Insect-bites and Stings

Mosquito-bites and bee-stings are fairly common. Immediately following a sting, we experience a violent burning pain, following by itching and redness at the affected site.

Ledum 30, the excellent remedy for punctured wounds, is also useful to treat insect-bites. A dose of this medicine every six to eight hours should offset the effects of the bite in a couple of days. You can be doubly sure of Ledum if the affected part feels benumbed and improves with cold applications.

Another very important medicine for a bee-sting is Apis. Its symptoms are: burning pains, a rosy rather than a bright red swelling and puffiness rather than hard swelling. If the symptoms match, give Apis 30 every six to eight hours till pain and swelling begin to subside.

If the affected part looks fiery red, not Apis but Cantharis 30 is required. If it looks bluish, Tarentula cubensis 30 should give relief. If severe pain radiates upwards from the sting-site, Hypericum 30 will help.

Any of Ledum, Calendula, Arnica, Urtica urens or Hypericum tinctures can be used as an external medicine for a sting. Just put 2-3 drops 'of the selected tincture on a piece of clean cotton or sterile gauze and place it on the sting-site for quick relief from burning and pain.

Please note that animal or snake-bites require urgent, skilled care in a hospital, rather than homoeopathic medication.