Spider Bites, Flea Bites, Mosquito Bites and Bee Stings

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.