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Homeopathic Remedies for Bites and Stings
We’ve all been there, with uncomfortable, bothersome, painful, hot and itchy insect bites and stings. Some of us can react horribly to insect bites, easily becoming infected.
Marcus Fernandez RSHom FSHom
30 year Homeopathic practitioner & Founder of CHE
Homeopathy can work wonders if you’ve been bitten or stung. It can also help heal animal bites and reduce the risk of infection.
Unlike conventional medications like antihistamines, paracetamol and ibuprofen, which suppress symptoms, homeopathy works with your body to facilitate healing. It’s natural, safe and effective with no side effects.
A good homeopathy first aid kit will have several effective remedies for bites and stings. You can pick one up in any homeopathic pharmacy. You can order these from Ainsworths or Helios if you live in the UK.
But if you don’t have a kit, you may be able to purchase the remedy you need from your local health food store.
Our Top Remedies For Bites And Stings
Apis – Sharp stings and rapid swelling
This is our No:1 remedy for bee and insect stings where the pain is sharp and stinging. The site of the bite/sting is red, hot, swollen and sore to touch, all of which feel better for cold applications. This remedy is also very helpful at the first signs of anaphylaxis.
Belladonna – FIRE! I’ll see you burn
In 1968 when Arthur Brown released the song FIRE, I bet he had no idea that he gave a perfect keynote of Belladonna. These bites and stings are similar to Apis but there is less swelling. The skin is dry and burning like it is on fire, and here is the weird bit, despite the skin being hot, hot applications make it feel better and ease the pain (FIRE, I’ll see you burn). This is also a great remedy if there looks to be some infection at the site of the bite/sting.
Cantharis – Blistered, itchy and irritated
I am guessing you can see a theme with the bites and stings by now as these have a burning sensation too. However, bites and stings that would benefit from a few doses of Cantharis are blistered, itchy and very intense burning. Cold applications and a good rub make it feel better.
Hypericum – Lacerations and nerve pain
Hypericum is good for insect stings and bites but is better indicated where there are substantial lacerations to the skin such as a dog or cat bite. The pains are sharp and radiate throughout the body along the nerves which are worse for touch or pressure.
Ledum – The go to remedy for puncture wounds
If you have a puncture wound from an animal bite or sting, think Ledum first. Unlike Apis the wound will be cold to the touch and will appear purplish and puffy. Even though the wound feels cold, it will feel better for cold applications.
You can also use this remedy as a prophylactic. Take a dose or too before your garden party or BBQ to lessen the effects or mosquito bites for example.
Baking soda – Mum’s go to remedy that works every time
I have used this remedy since I was little. Whenever I had been bitten by a mosquito or had a run in with stinging nettles my mum would whip up a quick paste of baking soda and water and paste it over the itch. It instantly cooled and soothed.
All you need to do is make a thick paste with baking soda and a few drops of water then cover the affected area. You can cover it with a bandage if you want to save it from coming off onto other things but it’s not necessary, just sit and relax and take your indicated homeopathic remedy alongside. Wash it off after 15 minutes or so and reapply later if necessary.
So there you have it…
6 alternatives to try before reaching for antihistamines or scratching your skin raw. Don’t over think which remedy to take, see what the site looks like, feels like (hot or cold) and what makes it feel better then pick your remedy.
They should get to work quickly so if after a couple of doses it hasn’t improved, try another indicated remedy. Homeopathic remedies are safe to use, entirely natural and have no side effects so experiment and get the remedy that works.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed healthcare physician or other healthcare providers. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. The views, positions and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views of CHE or affiliated organisations.
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