The UK is better known for its changeable weather than for dangerous insects. So, first aid is usually about calming itchy bites or rashes and reducing the pain of stings.
For our children and sensitives (like me) it can also be a shocking and fearful experience.
Or there might be an intense allergic reaction to care for too.
So, what are the top homeopathic remedies for insect bites and stings? And once we've chosen our remedy how do we take it?
The beauty of homeopathy is that it works best when you match up the way the person feels rather than their clinical diagnosis.
For example, two children may get a mosquito bite.
One child is more shocked and shaken than itchy. While the other is fully irritated by the experience and can't stop itching.
Rather than giving a 'bite remedy' you note the child's unique experience then find the matching remedy.
The Top 5 Homeopathic Remedies for Insect Bites and Stings
If your family is prone to insect bites; then you'll want to have these top 5 natural first-aid remedies to hand this summer*.
Apis - No.1 for Stings and Stinging Pains
Useful after bee stings and for allergic reactions with the following characteristics:
Keynotes: Hot, Red, Itchy, Puffy Pains feel like they’re burning or stinging.
Injuries are worse touch and heat, but better cold compress.
Ledum - Bites & Stings with a cold sensation
Often used for mosquito bites, ticks (helps them ‘let go’), bee or wasp stings and even rat bites; if the keynotes match.
Keynotes: Wounds where the injured part is cold.
Skin can appear purple or blue-ish.
Even though the injury feels cold, the pain is better for an ice cold compress.
There might be a puffiness to the wound (less swollen than apis).
Staphisagria - No.1 for mosquito bites
This is the most commonly indicated remedy after mosquito bites.
Keynotes: Sensitive to pain. Pains are stabbing or sharp.
Itching moves every time you scratch it.
Feels assaulted or attacked with an irritated sensation on the skin.
Urticaria - Hives
Allergic reactions to bites or stings.
A hives-type rash develops after being stung.
Keynotes: Intense burning and stinging and with itching.
Red, raised rashes.
Worse touch and cool compress, better lying down, but worse after sleep.
Arnica & Bachs Rescue Remedy - No.1 for Trauma
If you're not sure which remedy to choose give Arnica and/or Bach's rescue remedy.
Both remedies will ease the emotional shock and assist the healing process.
* For stings or bites to the mouth or throat or those accompanied by a fever, dizziness or breathing difficulties; get urgent medical care. While dosing up on Apis 200c every 10 minutes on the way to the hospital!
How to Take Your Remedies
In first aid situations like these, it's best to give a single dose of the matching remedy, using any potency you have to hand.
Only repeat the remedy if the initial improvement seems to wear off.
If there is no relief after 1-3 doses then you probably need to look for a different remedy.
Intense symptoms like stings or allergic reactions may sometimes need repeated doses every 10-30 minutes.
I hope this helps you to get the best out of your natural first aid kit.
I truly believe that you are your family's best healer, but if you ever get stuck we can work it out together.
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Warmest Wishes & Happy Home Prescribing!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or care.
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