Chances are, most people have been or will be stung by a bee at some point in their life. As painful and surprising as they may be at the time, stings often heal quickly and without complication. Nonetheless, it’s important to take action after being stung! While there are certainly a number of over-the-counter treatments to choose from, you don’t need to stop by the store. Luckily, there are several all-natural remedies that can work to heal a sting right at home.

Treating Bee Stings at Home

There are a number of benefits to using all-natural treatments for bee stings. That said, it’s extremely important to receive medical attention if there is a negative or allergic reaction to the sting. Thankfully, those cases are rare and most stings can be treated in the comfort of your home. Before applying any home remedy, the first step is to safely and quickly remove the stinger after being stung with your fingernail, tweezers, or the edge of a credit card. Follow up with a quick soapy water wash, and ice the stung area as needed to reduce swelling. From there, you’re ready to treat the sting to help relieve any symptoms!

7 All-Natural Bee Sting Remedies

While some of these remedies may prove to be more effective than others, some of the natural ways to relieve the symptoms of a bee sting include:

Toothpaste: Dabbing a bit of toothpaste on the site of the sting has been known to neutralize honeybee venom.
Baking soda: A paste comprised of baking soda and water has been reported to reduce pain, itchiness, and swelling caused by a bee sting. Simply apply a thick layer of the mixture, cover with a bandage, and let sit for at least 15 minutes before removing!
Honey: An age-old home remedy for many symptoms, honey can help heal wounds, decrease itchiness, and ease pain. Cover the sting with a small amount of honey, cover, and let sit for up to an hour.
Meat tenderizer: A solution of one-part meat tenderizer and four parts water has been said to break down a protein in the body that causes pain and itching.
Apple cider vinegar: Soaking a sting in apple cider vinegar can help neutralize bee venom and ease pain associated with the sting.
Aspirin tablet: Applying a wet aspirin tablet to the site of the sting has been known to possibly reduce redness and swelling associated with the venom.
Essential oils & herbs: Aloe vera, lavender essential oil, calendula cream, tea tree oil, and witch hazel all have healing properties that may aid in treating a bee sting. When using essential oils, always mix a few drops with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.

Natural Bee Sting Treatments

In most cases, bee stings can be treated at home. Although all-natural treatments aren’t guaranteed to work for everyone, there’s a reason these home remedies have been passed down for centuries! However, when experiencing any symptoms of a more serious reaction—especially when it involves trouble breathing, hives, or dizziness—it’s essential to seek medical attention. Allergies to bee stings can form at any point in life, which is why it’s important to always properly treat a sting.