By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Bee Sting
Herbal creams for bee sting are topical remedies made from natural ingredients such as plant extracts and essential oils.
They help alleviate the pain, swelling, and itching associated with bee stings by reducing inflammation and soothing the skin. Examples of herbal creams that help with bee sting include those containing aloe vera, tea tree oil, and chamomile.
These creams improve lives by providing quick relief, reducing the risk of infection, and promoting a faster recovery.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for bee sting, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Calendula officinalis
- 2. Echinacea purpurea
- 3. Aloe vera
- 4. Plantago major
- 5. Hypericum perforatum
- 6. Matricaria chamomilla
- 7. Arnica montana
- 8. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 9. Symphytum officinale
- 10. Taraxacum officinale
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for bee sting?
- What ailments similar to bee sting are treated with herbal creams?
1. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with bee sting because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
The cream soothes the affected area by reducing swelling and redness, making it an effective treatment for bee stings. The flavonoids and triterpenoids present in Calendula officinalis have been shown to promote healing and prevent infection, while also alleviating pain and discomfort associated with bee stings.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to treat minor skin irritations and injuries.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with bee sting.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds help reduce inflammation and itching associated with bee stings by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid, exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which help alleviate symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching caused by bee stings.
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, a flavonoid present in Calendula officinalis, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce the severity of bee sting reactions, including pain, swelling, and redness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for bee sting.
- Flowers: Used to make creams for bee stings due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
- Leaves: Used to make creams for bee stings as they contain flavonoids that help reduce swelling and pain.
- Seeds: Used to make creams for bee stings, although less commonly, as they have been traditionally used to treat various skin issues.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for bee sting.
- Harvest 20-30 calendula flowers at peak bloom in the morning to ensure optimal potency and freshness.
- Dry the flowers in a single layer at 150-200 degrees fahrenheit for 1-2 hours to remove moisture.
- Combine 1 cup dried calendula flowers with 2 cups carrier oil in a clean glass jar to create a strong infusion.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar daily to facilitate oil extraction.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and discard the solids, then whip the oil with 1/4 cup beeswax and 2 tablespoons emulsifier until smooth.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, creams helps with bee sting because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
The cream's active ingredients, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid, work together to reduce swelling and itching at the sting site. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate bee sting symptoms, providing quick relief and comfort.
By applying the cream topically, individuals can experience faster relief from the painful and itchy effects of a bee sting.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea creams that help with bee sting.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce swelling and redness caused by bee stings.
- Caffeic acid phenylethyl ester: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate pain and reduce the risk of infection from bee stings.
- Isobutylamides: These compounds have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help relieve pain and reduce swelling caused by bee stings.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make creams for bee sting.
- Roots: They are used because they contain a higher concentration of compounds with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
- Leaves: They are used because they contain compounds that help reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with bee stings.
- Flowers: They are used because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that help soothe and calm the skin, reducing the discomfort caused by bee stings.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for bee sting.
- Harvest echinacea purpurea flowers and roots in late summer or early fall after the first frost.
- Dry the flowers and roots in a warm place for 1-2 weeks to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
- Infuse 20 grams of dried echinacea purpurea flowers and 10 grams of dried roots in 100 milliliters of carrier oil for 2-3 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter and discard the solids.
- Mix the infused oil with a base cream or lotion made from beeswax and coconut oil in a ratio of 1:3.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with bee sting because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The gel extracted from the aloe vera plant contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have been shown to reduce swelling and ease pain. When applied topically to a bee sting, aloe vera cream can help calm the affected area, reducing redness and discomfort.
This natural remedy can provide quick relief and promote healing, making it a popular choice for treating minor bee stings.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with bee sting.
- Anthraquinones: These compounds help to reduce inflammation and ease pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.
- Aloin: This anthraquinone derivative has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to soothe the affected area and reduce swelling.
- Saponins: These bioactive compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to prevent infection and promote wound healing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for bee sting.
