On January 16th, the Sustainable Community Aid Network (SCAN) hosted an inspiring and informative workshop in Malton, Mississauga, as part of the Sustainability on My Mind: Seniors Edition initiative. Supported by the New Horizons for Seniors Program, this initiative empowers seniors with practical knowledge about natural remedies, enabling them to take charge of their health and well-being.
This session marked the final workshop in this series, but SCAN is excited to announce that we will continue to host monthly workshops to engage and support our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our events and supported our program—together, we are making a difference in giving back to the community.
The focus of this session was on bee stings and insect bites — common issues that many encounter but may not know how to handle effectively with natural solutions.
Understanding Bee Stings
Bee stings occur when a female bee injects venom into the skin. For most people, this results in a local allergic reaction characterized by redness, swelling, and itchy skin. While minor symptoms usually subside within a few hours, they can be alleviated with natural remedies for faster relief.
The Common Culprits: Insect Bites
Insect bites can come from mosquitos, fleas, flies, ants, wasps, and even arachnids. Though caused by different insects, these bites often trigger similar reactions, including itching, redness, and irritation. Natural remedies can help soothe these symptoms effectively.
Workshop Highlights
This engaging workshop was led by Julie, a senior born and raised in Guyana. Julie is a retired sewing factory worker who later immigrated to Canada with her family and settled in Malton. Drawing from her roots in Guyana, Julie shared natural remedies her family relied on. In Guyana, where medical care could be expensive, communities turned to accessible, natural methods for health and wellness.
Julie’s hands-on demonstration included two natural remedies for bee stings and insect bites:
Remedy #1: Rasam Powder for Bee Stings
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of blue soap
- 1 teaspoon of Rasam Powder
- Bandage
What is Blue Soap? Blue soap, a traditional Jamaican laundry soap, is known for its purifying properties. It removes toxins, rejuvenates dull skin, and soothes inflammation.
What is Rasam Powder? Rasam powder, or “rasam podi,” is a South Indian spice mix. Its core ingredients include:
- Toor Dal
- Coriander Seeds
- Cumin Seeds
- Black Peppercorns
- Turmeric Powder
- Fenugreek Seeds
- Asafoetida (Hing)
Instructions:
- Shave the blue soap to make it soft and moldable.
- Mix the Rasam Powder with the soap to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the sting.
- Cover the area with a bandage.
Note: Please consult your doctor before trying this remedy to ensure it is suitable for your health.
Remedy #2: Baking Soda Paste for Insect Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of water
Instructions:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the mosquito bite.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Wash off the paste with water.
Note: Please consult your doctor before trying this remedy to ensure it is suitable for your health.
A Community Success
The workshop was a heartwarming success, bringing seniors together to learn practical skills while fostering a sense of community. SCAN’s mission to promote environmental sustainability and health empowerment was exemplified through this engaging session.
By sharing accessible remedies and the stories behind them, seniors were reminded of the wealth of knowledge rooted in their cultural heritage. These natural solutions not only address everyday health issues but also offer sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to over-the-counter treatments.
Join the Movement
Although this was the last session of the current series, SCAN will continue to host workshops every month to promote sustainability and community engagement. Stay tuned for future sessions that bring practical, low-cost sustainability methods to the forefront, all while celebrating the diverse cultural backgrounds that make up Mississauga.
Have a natural remedy you’d like to share? Or want to participate in an upcoming workshop? Contact SCAN today and become part of the movement for a more sustainable and empowered community!
