Are there any natural ways of dealing with bites and stings during our Scottish summer?

Response from Nikki Biddiss, medical herbalist:

IT depends what bit you. Insects such as midges and mosquitos tend to cause an allergic reaction at the site of the bite with the familiar symptoms of swelling, redness and intense itchiness.

Wash the area with soap and water and try not to scratch it. Cool it with a cold compress (a flannel dipped in cold water or cooled chamomile or calendula tea).

Alternatively keep aloe vera, lavender or tea tree gel in the fridge and rub this onto affected areas to cool it down and calm the irritation. You could consider drinking nettle tea as nettles are believed to have anti-allergy properties.

If you are stung by a bee remove the sting: use as bank card to drag it out without bursting the venom sac, and clean the area thoroughly. Wasps don't often leave the sting behind so try and get out of their way if they are still about.

A traditional remedy to help wasp stings is to apply cider vinegar to the affected area. Horseflies cut rather than pierce the skin so bites can be painful, take longer to heal and can become infected. Clean thoroughly and consider adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water first.

Most bites and stings cause a minor (if annoying) reaction and heal quickly but seek medical attention if you develop a serious allergic reaction (symptoms including swelling of the mouth and throat, feeling nausea and fainting) or if the bites become infected.

Response from Irene McCabe, nutritionist and naturopath:

BUGS are attracted and repelled by scents. Certain insects including tics or mosquitoes (if travelling abroad) can be attracted to body odours and acidic blood.

Eating plenty of fresh green vegetables can keep your blood alkaline, supplementing with B complex and in particular B1 and showering with products that include scents such as lemon verbena, eucalyptus and lemongrass, can all help and make you smell delightful whilst being repulsive to insects.

Dress defensively when you venture on woodland walks and especially areas where deer tend to roam as tics can be nearby. Tics are mostly harmless but can cause Lyme disease which can be very serious. If you ever develop a "Target Shaped" bite/rash after a woodland walk see your doctor immediately as you may need a course of anti biotics to ensure Lyme disease does not manifest.

Essential oils can be really helpful when it comes to repelling insects. From many accounts tics abhor rose and geranium and the Scottish midgy, does not like citronella oil.

Make your own spray repellent with a new, clean 8 oz spray bottle, add 4 oz of witch hazel (to break down the oils ), add 4 oz of distilled water, then add 40-50 drops of your own chosen selection of bug beating essential oils. E.g. 20 drops of rose and geranium, 20 drops of citronella and 10 drops of eucalyptus Essential oils are non-toxic, but are sure to test this homemade repellent on a small patch of your skin before repeatedly spraying it on yourself.

Consult your health practitioner before following any advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have underlying health issues.

Nikki Biddiss is a medical herbalist, aromatherapy massage therapist and stress and wellbeing coach. Irene McCabe is a naturopathic nutritionist and has been an independent nutritional researcher for more than 30 years. Irene also practices allergy and intolerance testing, advanced clinical hypnotherapy and is the former owner of Napier's Glasgow in Glasgow's West End.

To contact Irene OR Nikki for a private consultation email responsenatural@gmail.com

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