However, bites from some spiders and insects may require
immediate medical attention. For example, the sting from the
European Wasp and the Honey Bee can result in severe reactions
and have been known to result in death. Similarly, some spiders
in Australia such as the Sydney Funnel Web and the Red Back
spiders have also been reported to be fatal, while bites from
other have been known to cause serious health concerns and skin
necrosis.
Apart from the very nasty critters that have too much poison for
our good, most mosquito bites and similar stings are for the
most part just very irritating and can be addressed with some
very simple, yet potent essential oils. Spider bites for example
can be treated by applying 2-3 drops of Basil oil onto a bandaid
and applying this to the bite. Replace the band-aid 2-3 times
per day, Basil oil has been reported to be able to neutralise
many toxins from spider bites and other insects.
In addition, some people may have a mild to moderately severe
allergic reaction to bites from fleas or mosquitoes and again
essential oils come to the rescue.
Lavender oils for example will sooth irritated skin very quickly
and disinfect the area at the same time. Lavender is well known
for it's wound healing and antiseptic properties, which makes it
an ideal first aid treatment from minor bites and stings.
Similarly, Aloe vera gel will quickly sooth the irritated skin
and help the healing process.
Citronella oil is a natural pyrethrin and thus is excellent in
repelling insects. You can use it together with Pennyroyal on
the coat of dogs and cats to keep fleas and flea bites to a
minimum. WARNING - Do not use Pennyroyal on female dogs and cats
if you are trying to bread them or if they are pregnant;
Pennyroyal is a known abortifactant. You can also use an oil
evaporator, you know, where you have a few drops of essential
oils in a few millilitres of water in a small dish, which sits
over a burning candle.
Tea tree oil - is a traditional Aboriginal remedy from
Australia, which has become well known for its healing and
antiseptic properties. Research has demonstrated that it acts on
the micro-organisms that cause common skin infections such as
acne, canker sores, herpes, insect bites and nail fungus.
If these first aid treatments do not seem to be of any help or
symptoms get worse, you must consult a medical practitioner or
go to hospital as soon as possible. Try to identify the insect
or spider and if possible put it into a jar and take it with
you. Many antivenins are specific to the particular poison and
these work extremely well. If you can take the animal with you,
the medical staff will be able to more easily identify it and
prescribe the correct antivenom for you.
However, most bites are more or less harmless and you will get
great relief from using essential oils and herbs like Aloe vera.
Make sure you drink lots of fluids and rest until the symptoms
have improved and you are feeling getter.
About the author:
Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine
and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and
Aromatherapist, they have created
Natural Skin Care Products
by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of
combined expertise with you.
© Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2004 - 2005
