What a lovely time of year! The temperatures are rising, new life is springing forth everywhere, and it’s time to head outside and soak up some of that wonderful vitamin D. So many of us are craving the sunshine, and the children especially want to make up for lost time by spending countless hours outdoors.
Along with the sunshine comes ardent play, bare feet, and a variety of activities that often result in bee stings, bug bites, bumps and bruises. I would like to share some ideas to help remedy many of these mishaps the natural way.
Natural Remedies for Bee Stings & Bug Bites
In our home we have used several antidotes for bee stings over the years, but we always go back to our two favorite. One of these is Sting Stop (HP038), a homeopathic ointment that works great for bug bites as well as stings. It’s a quick “go to,” only takes a moment to apply and begins bringing fast relief for itching and stinging.
The other choice is bentonite clay. This takes a little longer to apply if you don’t have it pre-mixed because you need to activate it with water before applying to the affected area. If it’s a small child, they seem to do better with something really quick so I start with Sting Stop and then go to clay. If it’s an older child or adult, I go straight for the clay.
The Redmond Clay (HB214) has amazing drawing properties that pull the poison out of the wound. It also brings almost instant relief. This is definitely the most outstanding thing we have ever used on bee stings. When applying to a wound, it’s best to spread it on thick (about ½-inch) and let dry before washing off. It does pull the skin, however, so if you are using it on a burn, be sure to wash off before it gets completely dry and causes discomfort. Also, it can be a bit messy if you want to move about while applied so here’s a little tip: Wrap the area in Stretch Tite (NF269) and this will give you (or your little one) the freedom to go about the day.
Here are a few other things to know about healing bentonite clay:
- Bentonite clay is composed of ash made from volcanoes.
- Upon contact with fluid, its electrical components change, giving it the ability to absorb toxins.
- Because of the way clay reacts in its ability to produce an electrical charge when hydrated, it’s best not to use any metal when mixing up your paste. This will reduce the effectiveness.
- Use one-part clay powder to two-parts water for optimal consistency when mixing your clay.
If you are using Redmond Clay, here’s how to mix and have a readily available paste for any summertime bug bite or bee sting:
Take the 10 oz. container of clay powder and pour into a wide mouth quart jar (NF833). Next, fill the empty container with pure water and pour over powder in jar. Put a plastic lid on and shake mixture. Then take lid off and pour one more plastic container of pure water over clay substance. Shake well once again and let sit for 24 hours. This will thicken to a nice consistency, and you will be ready with your miracle paste when the next child comes running with their “owie.” Store in the refrigerator.
How to Treat Scrapes, Bumps & Bruises
Sometimes our children can get a little rough during their rugged outdoor play, so here are a few tips for scrapes and bumps and bruises:
Administering the homeopathic Arnica (HP112, HP082) for trauma or bruising has been another go-to in our family from the time the children are babies and start their journey of walking and taking hard falls. It’s simple and easy to administer. Just a few pellets under their tongue, and they seem to calm down and the bruising or “eggs” on their little heads start to diminish. It’s important that you don’t touch the homeopathic pellets for optimal effectiveness. Just drop into the cap of the bottle and tip into your patient’s mouth, letting the pellets dissolve under tongue. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
If the injury is a cut or a scrape, I first administer Arnica and then clean the wound good and apply Nutribiotic Skin and Wound Spray (NS069). It’s an amazing topical antibiotic that brings quick healing and peace of mind to us parents. No need to worry about infections if using this product. If the wound is deeper and needs soaking, then 30 drops of Nutribiotic GSE (grapefruit seed extract) Liquid Concentrate (NS067) in a bowl of warm water will be a great option for you. Soak for 20 minutes twice a day or as often as needed until regeneration takes place. Our medicine cabinet is never without this healing natural antibiotic!
Everyone is individual and each child in their affliction is unique in the way they handle it and how their bodies heal. It is my hope that some of these remedies have brought you encouragement and will give you ideas when some of life’s little mishaps touch your family.
With kindest thoughts of you,
Kimberly Stelzer