Insect Bites
Some common insects that bite include mosquitoes, fire ants, fleas, gnats, and ticks. Some bites are harmless, but others can spread diseases. Though spiders are not technically insects, they can inflict painful and serious bites. The most dangerous spiders are black widows and brown recluses. Bees, hornets, and yellow jackets may sting in self-defense. Stings can also come from sea animals such as jellyfish, sea anemones, and some coral.
Some essential nutrients that help with insect bites include the following:
- Bromelain – reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain
- Grape seed extract – effective anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant
- Quercetin – reduces allergic reactions
- Vitamin C – anti-inflammatory that relieves the toxicity of bites
Some herbs that can help with insect bites include the following:
- Calendula – helpful topical cream for skin irritations
- Lavender – helps relieve itching
Some recommendations to avoiding and recovering from insect bites include the following:
- To avoid insect stings, wear plain, light-colored clothing while outdoors
- Do not wear shiny jewelry, hair spray, perfume, and scented soaps
- Do not squash yellow jackets because it releases a chemical that attracts other yellow jackets and wasps to the area
- Clean the infected, stung area after the stinger has been removed
- Apply ice to the sting for a few minutes every two hours for the first day; this will reduce swelling and pain, and stop the spread of venom
- Apply lavender oil to the infected area to reduce inflammation and pain