Jellyfish Sting: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A jellyfish sting occurs when the nematocysts, tiny, venom-filled barbs on a jellyfish's tentacles, inject their potent venom into the skin of a victim, causing severe pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.

The sting is usually caused by accidental contact with the jellyfish while swimming or surfing in coastal waters. If left untreated, a jellyfish sting can lead to life-threatening complications, such as anaphylaxis, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest. To alleviate the pain and promote healing, herbal remedies like aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil can be applied topically, while herbal infusions of lemon balm and witch hazel can be consumed to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.

However, it is crucial to note that herbal remedies should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment and should only be applied under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of jellyfish sting, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of jellyfish sting?

The main causes of jellyfish sting are the discharge of venomous barbs from specialized structures called cnidocytes, which contain stinging cells called cnidoblasts.

These cells are triggered by contact with a foreign object, such as a swimmer or a boat propeller, causing the barb to fire and inject venom into the wound. The venom is composed of proteins, peptides, and other bioactive compounds, which can cause pain, inflammation, and other systemic effects. The severity of the sting is also influenced by factors such as the type of jellyfish, the location of the sting, and the individual's sensitivity to the venom.

Research has shown that the venom of some jellyfish species can also contain compounds with anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Swimming near reefs: Swimming near reefs is a common cause of jellyfish sting because reefs provide a habitat for many species of jellyfish, and the water around reefs can be filled with their stinging cells.
• Wading at low tide: Wading at low tide is a common cause of jellyfish sting because low tide often exposes jellyfish that are usually submerged in the water, making them more likely to come into contact with humans.
• Touching jellyfish washed ashore: Touching jellyfish washed ashore is a common cause of jellyfish sting because even dead jellyfish can still release their stinging cells, and washing them ashore can cause them to become more exposed and vulnerable to human contact.
• Entering the water from a boat: Entering the water from a boat is a common cause of jellyfish sting because boats can stir up jellyfish from the depths of the water, causing them to rise to the surface and come into contact with humans.
• Swimming in areas with high jellyfish populations: Swimming in areas with high jellyfish populations is a common cause of jellyfish sting because areas with high jellyfish populations are more likely to have a higher concentration of stinging cells in the water.
• Touching jellyfish in their natural habitat: Touching jellyfish in their natural habitat is a common cause of jellyfish sting because jellyfish are naturally equipped with stinging cells to defend themselves, and touching them can trigger a sting.
• Swimming during peak jellyfish season: Swimming during peak jellyfish season is a common cause of jellyfish sting because jellyfish often have a specific breeding season, and swimming during this time increases the likelihood of encountering stinging cells.
• Wearing inadequate swimwear: Wearing inadequate swimwear is a common cause of jellyfish sting because some swimwear can trap jellyfish stinging cells against the skin, increasing the severity of the sting.
• Swimming in areas with poor water circulation: Swimming in areas with poor water circulation is a common cause of jellyfish sting because stagnant water can allow jellyfish to accumulate in one area, increasing the likelihood of encountering stinging cells.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for jellyfish sting?

The main medicinal herbs used for jellyfish sting are Calendula officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera, Euphorbia peplus, Arnica montana, Curcuma longa, Eucalyptus globulus, Cocos nucifera, Hypericum perforatum, Saponaria officinalis.

Calendula officinalis contains triterpenoids and sesquiterpenes that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, providing relief from the painful inflammation and infection caused by jellyfish stings. Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera contain aloin and aloe-emodin, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping to soothe and heal the affected skin. Euphorbia peplus contains phorbol esters that have anti-inflammatory properties, while Arnica montana contains arnica compounds that reduce inflammation and promote healing.

The other herbs, Curcuma longa, Eucalyptus globulus, Cocos nucifera, Hypericum perforatum, and Saponaria officinalis, also exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them effective in treating jellyfish stings.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, helps with jellyfish sting due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which aid in soothing and protecting the affected skin from infection.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, commonly known as aloe vera, helps with jellyfish sting due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and promote healing of the affected skin.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with jellyfish sting due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and promote healing of the affected skin.
• Euphorbia peplus: Euphorbia peplus, also known as radium weed, helps with jellyfish sting due to its ability to break down and neutralize the venom from jellyfish stings, reducing pain and inflammation.
• Arnica montana: Arnica montana, commonly known as mountain arnica, helps with jellyfish sting due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can aid in soothing and protecting the affected skin from infection.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, helps with jellyfish sting due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid in reducing pain and promoting healing of the affected skin.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as blue gum eucalyptus, helps with jellyfish sting due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can aid in soothing and protecting the affected skin from infection.
• Cocos nucifera: Cocos nucifera, also known as coconut, helps with jellyfish sting due to its cooling and soothing properties, which can help reduce pain and promote healing of the affected skin.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, helps with jellyfish sting due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can aid in soothing and protecting the affected skin from infection.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis, also known as soapwort, helps with jellyfish sting due to its foaming properties, which can help break down and neutralize the venom from jellyfish stings, reducing pain and inflammation.

What are the main herbal preparations used for jellyfish sting?

The main herbal preparations used for jellyfish sting are Salve, Decoction, Ointment, Tincture, Poultice, Gel, Cream, Capsule, Tea, Bath.

Salve made from the leaves of the dock plant (Rumex obtusifolius) or the juice of the Aloe vera plant helps soothe the affected skin. Decoction of the leaves of the dock plant is also used to alleviate the pain caused by jellyfish sting, as the tannins in the plant help reduce inflammation. Ointments and creams containing ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and plantain (Plantago lanceolata) are applied topically to provide relief from the stinging sensation.

Herbal teas like chamomile and passionflower are consumed to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, while a warm bath with ingredients like baking soda, Epsom salt, or oatmeal is taken to alleviate the pain and reduce inflammation.

• Salve: A topical salve made from the extract of the plant Calendula officinalis helps to reduce inflammation, soothe and protect the skin from further irritation caused by jellyfish stings, while also promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the leaves of the plant Aloe barbadensis can be applied topically to reduce pain and inflammation, and to promote the healing of the skin after a jellyfish sting, by releasing anti-inflammatory compounds such as aloe-emodin and aloin.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the extract of the plant Hypericum perforatum helps to reduce pain and inflammation caused by jellyfish stings, and promotes healing by releasing hyperforin, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Tincture: A tincture made from the extract of the plant Echinacea purpurea can be applied topically to reduce inflammation and pain, and to promote healing after a jellyfish sting, by releasing echinacoside, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the crushed leaves of the plant Plantago lanceolata can be applied topically to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling caused by jellyfish stings, and to promote the healing of the skin by releasing allantoin, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of the plant Aloe vera helps to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling caused by jellyfish stings, and promotes healing by releasing aloe-emodin, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Cream: A topical cream made from the extract of the plant Calendula officinalis helps to reduce inflammation, soothe and protect the skin from further irritation caused by jellyfish stings, while also promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Capsule: Oral capsules made from the extract of the plant Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contain curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can be taken to reduce inflammation and pain caused by jellyfish stings.
• Tea: Drinking tea made from the leaves of the plant Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) can help to reduce inflammation and pain caused by jellyfish stings, and promote relaxation and sleep, which can aid in the recovery process.
• Bath: Soaking in a warm bath made from the extract of the plant Epsom salt (Magnesium sulphate) can help to reduce pain and inflammation caused by jellyfish stings, and promote relaxation and muscle relaxation.