Its the season of ‘venemous beasts’ as Culpeper termed it. Stings and bites are common at this time of year and its nice to know what you could do for relief without having to go and buy something at the chemists, and especially nice to know what natural remedies you can try.

Plantain (not the banana!) either Plantago lanceolata or Plantago major, will help reduce irritation and pain from any type of sting, insect or nettle etc. Roll a leaf into a ball in the palm of your hands and crush until the green sap appears, apply this sap to the area for instant relief.

At home with no access to helpful ‘weeds’?  If you have  nutmeg in your kitchen cupboard this helps numb any throbbing with stings. Mix a teaspoon of it to a paste with water and apply in a poultice.

Remember this easy rule for wasps and bee stings. For relief if used instantly to neutralise the sting.. vinegar for wasps/hornets (remember it like the car VW) and for bee stings, bicarbonate of soda or soda water (easy to remember B and B)

Lavender and chamomile essential oils are anti-inflammatory too and can help.

For itching that may come afterwards, there is no better help than peppermint. Diluted essential oil, crushed leaves, or even a peppermint teabag will help.

And to to try and avoid all that in the first place, peppermint is a good all round insect repelling herb.