I’ve been stung by a wasp before and it was so painful. I’m allergic to bee stings and wasp stings can be dangerous if the person is allergic like me, but using essential oils for wasp stings can help you heal much faster and treat your wound safely. Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat a range of conditions and this is no different. They are also used in the alternative medicine branch of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) whose aim is to treat or cure conditions that are often chronic through non-conventional methods.
Some of the most common essential oils used to treat an insect bite like a wasp sting include lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil which you can run into the sting area. These essential oils not only help to speed up the healing process but also reduce pain and swelling. Essential oils also have antiseptic properties which will help prevent infection in the wound.
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Using essential oils to treat skin conditions and bug bites is called aromatherapy or naturopathy. Aromatherapists believe that certain essential oils can be used to treat different conditions and various herbal remedies can also help with certain conditions. Essential oils are gathered from the bark, roots, leaves, and flowers of different plants and then distilled into a solution that can be used in various ways for natural treatment.
A wasp sting is considered one of the most painful insect bites and can cause an allergic reaction in some people who are more sensitive than others. If you’ve been stung by a wasp there are some home remedies you can use to treat the area. When a wasp stings you, there are insect venom molecules released into your skin. Symptoms of a wasp sting include redness and swelling accompanied by itching, pain, heat, and warmth which can last for about an hour or two up to a few days depending on the severity.
The reason why these essential oils work so well is that they contain anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce itching and pain. They also possess antiseptic properties that will help to ward off any infection resulting from the sting, while at the same time aiding in controlling bleeding if there is a wound due to the sting.
Essential Oil For Wasp Sting
Lavender
Lavender oil is extracted through steam distillation of the lavender flower’s purple blooms. Lavender essential oil helps treat acne, bruises, burns, insect bites or stings, eczema, headaches, insomnia, and stress. It also helps speed up healing from wounds and scars. The lavender essential oil has a soothing scent that can help treat anxiety, insomnia, and stress because of its relaxing properties.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil is extracted through steam distillation of the peppermint herb’s dark green leaves. Peppermint essential oil is used to treat arthritis, athlete’s foot, bruises, inflammation, insect bites or stings, sunburns, and wrinkles. It can also help boost energy levels which is why it has become one of the most popular essential oils in the world. It is known to have a cooling effect on the skin when applied topically which makes it an ideal treatment for wasp stings. Peppermint oil is also said to reduce pain and muscle spasms. It’s sometimes rubbed on the forehead for headaches and used in a diffuser or inhaled directly to treat sinusitis, colds, flu symptoms such as fever and chills, coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. Peppermint is a great treat for wasp stings because it reduces inflammation and swelling. Tea tree oil is regularly used for its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial properties.
Tea Tree
Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree plant’s native Australian habitat. It has an earthy scent that can be both calming and purifying when diffused in a room or applied topically as a treatment for wasp stings. Tea tree oil is extremely versatile making it one of the most popular essential oils in the world and tea tree lotion is considered one of the best remedies for bug bites.
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The tea tree’s evergreen-like scent makes it a perfect addition to your natural first aid kit. It can be used to treat dandruff, headache, acne, fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm, inflammation, wasp stings, cuts, and scrapes. The tea tree essential oil has antiseptic properties that will help ward off any infection resulting from the sting while at the same time aiding in controlling bleeding if there is a wound due to the sting.
How To Use Essential Oil For Wasp Sting
To use these essential oils for wasp stings simply wash your hands with warm soapy water and dry them off with a clean towel.
- Gently wipe away the stinger from the skin if you can find it and then clean the area with soap and water to get rid of any unwanted bacteria or other particles that may have been left behind.
- Place two drops of lavender oil, one drop of peppermint oil, and one drop of tea tree oil in a small bowl and add a carrier oil like coconut to dilute.
- Mix the oils together then gently rub them onto the affected area. If you have been stung by a bee or wasp, use this remedy immediately to help reduce the pain and swelling.
You could also place two drops of lavender oil, one drop of peppermint oil, and one drop of tea tree oil in a spray bottle filled with distilled water that has been boiled then cooled to room temperature. Fill the rest up with distilled water. Spray this on the sting area every 15 minutes for 1 – 2 hours.
A variation on this would be to combine two drops of lavender oil, one drop of peppermint oil, and one drop of tea tree oil with 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar which can also be applied topically to treat wasp stings.
Repeat the process above every hour or two to ensure you get the most relief from your wasp sting treatment. You can also try applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling around the sting area if this makes it more comfortable.
It’s best not to use essential oils immediately after being stung by a wasp as the venom is likely still in the skin and this could lead to an adverse reaction. Wait at least fifteen minutes or so before applying any essential oils around or on the sting site.
If you are allergic to bees or wasps seek medical assistance immediately if any symptoms present themselves after being stung. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, weak pulse, hives or welts that tingle then swell, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness.
Wasp stings can cause an allergic reaction which can lead to anaphylaxis and this is what makes them so dangerous. Treating the sting area with essential oils will help reduce pain or discomfort caused by the sting and also reduce the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction.
These essential oils are all-natural so there are no harmful chemicals to worry about if they come in contact with your skin during application. They can also be applied whenever needed with no needed prescription or doctor’s visit.
These essential oils are very potent so it is important to store them in a cool dark place when not in use. They should never be directly exposed to sunlight or heat over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. As an added precaution, you should always keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.