Insect Attacks and Bug Stings

Definition

Bites or stings from insects that cause allergic reactions or pain.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of insect bites and stings include swelling, inflammation, pain, dizziness, loss of breath, and anxiety.

Note: Though insect bites and stings are not severe for most people, for those allergic or hypersensitive, they can cause a deadly reaction. Individuals with known allergies should have a shot containing antihistamine and epinephrine when within risky areas.

Caution: If you experience signs and symptoms such as skin flushing, hives, swelling around the neck or tongue, difficulty breathing, faintness, or loss of awareness or diarrhea after you are bitten or stung, immediately go to the emergency room.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: The fundamental oils of basil, cinnamon, garlic, lavender, lemon, onion, sage, and thyme are all useful due to their antitoxic and anti-venomous properties. Rose is also efficient for treating itching caused by bites/stings.

Flower Essences: Save Remedy Cream® applied topically can calm itching and speed healing.

Herbs: Utilize fresh aloe vera or plantain on the sting to soothe discomfort and stimulate healing.

Homeopathy: Take Aconite, Lachesis, Apis mel., Hypericum, or Urtica Urens immediately after you are injured or stung.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions.
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Practical Suggestions: If you have an allergic reaction to bug bites/stings, consider preventive measures whenever outdoors. For example, wear pants, long-sleeve shirts, solid footwear, and gloves. Avoid cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays, which can attract insects.

Dietary Supplementation: Consider taking vitamin C as soon as possible, along with vitamin B5. Vitamin E applied topically helps soothe the irritation caused by an insect bite.

Topical Remedy: Apply ice, vinegar and lemon juice, or a paste made of baking soda as soon as possible in order to neutralize the venom. Mud applied to the site of the bite or sting can help draw out toxins as it dries.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite applying the remedies listed above, seek the assistance of a competent health professional. These professional treatment therapies have proven useful for dealing with insect attacks and stings: Ayurveda, Environmental Medicine, Light box therapy, Naturopathic Treatments, and Orthomolecular Therapy. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)