- Leaves: They contain the majority of Aloe vera's medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and soothing compounds that help ease bee sting pain and inflammation.
- Gel from leaves: This gel is rich in Aloe vera's key components, such as aloin and aloe-emodin, which help reduce swelling and itching caused by bee stings.
- Aloe vera juice from leaves: The juice extracted from Aloe vera leaves contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help alleviate bee sting pain and prevent infection.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for bee sting.
- Harvest 3 large aloe vera leaves from the plant and soak them in water for 2 hours.
- Chop the soaked aloe vera leaves into small pieces and blend them with 1 cup of distilled water for 5 minutes.
- Strain the blended mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh to remove any remaining pulp or fibers.
- Mix the strained aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture in the double boiler for 10-15 minutes or until the beeswax is fully melted and the cream has thickened.
4. Plantago major
Plantago major, also known as plantain, creams helps with bee sting because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
The cream's active ingredients, derived from the leaves of the Plantago major plant, help to reduce swelling and redness caused by bee stings. It also helps to prevent infection by killing bacteria that can enter the wound.
As a result, Plantago major creams provide quick relief from the discomfort and pain of a bee sting, making it a popular natural remedy for this common issue.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major creams that help with bee sting.
- Aucubin: Aucubin, a glycoside, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help to reduce swelling and pain caused by bee stings.
- Apolipoprotein a-1: This constituent has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of bee stings, such as itching and redness.
- Phenylethanoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and protect the skin from damage caused by bee venom.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make creams for bee sting.
- Leaves: They are rich in mucilages, which help soothe and reduce inflammation on the skin caused by bee stings.
- Roots: Plantago major roots contain anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that aid in healing and preventing infection of bee sting wounds.
- Seeds: Plantago major seeds have been traditionally used to treat bee stings due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for bee sting.
- Harvest 1/2 cup of fresh plantago major leaves and flowers in the morning to ensure maximum potency.
- Steam distill the harvested plantago major leaves and flowers for 30 minutes to release their active compounds.
- Combine 1/4 cup of the distilled plantago major extract with 1/2 cup of base cream containing 20% emollients and 10% humectants.
- Blend the mixture for 10 minutes using a high-speed mixer to create a uniform consistency.
- Filter the cream through a 0.2-micron filter and fill sterile containers for storage and dispensing.
5. Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum, also known as St John's Wort, creams helps with bee sting because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
The active compounds in Hypericum perforatum, such as hyperforin and hypericin, have been shown to reduce swelling and itching at the affected area. These compounds also inhibit the release of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic reactions.
As a result, Hypericum perforatum creams can provide quick relief from bee sting pain and discomfort, allowing the skin to heal faster.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum creams that help with bee sting.
- Hyperforin: Hyperforin is a prenylated phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which can help alleviate the pain and swelling associated with bee stings.
- N-feruloyltyramine: NFT is a phenolic amide that exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antihistamine activities, which can help reduce the redness and swelling caused by bee stings.
- Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with bee stings, and also has antioxidant properties to prevent tissue damage.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make creams for bee sting.
- Leaves: They contain hypericin and hyperforin, which have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that help soothe bee sting pain.
- Flowers: They are rich in flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that aid in reducing swelling and preventing infection from bee stings.
- Seeds: They contain hypericin and hyperforin, similar to the leaves, which help to reduce pain and inflammation caused by bee stings.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for bee sting.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves in the morning after dew has dried.
- Dry the collected herbs in a single layer at 40 degrees celsius for 24 hours.
- Infuse 10 grams of dried hypericum perforatum in 100 milliliters of cold-pressed oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and discard the solids after 2 weeks.
- Mix the strained oil with 20 grams of beeswax and 20 grams of shea butter to create a smooth cream.
6. Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with bee sting because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The active compounds in chamomile, such as apigenin and bisabolol, have been shown to reduce swelling and pain associated with bee stings. The creams also promote healing and calm the skin, reducing the risk of infection and scarring. Additionally, chamomile's antiseptic properties help to prevent bacterial growth, making it an effective natural remedy for bee sting relief.
It provides quick and natural relief from the discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with bee sting.
- Apigenin: A flavonoid compound found in Matricaria chamomilla, apigenin has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that help alleviate the pain and swelling associated with bee stings.
- Α-bisabolol: A sesquiterpene alcohol present in the herb, α-bisabolol exhibits anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, which can help calm the skin and reduce redness caused by bee stings.
- Chamazulene: A sesquiterpene lactone in Matricaria chamomilla, chamazulene has potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help prevent infection and promote healing of the skin after a bee sting.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for bee sting.
- Flowers: They are rich in flavonoids, particularly apigenin, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help alleviate bee sting symptoms.
- Leaves: They contain apigenin and other flavonoids that contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which aid in calming bee sting reactions.
- Seeds: They are known to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties due to the presence of flavonoids, particularly apigenin, which can help reduce swelling and soothe bee sting discomfort.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for bee sting.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers for use in cream production.
- Steep 10 grams of dried flowers in 100ml of carrier oil such as jojoba oil for 2-3 weeks.
- Strain the oil mixture through cheesecloth into a clean container discarding the solids.
- Combine the infused oil with 20 grams of beeswax and 10 grams of candelilla wax in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture until the waxes melt and blend the cream for 5-10 minutes to cool and thicken.
7. Arnica montana
Arnica montana, also known as mountain arnica, creams helps with bee stings because of its anti-inflammatory properties that quickly reduce swelling and redness.
The active compounds in Arnica, such as thymol and flavonoids, work to ease pain and promote healing. By applying Arnica cream to the affected area, you can alleviate discomfort and itching caused by bee stings.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it a popular choice for treating minor bee sting reactions.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Arnica montana creams that help with bee sting.
- Tartaric acid esters: They help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with bee stings by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which help alleviate redness, swelling, and itching caused by bee stings.
- Helenalin and dihydrohelenalin: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help reduce pain and swelling at the site of the bee sting, and also have antimicrobial properties to prevent infection.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of mountain arnica used to make creams for bee sting.
- Flowers: They contain sesquiterpene lactones, which are responsible for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
- Leaves: Like the flowers, the leaves also contain sesquiterpene lactones, making them a useful addition to creams for bee sting relief.
- Roots: The roots of Arnica montana contain a high concentration of sesquiterpene lactones, which contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties in creams.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mountain arnica for bee sting.
- Infuse 30 grams of dried arnica montana flowers in 500ml of carrier oil such as coconut oil at room temperature.
- Strain the infused mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to separate the plant material from the oil.
- Combine the infused oil with 20 grams of beeswax and 10 grams of shea butter in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat and stir until the beeswax and shea butter are fully incorporated and melted.
- Pour the warm mixture into glass jars and allow it to cool and solidify before use.
8. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with bee sting because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The root of the licorice plant contains compounds like glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to reduce swelling and ease pain. When applied topically, licorice creams can help calm the skin and reduce the discomfort associated with bee stings. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce redness and promote healing, making it a popular remedy for relieving bee sting symptoms.
This makes it an effective treatment option.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with bee sting.
- Saponins: Saponins, specifically glycyrrhizin and its derivatives, have anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties, which help to reduce the swelling and itching associated with bee stings.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids present in Glycyrrhiza glabra, such as isoorientin and isovitexin, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which aid in soothing and calming the affected area after a bee sting.
- Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids like glycyrrhizin also possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which help to reduce the severity of the allergic reaction and alleviate the discomfort caused by bee stings.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for bee sting.
- Roots: They contain compounds like glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties to help alleviate bee sting pain and swelling.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, contributing to their use in soothing bee sting creams.
- Barks: They also contain glycosides and flavonoids, which help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected area after a bee sting.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for bee sting.
