Insect Bites and Stings
Enjoying the outdoors is a wonderful way to get a break from the usual grind. However, insect bites and stings can destroy the comfort factor of going out. Insect bites and stings are classified into minor to serious and the type of insect biting it. Once bitten, you need to assess if the bitten area needs the right medical attention. A serious insect bite should be addressed as a medical emergency. But for minor bites and stings, first aid to the affected area will suffice.
Insect Bites
There are numerous topical ointments available on the market to address insect bites and stings. Even herbal remedies can treat these conditions. The most popular herbs to treat insect bites and stings are listed in the table. But of course, the best way of treatment is prevention. You can use synthetic preparations or herbs as insect repellents.
Herb, Description, Treatment & Procedures
Aloe Vera
(Aloe barbadensis miller liquid) Aloe vera, or sabila in the Philippines, is a medicinal plant with many benefits. It contains vitamins and amino acids that help regenerate the skin. Aloe vera extracts are often diluted in water for the treatment of insect bites and stings. Also, the gel can be applied directly to the affected skin.
Virgin Coconut Oil
(Cocos nucifera) Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is similar to regular coconut oil since it is rich in lauric acid, an essential fatty acid that is believed to fight viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. But VCO is unlike regular coconut oil because of its processing difference. VCO reportedly does not raise bad cholesterol levels, unlike regular coconut oil. Thus, VCO brings more medicinal benefits for the cure of many common illnesses. The benefits include boosting the body’s immune system, regulating blood sugar, lowering viral load of AIDS patients, helping hepatitis C and herpes patients, maintaining healthy thyroid functions, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and, lastly, healing and nourishing the skin, hair and scalp. For the treatment of stings, rub the oil on the affected area to promote itch relief and faster healing and skin nourishment.
Garlic
(Allium sativum) Garlic is a powerful antibacterial. It is nature’s antibiotic. However, garlic has other medicinal properties, such as being an antioxidant and an anticoagulant. Because of its powerful antibiotic property, garlic can cure insect bites and stings. In disinfecting wounds, crush and juice a garlic bulb and apply directly onto affected area. A gauze and bandage application may be used to cover and protect the area.
Balanoy
(Ocimum basilicum L) Balanoy, or sweet basil in English, is a very fragrant herb. The leaves and seeds have associated medicinal benefits, including the treatment of insect bites and stings. To treat insect bites and stings, juice out crushed fresh leaves and add water. Apply balanoy juice onto skin directly on the bite or sting.
Citronella
(Cymbopogon nardus L) Citronella is used to flavor food, scent cosmetics and, more importantly, repel insects. Commercial insect repellents contain the essential oil. To use the citronella essential oil as insect repellent, apply liberally on skin, avoiding areas with broken skin.
Links for Further Insect Bites and Stings Herbal Study
Philippine Herbs
1. Philippine Herbal Medicine
2. Philippine Herbal Medicine
3. Stuart Exchange
4. Filipino Herbs Healing Wonders
5. Philippine Herbal Medicine
6. Stuart Exchange
International Herbs
1. Drugs
