Tea tree oil is an extremely effective natural home remedy in helping to prevent pain, itching, swelling, and infection resulting from insect stings and bites because of it’s ability to sterilize and it’s anti-inflammatory properties. It safely controls and kills the harmful bacteria introduced underneath the skin through these bites and stings. Australian soldiers are even provided with tea tree oil in their first aid kits!
It is important to note that, after a honey bee stings, it leaves behind it’s stinger and venom sack, and therefore dies shortly after. If the stinger and venom sack are not removed, venom will continue to be pumped into the skin. It is important to remove the stinger with the correct method so as not to bury the stinger deeper into the skin. Yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps don’t leave behind their stingers and venom sacks in your skin, so they could very likely end up stinging you repeatedly. In these cases, it is best to leave the area so that your presence is no longer a threat.
Non-venomous insects are interested in feeding on your blood. Therefore, they will usually inject anti-coagulant saliva into your skin. You’ll likely experience irritation, itching, and very rarely an allergic reaction. It is very unlikely you’ll experience a severe reaction, such as anaphylactic shock, because reactions such as these usually only result from venomous stings.
If you are stung by a venomous insect and the area is red, painful, and swollen up to 12 inches around the sting site, this is an indication of a serious allergic reaction. Swelling around the neck or other vital area could make breathing and/or other functions difficult or impossible. This should be considered an emergency and you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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TEA TREE OIL REMEDY FOR INSECT BITES AND STINGS
INGREDIENTS
Soap, preferably anti-bacterial
Tea Tree Oil
Bandage (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Wash the affected area well with soap and warm water and dry thoroughly.
2. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton ball.
3. Gently apply the tea tree oil directly to the bite or sting (after stinger has been removed).
4. If desired, apply a bandage to prevent exposure to itching or to keep the oil from contacting clothing or furniture. Tea tree oil will usually stop the itch, so you may not need to apply a bandage for this purpose alone.
Repeat this a few times a day until the bite or sting is completely healed. Tea tree oil will heal your wound in a few days and prevent a scar from forming.