- Weigh 100 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and grind them into fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Combine the ground powder with 500 milliliters of distilled water and 50 grams of vegetable glycerin in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture under low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the glycyrrhiza glabra extract dissolves.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and filter it to obtain a clear liquid extract.
- Mix the extract with 50 grams of beeswax and 50 grams of emulsifying wax in a double boiler and heat until melted.
9. Symphytum officinale
Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, creams helps with bee sting because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The cream contains allantoin, a natural compound that accelerates wound healing, reduces pain and swelling, and promotes tissue repair. Comfrey cream also contains antioxidants that help to neutralize the venom from the bee sting, reducing the severity of the reaction and promoting a faster recovery.
This makes it an effective remedy for relieving bee sting discomfort and promoting a speedy recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale creams that help with bee sting.
- Allantoin: Allantoin helps to break down the proteins in bee venom, reducing swelling and inflammation associated with bee stings.
- Saponins: Saponins in Symphytum officinale creams have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to soothe and protect the affected area from infection and further irritation.
- Mucilages: Mucilages, which are complex carbohydrates, form a protective barrier on the skin, reducing the absorption of bee venom and minimizing its effects.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of comfrey used to make creams for bee sting.
- Leaves: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help soothe and heal bee sting wounds.
- Roots: They are used due to their high mucilage content, which creates a protective barrier on the skin, reducing pain and inflammation from bee stings.
- Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce swelling, redness, and the risk of infection from bee stings.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic comfrey for bee sting.
- Harvest 1 part of fresh symphytum officinale leaves and flowers in the morning after the dew has dried.
- Steep 1 part of the harvested plant material in 5 parts of carrier oil like sweet almond oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container to remove the solids.
- Mix 10 percent of the infused oil with 90 percent of a moisturizing base like beeswax and shea butter.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly and pour it into small glass containers for storage and use as needed.
10. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, creams helps with bee sting because it contains anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which aid in reducing swelling and itching caused by the venom.
The cream's soothing effects calm the affected area, providing relief from pain and discomfort. Dandelion's medicinal compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, also help to neutralize the histamine released by the bee's sting, making it an effective remedy for bee sting relief.
This natural remedy provides quick and effective relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale creams that help with bee sting.
- Taraxasterol: This triterpene ester has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain caused by bee stings.
- Taraxasterol acetate: Similar to Taraxasterol, this compound has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in soothing bee sting symptoms.
- Chlorogenic acid: This phenolic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to neutralize the venom from bee stings and alleviate pain and inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make creams for bee sting.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- Flowers: Contain taraxasterol, a compound that helps reduce inflammation and swelling caused by bee stings.
- Roots: Used for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent infection and reduce pain from bee stings.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for bee sting.
- Harvest taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers at dawn when dew is still present on the plants.
- Steam distill taraxacum officinale plant material in a ratio of 1:4 with distilled water for 2 hours.
- Combine 100g of taraxacum officinale essential oil with 300g of beeswax and 200g of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture under gentle stirring for 30 minutes until the beeswax and coconut oil melt completely.
- Pour the warm mixture into a glass jar and let it cool and solidify at room temperature for 4 hours.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for bee sting?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with bee sting is Aloe vera and Tea tree oil.
Aloe vera provides immediate relief by soothing the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Tea tree oil, with its antiseptic properties, helps to prevent infection and promote the healing process. Calendula oil can also be added to enhance skin regeneration and reduce scarring.
Apply a mixture of these creams directly to the affected area to alleviate pain and promote quick recovery from bee stings.
What ailments similar to bee sting are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to bee sting that are treated with herbal creams are skin irritations, minor burns, and insect bites.
Herbal creams containing soothing ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile can provide relief from redness, swelling, and itching. They can also help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the affected area.
These natural remedies can be used to treat minor injuries and discomforts without harsh chemicals or side effects.