Remedies for bee stings are natural substances that help absorb the poison and decongest the tissues . The first thing to do, once you have been points, is to extract the sting (if present) with tweezers, trying to prevent the toxic liquid from spreading and spreading further, gently disinfecting the area and applying ice to block the poison. Usually the sting of bees and wasps is not dangerous, but in some people it could be fatal, because it can cause, in allergic individuals, an anaphylactic shock .

Bees, wasps and hornets belong to the order of the hymenoptera insects that bite the unfortunates with the sting, an organ with the function of defense and offense, belonging to the male specimens, and which most often remains embedded in the skin . The poison, in fact, is secreted by two glands, one acid and the other alkaline, is accumulated in the venom bladder and when the bee stings it is injected.

The sting accompanied by its bladder continues to produce poison in the tissues for several minutes after the puncture . The peristaltic movements of the sting last even hours if it is not extracted from the skin. The bee venom contains water, histamine, melittin, a lysolecithin, apamine and two enzymes, as well as other substances not yet known, and is used for its therapeutic properties (vasodilator, anticoagulant, tonicardico, revulsive), mainly in the treatment of rheumatic affections, arthrosis and certain heart conditions, through apitherapy.

The importance of bees

Bees are insects because they carry pollen from one flower to another allowing pollination and the consequent formation of the fruit. Many are the insects able to carry out this task, among all the most important are surely the bees. In general, the ecological relationship between pollinators and plants is mutualistic : insects obtain nourishment through nectar and in return they allow an adequate number of species of spontaneous and cultivated plants to reproduce by pollination in favor of maintaining plant biodiversity . The pollinating insects play a crucial role in fruit-growing and horticulture: without their activity most would not have fruit.

The relationship between pollinating insects and plants is also studied from an ecological point of view as a biological indicator in environmental monitoring . In constant contact with the surrounding environment, bees perform the function of eco-sentinels and the hive thus becomes a source of valuable information . When they return to the hive it is as if they brought with them a whole series of information on the environment, on the polluting factors and on the state of health of the plants.

The bees repair the plant tissues as they remove the liquid and sugary substances emitted by the 'wounded' fruit, thus hindering the development of mold on it, which could also spread to neighboring fruits. Finally these precious insects produce foods that are important for human health such as honey, royal jelly or pollen and propolis.

Natural remedies for bee stings

Unfortunately, on a preventive level, little can be done unlike insect bites, on which one can act with essential oils with a repellent action . When you are stung by a bee or a wasp, the first thing to do is remove the sting to stop the emission of the poison and block its spread with ice. Below are other remedies for bee stings:

• Clay: mix some saliva and clay and apply the mixture on the puncture area and wait for it to dry. This is probably the fastest and most effective remedy against bee stings, in case of urgency and in the absence of other ingredients. Inside the clay mixture with a powerful absorbing power, lemon juice or a little vinegar can be added. This remedy neutralizes the poison, relieves pain and redness.
• Arnica oil: once the sting is extracted and the poison is absorbed with the clay, you can massage the area with arnica oil with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, rapidly reducing swelling and pain.
• Essential oil of lavender: it has anti-inflammatory properties and therefore brings relief in case of insect bites and those caused by bees.