4 Natural Remedies to Treat Wasp Stings

There are many natural remedies to treat wasp stings, especially if you are not severely allergic to them. Those with severe allergies to wasp stings should take more serious precautions, such as carrying epi-pens around. For those who do not have serious reactions to wasp stings, there are plenty of natural remedies to alleviate symptoms.

Wasp Stings - A List of Natural Remedies
We live in the country, where wasps are a dime a dozen. They love to nest in our barns, clothesline poles, water pump housings, swamp coolers, and just about anywhere they can squeeze in a nest. I've been stung several times and have used these natural remedies successfully to treat symptoms.

1. Apis 30x Homeopathic
Taking Apis Mel homeopathic is a good first step. You can take this homeopathic remedy to help decrease symptoms of the wasp sting at 10 minute intervals. Other homeopathic remedies that may work if Apis Mel. does not include Ledum Pal. and Hypericum.

2. Clean the Area with Vinegar or Lemon
Either vinegar or lemon juice will help neutralize the venom of the wasp sting, since stings are alkaline while vinegar and lemon are acidic. Wasps can sting more than once and usually do not leave their stinger in the skin, so you don't necessarily need to look for a stinger, but you do need to neutralize the venom. If you don't have lemon or vinegar handy, you can also lay a slice of raw onion on the sting site.

3. Soothe the Area with a Poultice
To reduce swelling and itchiness, I use a homemade poultice of acidophilus, enzymes, and baking soda. To make this poultice, empty a capsule of high-quality acidophilus and a capsule of high-quality enzymes into a bowl. Add a couple pinches of baking soda, then add enough spring water to make a paste. Apply directly to the area of the sting with a wet paper towel, and leave this poultice on until it dries. The acidophilus reduces the histamine reaction while the enzymes get rid of any remaining venom. The baking soda keeps the poultice in place and reduces any swelling and heat. Avoid applying ice to the area as the cold will stay in your system and eventually lead to other health problems like arthritis or stagnant blood.

4. Limit Movement and Hot Baths
After a wasp sting, avoid taking a hot bath or exercising, as this increases blood circulation, which will distribute the venom throughout your body and lymph system. Instead, limit your movement for a day or two, until the swelling is gone and the area feels normal.

Try these natural remedies the next time you get a wasp sting. Of course, prevention is always better than cure, so not being stung in the first place is the best alternative, but if you do end up stung, these natural remedies work well without any side effects.

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