Yellow jacket stings can be extremely painful, severe and even fatal. Among the best first aids to use are natural remedies. Learn how to use essential oils for yellow jacket stings for quick relief and soothing.
What are Yellow Jacket Stings?
Yellow jackets are wasp-like creatures that are about ½ inch long. They are characterized by white, black and sometimes red strips.
Unlike bees, they have far fewer body hairs and their nests are often located underground and sometimes in higher locations such as corners of concrete walls, cracks on walls and cracks on overhead wood panels.
What’s the difference between bee stings and yellow jacket stings? Well, for starters, bees only sting once. But yellow jackets and wasps can sting over and over again. Furthermore, yellow jacket and wasp stings can be more fatal and severe than bee stings and being allergic to them requires immediate medical attention.
First Aid for Yellow Jacket Stings
Yellow jackets stings can be fatal therefore immediate first aid is very important.
Begin by identifying the area of the sting and check to see if there is any stinger left. There usually isn’t but if there is, do not pluck it out using your fingers because the venom sac is located at the tip of the stinger. Pinching it will release more venom into the bloodstream. Instead use the edge of a credit card to scrape it off.
Ascertain that the person stung (it could be you) is not allergic to yellow jacket stings. Those with allergies to yellow jacket stings or wasp stings should seek immediate medical attention. Some signs of allergy include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in chest
- Swelling of the tongue
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Dizziness and fainting
If you are not allergic to the yellow jacket or wasp stings, go ahead and use these essential oil based natural remedies for immediate relief.
How Do Essential Oils Help Yellow Jacket Stings?
Essential oils are potent hydrophobic liquids that are packed with healing substances known as plant terpenes. These terpenes, among other compounds contain medicinal properties that can help soothe and heal yellow jacket stings. Here are some of the ways essential oils can help:
» Anti-inflammatory compounds in essential oils can greatly reduce swelling, inflammation and redness of the sting.
» Analgesic compounds in essential oils can help to reduce itching, burning sensation and alleviate pain from the site.
» Antioxidant compounds present in essential oils can help fasten the process of healing, repair damaged cells and stimulate the production of new healthy cells.
» Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of essential oils help to prevent infection of the wound and to disinfect the area of the sting.
Top 10 Essential Oils for Yellow Jacket Stings
Here are the top 10 essential oils for yellow jacket stings that can give you pain relief, swelling relief and protection against infections:
1. Lavender (where to get it)
2. Tea Tree (where to get it)
3. Roman Chamomile (where to get it)
4. Eucalyptus (where to get it)
5. Peppermint (where to get it)
6. Citronella (where to get it)
7. Rosemary (where to get it)
8. Basil (where to get it)
9. Geranium (where to get it)
10. Sandalwood (where to get it)
How to Use Essential Oils for Yellow Jacket Stings
These are some of the best ways to incorporate essential oils into natural remedies for yellow jacket sting relief:
1. Toxin Drawing Paste
A baking soda paste will help neutralize the acidic venom that is underneath the skin.
What you need:
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda (where to get it)
- 1 teaspoon of lavender hydrosol (where to get it) or water
- 2 drops of peppermint oil
- 2 drops of roman chamomile oil
Method:
- Make a paste using baking soda and a flower water or plain water. The paste should be thick and smooth.
- Now add in the essential oils and mix.
- Apply the paste to the sting area
2. ACV Compress
This compress is cooling and will help to relieve the heat, burning and itching in the sting area.
What you need:
- Cotton balls (where to get it)
- ¼ cup of organic apple cider vinegar (where to get it)
- ¼ cup of cold water
- 2 drops of lavender
- 2 drops of eucalyptus
Method:
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients above together
- Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and press it on the sting area.
3. Antibacterial ointment
Proper wound care is important to prevent antibacterial infection, which could delay healing and cause fevers if left unchecked.
What you need:
- 1/4 cup of shea butter (where to get it)
- 4 drops of tea tree
- 4 drops of geranium
- 4 drops of rosemary
Method:
- To make this ointment, carefully melt the shea butter using a double boiler.
- Add in your essential oils and stir.
- Leave in the refrigerator for 2 hours for the ointment to set.
- Now apply this 2 – 3 times a day on the wound to disinfect and prevent infection.
What are your favorite natural remedies/essential oils for yellow jacket stings? Share your story in the comments below!