Natural Bug Bite Balm | Essential Oil Recipes

This spring we added around 10,000 honey bees to our backyard. As the hive has gotten stronger, it's also grown! We estimate to have around 40,000 bees now. I know several people are afraid of bees, but these Italian bees are very docile, and they don't sting unless they think you are going to harm their hive. When we get into the hive, J and Rhett are completely covered  by their bee suits. Neither of them have ever been stung while opening the hive. The only time we have had any stings is when one of us has been walking through the backyard barefoot and have stepped on one of the gals accidentally. 

As beekeepers, we know that there is a risk of allergic reactions to stings so we do have medicine on hand. Thankfully, no one has had a scary response. Just because it's not a life threatening response doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. 

If you do happen to get stung, we have found this balm is so helpful in soothing the skin after the sting. 

The first thing you're going to want to do is remove the stinger and the venom sac. 

Then, we rub on this balm and apply a cold compress. Most reactions are gone within ten to fifteen minutes. 

1/2 oz beeswax

1 oz solid coconut oil

1/2 oz jojoba oil

3 drops vitamin E oil

4 drops Lavender, Tea Tree, & Peppermint oil

On a double broiler or carefully in the microwave, melt down 1/2 oz beeswax and 1 oz coconut oil until they reach a liquid state. 

Add the 1/2 oz jojoba oil and the vitamin E oil, stirring slowly. 

Add the lavender, tee tree and peppermint oil. 

Pour into 1 oz tins or empty tubes of chapstick. Let cool completely before use.