Bee Sting Cream

A MOISTURIZING HAND & BODY LOTION for use before and after a visit with the bees.

"Calendula flowers rubbed into beestings are said to relieve the pain."

– Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs

• Made with light, moisturizing oils and cooling distilled water – feels great even if you haven't been stung. 
• Pure beeswax and vitamin E for skin repair.
• Barely scented with essential oils of lemon, lemongrass, rosemary and clove bud.

Clove oil is reported to both prevent stings and numb the pain of a bee sting. Some associate the scent with a trip to the dentist, where clove oil has historically been used to numb pain, so upon request, I make this cream with other aromas or unscented.


Here's how I make it.

Place in a widemouthed mason jar (in this order) and heat to 70°C:
1/4 t. borax
8 oz. distilled water
contents of 4 capsules of Vitamin E
8 oz. oils of choice*
1/2 t. Tapioca Powder (optional but it leaves your skin feeling beautifully silky)

Off-heat, sprinkle on top:
2 oz. beeswax cappings
Let melt. Stick blend until smooth.

When cool, blend in 8 drops of essential oil(s) of choice. I like to whip in an antimocrobial, too, but that's up to you. Containerize but don't cap until fully cooled. Makes approx. (5) 3 ounce containers plus plenty for a tester.

* I always infuse my oils with calendula, the orange petals of which are hand-selected.