doTERRA Essential Oil Support For
Insect/ Bug Bites & Stings
Stings and bites from insects are common. They often result in redness and swelling in the injured area. Sometimes a sting can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Insects do not usually attack unless they are provoked. Most bites and stings are defensive. The insects sting to protect their hives or nests.
A sting or bite injects venom composed of proteins and other substances that may trigger an allergic reaction in the victim. The sting also causes redness and swelling at the site of the sting.
- Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants are members of the Hymenoptera family. Bites or stings from these species may cause serious reactions in people who are allergic to them. Death from bee stings is 3-4 times more common than death from snake bites (for more information, see stings of bees and wasps). Bees, wasps, and fire ants differ in how they inflict injury.
- When a bee stings, it loses the entire injection apparatus (stinger) and actually dies in the process. A wasp can inflict multiple stings because it does not lose its injection apparatus after it stings.
- Fire ants inject their venom by using their mandibles (the biting parts of their jaw) and rotating their bodies. They may inject venom many times.
- In contrast, bites from mosquitoes typically do not cause significant illnesses, unless they convey “vectors,” or microorganisms that actually live within these mosquitoes. For instance, malaria is caused by an organism that spends part of its life cycle in a particular species of mosquitoes. West Nile virus is another disease spread by a mosquito.
- Other types of insects, bites, and diseases
- Lice can transmit epidemic relapsing fever, caused by spirochetes.
- Various mosquitoes spread viral diseases (such as equine encephalitis;dengue and yellow fever in humans and other animals).
- Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses through their bites or stings.
- Other insects such as chiggers and mites typically cause self-limited localized itchiness and swelling.
- Serious bites from spiders, which are not insects, can be from the black widow or brown recluse
The response to a sting or bite from insects is variable and depends on a variety of factors. Most bites and stings result in pain, swelling, redness, and itching to the affected area. The skin may be broken and become infected if the bite area is scratched. If not treated properly, these local infections may become severe and cause a condition known as cellulitis.
You may experience a severe reaction beyond the immediate area of the sting if you are allergic to the bite or sting. This is known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms of a severe reaction include hives, wheezing, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, and even death within 30 minutes. If you notice a severe reaction taking place, contact 911 or your local emergency center immediately.
dōTERRA products are safe to use on all ages.
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doTERRA Essential Oil Insect / Bug Bite Support:
Make a blend of equal parts (use as many of the following oils as possible) : Roman Chamomile Oil, Purify Oil Blend, Lavender Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Peppermint Oil and Thyme Oil - Apply 1-2 drops of blend on area 2-3 times a day until symptoms disappear.
Mix 3 drops Thyme Oil in 1 tsp cider vinegar or pure lemon juice. Apply to bites to stop initial irritation.
Add 3-5 drops to 1-2 oz distilled water in a small spray bottle, shake well, and mist onto the skin or into small openings where bugs may come through.
Combine 5 drops Lavender Oil, 5 drops Lemongrass Oil, 3 drops Peppermint Oil and 1 drop Thyme Oil. Apply to feet, add to 1 cup water in spray bottle and apply using a fine mist over body. Or place drops of this blend on ribbons or strings and tie near windows or around picnic or camping area.
Combine equal parts Clove Oil, Lemon Oil, and Orange Oil - apply 2-3 drops on exposed skin.
