Jelly fish are invisible venomous creatures that can ruin a good day of swimming at the beach. Keep these essential oils for jelly fish stings handy in your first aid kit for immediate relief.
What are Jelly Fish Stings?
Jelly fish are transparent, spineless aquatic creatures that can be found at all levels of the ocean, from the surface to the depths. They are amongst the oldest animals on planet earth, dating back from at least 700 million years.
There are over thousands of species of jelly fish. Most jelly fish stings are mild but the sting of some species such as the box jelly fish can be highly fatal and has caused many deaths.
The best way to avoid jelly fish stings is to keep out of water that is known to harbor jelly fish. Listen to warning from your lifeguard as most beaches put up notices informing about jelly fish forays.
Some of the symptoms of jelly fish sting include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Welts
- Blisters
- Localized pain
- Burning sensation
The symptoms may last for up to 3 days but recovery can be sped up by using natural remedies such as essential oils.
How Do Essential Oils Help Jelly Fish Stings?
Essential oils can greatly help to relieve jelly fish stings thanks to their potent healing properties. Some of these include:
- Analgesic: Essential oils act as a natural pain killer that can be safely applied to relieve the stinging, burning sensation of jelly fish stings. Analgesic compounds can also help relieve itching and irritation.
- Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory compounds in essential oils help to bring down swelling, inflammation and redness.
- Rich in antioxidants: Essential oils contain potent antioxidant compounds, which not only help fight free radical damage in the skin but also help to repair damaged cells and promote faster cell regeneration.
Top 10 Essential Oils for Jelly Fish Stings
Here are the top 10 essential oils for jelly fish stings:
1. Lavender (where to get it)
2. Tea tree (where to get it)
3. Rosemary (where to get it)
4. Geranium (where to get it)
5. Clove (where to get it)
6. Eucalyptus (where to get it)
7. Peppermint (where to get it)
8. Lemongrass (where to get it)
9. Citriodora (where to get it)
10. Frankincense (where to get it)
How to Use Essential Oils for Jelly Fish Stings
Follow the following first aid steps for jelly fish stings, before applying any remedy:
- First get out of the water and identify the location of the sting
- Next remove any remnants of the stingers by scraping them off using the edge of a credit card.
- Avoid getting sand on the wound
- Do not rinse the wound with fresh water
- Do not rub the area with a towel
The main point is to get rid of the remaining stingers and to not activate any stingers as they may release more venom into the skin.
Here are some of the best essential oil based remedies for jelly fish stings:
» 1. Jelly Fish Sting Blend
You can make a batch of this healing jelly fish sting blend and keep it in your first aid kit. You can whip this out and apply on jelly fish stings immediately (after following the first aid suggested above) for faster healing.
What you need:
- 4 oz amber dropper bottle (where to get it)
- 30 drops of lavender (where to get it)
- 30 drops of frankincense (where to get it)
- 20 drops of lemongrass (where to get it)
- 10 drops of peppermint (where to get it)
- 5 drops of geranium (where to get it)
- 5 drops of rosemary (where to get it)
- Coconut oil (where to get it)
Method:
- In your amber glass bottle, drop in all the essential oils, one by one.
- Next, fill up the glass with fractionated coconut oil.
- To use, apply some drops of this blend onto the site of the jelly fish sting and rub gently, if possible.
» 2. Sting Soothing Mist
If the area of the sting is too tender and painful to touch, this sting soothing mist is the perfect remedy to use.
What you need:
- 4 oz spray bottle (where to get it)
- ½ cup of rose water (where to get it)
- 2 tablespoons of witch hazel (where to get it)
- 10 drops of peppermint (where to get it)
- 10 drops of lavender (where to get it)
- 5 drops of geranium (where to get it)
- 5 drops of clove (where to get it)
- 3 drops of tea tree (where to get it)
Method:
- Carefully pour your rosewater and witch hazel into a clean spray bottle.
- Now drop in your essential oils.
- Screw on the cap and shake vigorously to get the spray mixed evenly.
- To use, spray up to 4 times on the area of the jelly fish sting. Keep the spray nozzle at least 4 inches away from the wound. Keep away from eyes and mouth.
» 3. Cooling Gel for Jelly Sting
This cooling gel is absolutely wonderful for soothing and healing jelly fish stings.
What you need:
- ½ cup of aloe vera gel (where to get it)
- 10 drops of lavender (where to get it)
- 5 drops of peppermint (where to get it)
- 5 drops of tea tree (where to get it)
Method:
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Now apply the gel to the areas of the jelly fish sting area, preferably after flushing with diluted apple cider vinegar.
Have you ever used essential oils for jelly fish stings? How soon did you get relief? Share your best jelly fish sting remedies in the comments below.