Vinegar and Baking Soda Eases Pain of Sting

Q. I used the combination of apple cider vinegar and baking soda on a wasp sting and felt instant relief. The foaming action should amuse children who have been frightened by the sting.

A. When you combine vinegar and baking soda, the impressive foam is caused by the release of carbon dioxide. We don’t know why this combination seems to ease the pain of wasp or bee stings, but it is popular. Other treatments include fresh onion juice or a paste made of meat tenderizer (papain) and water.