First aid for bee stings can either be very simple, or very complicated.

Let's look at complicated first. If you are allergic to bee stings, things can get hairy fast, so really first aid in this situation is a matter of preparation. Have your Epi-pen handy at all times during bee season. Make sure those around you know how to contact your doctor and also know that you are allergic to bee stings.

However, if you are not allergic to bee stings, there are two neat things you can do to quickly ease the pain and draw out the venom. The first is using tobacco. Now, back in the day, my mom was able to use tobacco from her cigarrettes, but it is likely more effective to use rolling or chewing tobacco today. You take a small bit of the tobacco, saturate it with water so it softens some, then squeeze it until it forms a bit of a wet bundle. Firmly place that on the the fresh bee sting. It draws out the venom and begins to reduce pain. The second thing to do is something you can do to all stings-both itchy and painful. Put a light spot of toothpaste on it or make a thick paste with baking soda and water and put that on the injured spot. It reduces pain and itch fast, as well as helping suck out the venom.

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