relief from mosquito bites, but make it in advance so it's handy for when you do get bitten:

50g Horseradish Root

600ml Alcohol (Vodka works great)

1. Grate the horseradish root into the alcohol and leave to soak for 3-4 days. Stir the mixture a couple of times a day.

2. Strain the mixture though muslin and store in dark glass bottles that have been sterilised.

3. Apply the tincture when you feel a bite or bites.