Summer 2014 – Bee Stings – This summer I was watering my raspberries when I felt a sharp, stabbing pain in my knee and realized I’d been stung by a bee. Turns out it was actually a yellow jacket wasp that required immediate action. I had a pretty dramatic allergic reaction but because it was in my leg, the symptoms only affected the leg so I did not seek medical attention. Instead I started by icing the injection site and taking an antihistamine. The next morning I made a natural plant poultice from common plantain and wrapped with a warm compress. This proved effective and quickly pulled out the toxins and reduced the swelling.
common plantain
To make a poultice, mash or chew the leaves to release the juice, put this on the sting site, then wrap with a hot cloth and cover with plastic wrap. Leave this on for about 1 hour, then wash and repeat until all the toxins are removed.
More safety tip resources:
Things You Should Know and Remember about Outdoor Safety
- Choose the right activity for the day.
- Use the Buddy system – Go with a friend.
- Always tell someone where you’re going and don’t change the plan without telling.
- Be observant – Avoid past avalanche zones.
- Stay away from uncertain ice.
- Dress in layers and carry safety equipment: water, food, extra clothes, shovel, probe,
transceiver and cell phone. - Don’t just own safety equipment – Know how to use it. Practice, practice, practice.
- Travel one at a time through exposed, risky areas while others watch from a safe zone.
- Never stop on or below steep slopes or cornices.
- Avoid terrain traps (dips, gullies or below cliffs) where snow can pile up.
- Travel on ridges and high points.
- Always plan an escape route.
- If your friend gets caught or injured YOU become the rescuer – Most times you don’t have time to go for help.
- Remember you can never know too much. Keep learning!
– See more at: naoiak.org
