Bites and stings - six homeopathic remedies

Top remedies for bites and stings

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.

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.

Apis – Sharp stings and rapid swelling

This is the 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 – Burn

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. 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

The 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 – 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.

Baking Soda

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. It instantly cools and soothes.

In summary

Here are six 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.

Source of the above information: Thanks to the invaluable and informative Centre for Homeopathic Education (CHE) https://chehomeopathy.com/  If you want to watch a video on the topic go to CHE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQU5TX54uB4

TBC