Acne

However, bites from some spiders and insects may requireimmediate medical attention. For example, the sting from theEuropean Wasp and the Honey Bee can result in severe reactionsand have been known to result in death. Similarly, some spidersin Australia such as the Sydney Funnel Web and the Red Backspiders have also been reported to be fatal, while bites fromother have been known to cause serious health concerns and skinnecrosis.

Apart from the very nasty critters that have too much poison forour good, most mosquito bites and similar stings are for themost part just very irritating and can be addressed with somevery simple, yet potent essential oils. Spider bites for examplecan be treated by applying 2-3 drops of Basil oil onto a bandaidand applying this to the bite. Replace the band-aid 2-3 timesper day, Basil oil has been reported to be able to neutralisemany toxins from spider bites and other insects.

In addition, some people may have a mild to moderately severeallergic reaction to bites from fleas or mosquitoes and againessential oils come to the rescue.

Lavender oils for example will sooth irritated skin very quicklyand disinfect the area at the same time. Lavender is well knownfor it’s wound healing and antiseptic properties, which makes itan ideal first aid treatment from minor bites and stings.Similarly, Aloe vera gel will quickly sooth the irritated skinand help the healing process.

Citronella oil is a natural pyrethrin and thus is excellent inrepelling insects. You can use it together with Pennyroyal onthe coat of dogs and cats to keep fleas and flea bites to aminimum. WARNING - Do not use Pennyroyal on female dogs and catsif you are trying to bread them or if they are pregnant;Pennyroyal is a known abortifactant. You can also use an oilevaporator, you know, where you have a few drops of essentialoils in a few millilitres of water in a small dish, which sitsover a burning candle.

Tea tree oil - is a traditional Aboriginal remedy fromAustralia, which has become well known for its healing andantiseptic properties. Research has demonstrated that it acts onthe micro-organisms that cause common skin infections such asacne, canker sores, herpes, insect bites and nail fungus.

If these first aid treatments do not seem to be of any help orsymptoms get worse, you must consult a medical practitioner orgo to hospital as soon as possible. Try to identify the insector spider and if possible put it into a jar and take it withyou. Many antivenins are specific to the particular poison andthese work extremely well. If you can take the animal with you,the medical staff will be able to more easily identify it andprescribe the correct antivenom for you.

However, most bites are more or less harmless and you will getgreat relief from using essential oils and herbs like Aloe vera.Make sure you drink lots of fluids and rest until the symptomshave improved and you are feeling getter.

About the author:

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicineand together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist andAromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Productsby Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years ofcombined expertise with you.

© Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2004 - 2005

Filed under: Acne