Warm summer weather beckons us to bare our skin to the sun. However, our quest for a glowing tan can lead to bites from hungry mosquitoes, yellow jackets, spiders and other annoying insects. Fortunately, there are several homeopathic remedies that can help take the sting and itch out of summer.
Two remedies I recommend highly are Ledum palustre and Apis mellifica. Topical use of Calendula officinalis can also be helpful in many cases.
Ledum palustre, also known as wild rosemary or marsh tea, is especially useful for tick and spider bites. One way to tell if a bite or sting will benefit from Ledum is to try a cold application, like an ice pack, first. If the pain lessens after exposure to cold, the bite will usually improve even more if Ledum is taken. Ledum is also helpful in healing puncture wounds. The remedy should be taken at a potency of 30C every half-hour until you feel relief.
If you experience swelling, heat, and burning after a bug bite, Apis mellifica is a good remedy to try. Apis is made from the venom of a honey bee. Again, look for 30C potency and take every thirty minutes until symptoms are reduced.
Many homeopathic preparations to soothe bites, including ointments with Ledum, can be used topically. However, it’s best to use topical preparations with caution. Alcohol and petroleum products found in many tinctures and lotions can irritate the skin. Look for lotions made with Calendula officinalis, or marigold, especially if they contain no alcohol or petroleum products.
You can also easily make your own Calendula rinse. Fill an 8-oz bottle half full with water, and add one pellet of Calendula in the potency 30X, 6C, or 12C. After making the rinse, you can use one capful in a basin of water and carefully apply it to the affected area. If you have been bitten all over, make a stronger rinse by dissolving five pellets in bath water.
A valuable home resource guide for first aid that I recommend to my clients is Homeopathic Self Care: The Quick & Easy Guide for the Whole Family by Robert Ullman, ND, and Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, ND. It’s a great resource for identifying common first aid remedies and treatments for every-day ailments. One place to find it is here.
Homeopathic remedies, used as directed, are safe for everyone, from infants to elders. If none of the ones mentioned above work for you, consult a professional Homeopath who can guide you to thousands of other remedies. If you are already under the care of a Homeopath, please consult your practitioner before trying any remedy on your own.
If you would like to learn more about caring for your family with homeopathy, sign up for my newsletter or contact me for a 30-minute wellness consultation.
Myra Nissen, CCH
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This article was brought to you by Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), Board Certified Classical Homeopath. Myra teaches women how to recognize their body’s unique needs and cues and uses Homeopathy to help empower women to take control of their bodies, health and well-being. Find out more, visit her blog www.myranissen.com/blog.