Recipe: Neutralizing Clay Poultice

9 days ago, a bee got stuck between the collar of my running shoe and sock and stung me six times on the achilles tendon. Luckily, I am the only person in my family NOT allergic to bee stings, so I had a relatively mild reaction. After cleaning the area well with rubbing alcohol, I iced it over a 24 hour period.

After a week the pain had mostly subsided, but the area began to itch uncontrollably, became red and warm to the touch. (As a child, I would scratch mosquito bites until they became raw and infected, so I've used my share of steroid creams and prefer to avoid them if possible.)

The following poultice eliminated the swelling and itching completely within 12 hours of application. So far I've applied it two days in a row and have only mild bruising and scabbing of the puncture sites.

If you think you may be allergic to bees, wasps or other stinging insects, seek immediate medical attention. Over 2 million Americans are allergic to stinging insects. Severe allergic reactions to insect stings are responsible for at least 50 deaths each year in the U.S.. My entire family carries epi-pens for emergencies such as these, but I was alone and on a relatively remote trail when I was stung. If I had experienced an allergic reaction, I'd have been in some trouble.

You Will Need:

4 oz Kaolin - White Clay
4 oz Bentonite Clay NF
2 oz Moringa Oleifera Leaf Powder
2 oz Aloe Vera Powder
5 ml (1 tsp) Lavender, Bulgarian Essential Oil

Combine all ingredients in a blender reserved specifically for product formulation. Pulse to combine ingredients. When thoroughly combined, package in an airtight container.

To Use: Mix equal parts dry poultice blend with water. Apply to affected area and allow to dry. Rinse with clean water and pat dry.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com