scorpion sting

[cheryldmooreStudent]

My daughter lives in Arizona and yesterday was stung by a scorpion. She has gone through 12 hours of pain/nerve problems. Fortunately she is doing better now but I was wondering what can be done herbally to treat scorpion bites. She is concerned about what to do if one of her children gets bitten.

[IdahoHerbalist]

I am not sure of the exact action of the scorpion venom but I would use plantain externally and internally to help pull the toxins out at the very least. DO NOT apply heat to the plantain.

From Wikipedia

Sting and venom

All known scorpion species possess venom and use it primarily to kill or paralyze their prey so that it can be eaten. In general, it is fast-acting, allowing for effective prey capture. It is also used as a defense against predators. The venom is a mixture of compounds (neurotoxins, enzyme inhibitors, etc.) each not only causing a different effect but possibly also targeting a specific animal. Each compound is made and stored in a pair of glandular sacs and is released in a quantity regulated by the scorpion itself. Of the 1,000+ known species of scorpion, only 25 have venom that is deadly to humans; most of those belong to the family Buthidae (including Leiurus quinquestriatus, Hottentotta, Centruroides and Androctonus).[8][35]

First aid

First aid for scorpion stings is generally symptomatic. It includes strong analgesia, either systemic (opiates or paracetamol) or locally applied (such as a cold compress). Hypertensive crises are treated with anxiolytics and vasodilators.[36]

[cheryldmooreStudentTopic Author]

Thanks for the information. Interestingly one place I read said NOT to take opiates because it could decrease the respiration, something the toxin can also do.

[IdahoHerbalist]

Remember, that is a wiki article. Information there needs to be cross referenced and double checked.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Yup. Steven is right. Plantain 4 times a day topically and internally is what I would do.

I would also take burdock and cleavers to help the body eliminate the toxins.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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