CHAPTER XIV.
Remedies proposed, as cures, for the Stings of Bees.
"Thesooner the Sting is extracted," says Dr. Bevan, "the less venom is ejected, and consequently less inflammation induced. To alleviate the irritation, numberless remedies have been proposed, of the most opposite kind and uncertain effect; as oil, vinegar, bruised parsley, burnet, mallow, or the leaves of any succulent vegetable, (renewed as soon as warm, and probably therefore, operating by cold alone) honey, indigo dissolved in water, &c., &c., the most effectual remedyappears to be Aq. Ammon, or Spirits of Hartshorn, nor is this surprising, when we consider that the venom of the Bee is evidently Acid."
I have known both the pain and inflammation greatly relieved by Laudanum; but for myself I could never experience the slightest relief from its application.
Its effects are very different in different persons, for, whilst a single Sting will sometimes produce alarming symptoms in one person, another may receive many without being inconvenienced either by pain or swelling; this I am sorry to observe is not my case, for a single sting causes me the most acute pain, accompanied by violent swelling and inflammation, which lasts two or three days; the above remedies have proved totally ineffectual in affording me the slightest relief, but I consider myself very fortunate in having lately met with almost a perfect cure, and it is as immediate as it is effectual; I have much pleasure in communicating it, for notwithstanding every precaution, persons, who are much amongst Bees occasionallymeet with a sting. The method I have of late adopted, by which the pain is instantly removed, and both the swelling and inflammation prevented, is to pull out the sting as soon as possible, and take a piece of iron and heat it in the fire, or for want of that, take a live coal, (if of wood the better, because it lasts longer) and hold it as near to the place as I can possibly endure it, for five minutes; if from this application a sensation of heat should be occasioned, a little oil of Turpentine or Goulard Cerate must be applied.
During the last three years I have used for myself and those about me, who might chance to meet with a sting, a still more effectual remedy than the above, and as its application is more simple, it is certainly to be preferred. It consists in applying the least possible quantity ofLiquor potassæ, immediately upon removing the sting, either with a fine camels' hair pencil, a sharp pen, or even with the point of a needle. The venom of the Bee being an acid, this very powerful alkali, consequently neutralises it, the pain is instantlyremoved, and neither swelling nor inflammation follow. Should too large a quantity of this alkali be used, (as from the hurry in which it is usually sought after frequently happens) the part should be plunged into cold water, or a scar will be the consequence, which will last for some days. I have found the quicker the application, the more effectual the cure.