What was used to treat wasp and bees stings before antihistamines?

1. Remove the stinger, being careful not to bust the tiny sac at its end
2.Wash the area
3. Apply ice or calamine lotion but ice is considered the best
4. Some suggest toothpaste instead of calamine lotion and then the ice

From this site:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/bee-stings-best-home-remedies.aspx#axzz3Bm9kYY2A

This site suggests honey too for its anti-bacterial qualities:
http://www.motherearthliving.com/natural-health/natural-home-remedies-for-bee-stings.aspx#axzz3BmAglzwT

Other cures:
1. Remove the inflammation from a bee sting by wetting your skin and rubbing an aspirin directly onto the bite, or applying a paste of one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda mixed with a few drops of cool water

(From my grandmother's generation)

I'm sure they also used the old blue bags from the laundry - the ones they used to whiten whites.

Here's another excellent site:

https://www.healthline.com/health/outdoor-health/home-remedies-for-bee-stings#home-remedies

Here are some more ancient remedies of record:
"To the part affected, apply oil of tartar, or solution
of potash, and it will give instant ease; as also well
bruised mallows."
"Rub the part affected with a mixture of 1 part spirits
of hartshorn and 2 parts olive oil."
"For bee sting put a tobacco quid on it."
A bee sting treated with ammonia and whisky, will relieve
you in a measure.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/insect-stings

A paste of baking soda and water is applied to the area. It reduces the inflammation. Afterward, the area is carefully cleaned and the stinger (a dark dot) is removed. The area is cleaned again (soap and water). Meanwhile, monitor the person to watch for any allergic reaction.

Source: Our family