Insect Bites

Summer time is a great time of year to stop and smell the flowers. However, honeybees, wasps and other stinging, flower going, insects are also enjoying the fresh blooms. Here are some tips if you or your child has the unfortunate experience of being stung this season.
First, if you have never been stung before you may not know if you are allergic or not. If you or someone you know are stung and begin to have extreme swelling of the site, eyelids and mouth, difficulty breathing, swallowing or are experiencing mental confusion go immediately to your local ER or call 911.
If you are having the typical response of pain, irritation, redness and mild swelling you can use these tips to help alleviate your symptoms.

*Remove the stinger. Do Not squeeze it this will inject more of the venom in the patient.
*Clean the area
*The use of ice will sooth the pain and reduces swelling
*Homepathic remedies that you can get at your local health food store include
Apis mallifica 30x for inflammation, pain and burning
Cantharis 30x is good for bee or wasp stings
Urtica urens 30c is good for itching, burning and pain
*Insect bite lotion:
1 tsp lavender essential oil
1 tbp vegetable oil
Mix the two together and apply to site of wound. The lavender will help stop itching and reduces swelling. Do not use around the eyes.
*Aloe vera can also be used to sooth the site and help reduce swelling and irritation
*A great home remedy from mom is baking soda and water, mix into a paste and apply to the site of wound.