Herbal Remedy For A Scorpion Sting

Scorpion stings are a major health concern in underdeveloped countries. In Mexico, scorpion stings account for about a thousand deaths per year, whereas in the United States only a handful or less deaths occur each year. While being stung by a scorpion is not likely to be fatal or have any lasting effects, there are home remedies to reduce the pain and swelling.

Symptoms

Nonpoisonous scorpion stings cause only pain and warmth in the sting site. The bark scorpion, which is poisonous and home to Arizona, New Mexico and California, is toxic and can be lethal to children. Signs and symptoms of a venomous scorpion sting include intense pain, numbness or tingling, muscle twitching, drooling, sweating, restlessness or excitability, or unusual head, neck and eye movements. Older adults are likely to experience difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, muscle twitching and weakness.

Immediate Action

Since you may not know whether the sting is from a venomous scorpion or not, there are some actions that you should take immediately. First, wash the sting area with soap and water. Apply a cool compress on the area using ice (wrapped in a washcloth or in a Ziploc bag) for 10 minutes. Remove compress for 10 minutes and reapply as necessary. Ice helps ease the pain and slow the venom from spreading. When the sting occurs on the arm or leg, elevate the limb to heart level. Avoid consuming foods or liquids as poisonous stings can cause throat swelling and difficulty swallowing.

Herbal Remedies

To relieve pain and burning from scorpion stings, combine 8 parts sesame oil, 16 parts arka juice (water taken from boiling crown flower, also known as Calotropis gigantea) and 1 part turmeric. Boil all ingredients while stirring often, until the oil thickens. Cool to room temperature. Apply oil mixture directly on the sting area. Sesame oil reduces stress and tension and promotes strength and vitality. Calotropis gigantea relieves pain and burning and turmeric reduces pain and swelling.

To aid against poisonous stings, apply ashes of arjuna bark to exposed skin areas. Arjuna is a deciduous tree commonly found in the northern plains of India, and also Ceylon, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The Arjuna tree is known for its medicinal purposes. It has a bitter taste, which repels scorpions, and a cooling effect to soothe the skin.

Tags: Calotropis gigantea, muscle twitching, pain burning, pain swelling, poisonous stings