What Essential Oils Are Good for Bee Stings
If you’ve been stung by a bee or wasp, try using an essential oil remedy to relieve pain and itching. These natural remedies are easy to make at home, and may be able to ease some of the symptoms associated with a bee sting. Before applying any essential oils, it’s important to remove the stinger and venom sac. This can be done by scraping over the affected area with a credit card or spoon to help prevent further itching and swelling. Avoid squeezing the stinger with your fingers or tweezers, which could cause the venom to enter your blood stream and trigger an allergic reaction.
Peppermint essential oil has antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease the itchiness caused by a bee sting. It can also reduce swelling and pain. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply over the sting site as needed. Basil essential oil is another great option for treating bee stings as it has anti-microbial, analgesic and antipruritic (anti-itching) properties that can soothe skin irritation. This oil works especially well when paired with cooling essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus.
Lavender essential oil is gentle on the skin and has a soothing effect. It’s also a popular choice for pain relief as it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used to lower the risk of an allergic reaction and reduce swelling. It’s important to dilute essential oils before application, so adding them to a bath or soaking in them is a safe way to use them.