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Misinformation About Sting Remedies
Treating most bee, wasp, and hornet stings is easy, but this may be difficult to believe if you have spent any time researching this topic on the Internet.  Researching natural treatments for bee, hornet, and wasp stings is very revealing about how much misinformation there is on the Internet. Some of it is so ridiculous that it is laughable; but all of it maligns serious alternative medicine, and we consider that fact to be no laughing matter. It is evidence that people can pull stuff right out of their butts, pretend to be 'experts', and set up health based sites. This is one of the reasons why we have been using the Netcraft browser toolbar, because it aims to give quality ratings based on the popularity of sites in a somewhat democratic system. It is tempting to wish for some regulation of alternative medicine in order to rid ourselves of the idiots who routinely hurt people, but then we must remind ourselves exactly who would be appointed to do that regulating. Perhaps all the misinformation and disinformation is the price that we must continue paying for the sake of freedom. We work tirelessly to verify all of our information, to be accurate, and to be credible. Unfortunately, we cannot force anyone else to do these things, and we are outnumbered 1000 to 1. On the bright side, we do have really good job security.
The Incredibly Stupid Sting "Treatments" That We Discourage
- meat tenderizer
- onion
- potato
- mud (literally dirt and water)
- garlic
- ammonia
- vinegar combined with baking soda (neutralize themselves)
From the above list, it appears that many naturopathic health sites have confused legitimate health condition remedies with fighting vampires. It is so sad.
Stingers Left Behind
If the stinger was left embedded in the body, then remove it as soon as possible. This should be the first step. Use whatever tools are immediately available to dig it out. You could use a knife, credit card, pliers, tweezers, or a needle. Sterilize the tool if possible, but do not waste too much time.
Treating Wasp and Hornet Stings
Wasp and Hornet venoms are powerful alkalines. Use an acid such as vinegar to neutralize them. It can be applied via a piece of cloth or bandaging. Make sure to keep the sting(s) soaked for at least 30 minutes. Some vinegar will absorb thorough the skin, and it should greatly help eliminate the discomfort.
Treating Bee Stings
In the case of bee stings, baking soda will help to neutralize their acidic venoms. Make a paste by combining baking soda with water. Leave this paste on the sting site(s) for at least 30 minutes. Some of the dissolved baking soda will leech through the skin to neutralize the venom somewhat.
Emergency Allergic Reactions
If there is difficulty breathing, dizziness, or nausea after a sting, then there is a high probability that it triggered a dangerous allergic reaction. In these cases, we recommend quickly consuming a teaspoon of activated carbon, and placing a water-based paste of it on the sting(s). If you have chamomile supplements, but not activated carbon, then take a large (i.e. quadruple) dose of chamomile unless you have to drive. Then immediately get to the nearest hospital. The allergic reaction may stop by the time you arrive at the hospital, if you are lucky, but you should definitely make the trip in case it does not. In these unfortunate latter cases, a steroid injection may be necessary to save your life.
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For an acidic venom, would DMSO help the baking soda leech more through the skin? Or does it not matter how much baking soda gets through?
thanks for this article.
Lisa