Bites, Stings and Puncture Wounds

The degree of the reaction to a bite, sting or puncture wound is not only determined by the nature of the offending creature or puncture implement but also by the sensitivity of the subject. In some cases the initial reaction may be painless but severe reactions may follow in the form of pain, swelling, blistering and weeping of fluid, or an irritant dermatitis may develop. Use the following remedies for acute symptoms.

Bites and Stings: Ledum - mosquito bites or reaction to insect and animal bites and stings, white or purple, puffy and cold.  Apis - bee or wasp stings, red, rosy, shiny and swelling.  Hypericum - shooting pains. Bites on fingers and toes. Cantharis - should a watery blister develop. Carbo Veg - shock and collapse. Carbolic Acid or Histamine can be good for allergic reactions.

Secondary infection with the production of pus may also follow particularly if the bites went untreated originally. Use Hepar Sulph alone or alternate with Calendula for secondary infections, continue until completely clear. 

Internal modification of body scent can help those prone to insect bites. Increasing Garlic, Vitamin B1 (50mg, 12 hourly for adults) and taking Caladium 6c and Ledum 6c one dose a day as a preventative when going into mosquito infested areas. 

Also available is the Homeopathic Bite 'n Sting Balm. This balm helps to soothe insect bites and stings. Also suitable for cuts and scratches, puncture wounds, itchy skin and any other ailments suiting the included remedies.It contains Apis 6c, Calendula 6c, Hypericum 6c, Ledum 6c, Nat mur 6x and Rhus tox 6c.

Animal bites: Animal and people bites should be carefully cleaned and the patient treated with Arnica and Ledum or Hypericum. Repeat the remedies regularly until healed. 

Fear and anxiety after bites, particularly snake and spider bites, needs to be calmed with Aconite and Rescue Remedy while seeking medical attention. Treat physical collapse with Carbo Veg and Rescue Remedy. 

Puncture Wounds: For puncture wounds and injuries from sharp instruments including needle stick injury.  Ledum 6c  - 3 times daily for three days or longer to prevent sepsis, especially in wounds that threaten infection - this is more important if the wound has not bled significantly.

If there has been a lot of bleeding, Arnica is better indicated or used in conjunction with Ledum. Use Hypericum - if Ledum is unavailable or for long shooting pains. Also use Ledum cream or diluted tincture locally. Adequate flushing and cleansing of the wound is essential.

Travel: Ledum 6c is particularly recommended as a daily dose to protect against bites and prevent sepsis of scratches when travelling to tropical climates.

Research well before travelling, seek advice regarding precautions and treatments for the local insects and animals, and carry a well stocked homoeopathic travel kit. Colin Lessel's book, 'Travelers Guide to Homoeopathy' is a valuable reference source.

Injections, Immunisations, Biopsies & other Invasive Procedures: are also considered by the body to be puncture wounds. We highly recommend that you treat the symptoms of these procedures as important and warranting attention.

If you know you are going to have a procedure then start remedies such as Arnica, Hypericum and Ledum before and continue for several days after the event.

Vacci-Relief is a combination available through the Centre to minimise the effects of immunisations.