Question

While playing in a park, a child was stung by a wasp. Some elders suggested applying the paste of baking soda and other lemon juice as the remedy. Which remedy do you think is appropriate and why?

Answer 1

Baking soda is the best remedy for wasp's sting.

Baking soda:

• Sodium bicarbonate $\left({\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3\right)$ is commonly known as Baking soda.
• It is a white crystalline solid but also appears as a fine powder.
• It is alkaline in nature.

When a wasp stings, it releases methanoic acid which leads to irritation. Applying baking soda to it neutralizes the excess acid released during the sting as baking soda is alkaline in nature. While adding lemon juice will increase the pain and redness.