http://www.care2.com/greenliving/apitherapy-medicine-made-by-bees.html
Apitherapy: Medicine Made by Bees
By Lynn Behrendt, contributing writer for Green Living at Care2.com
Did you know that bees, those quiet, buzzing, diligent workers that gather nectar and pollinate plants, help to provide us with about one third of our food supply by pollinating crops? And that’s not all they do. Bee products can be used as medicine.
Raw Honey
Raw honey is not only wonderfully tasty and loaded with B vitamins, it can also be used as a topical salve to treat burns and wounds, due to its antibacterial qualities.
Beeswax
Recent studies have shown that a beeswax and olive oil mixture can help ease dermatitis or psoriasis.
Bee Pollen
Ingesting bee pollen is thought to increase energy levels and stamina. It has been used to ease back pain as well as seasonal allergies.
Bee Venom
Since it is believed to have anti-inflammatory qualities, the venom from bee stings has been used to treat arthritis and other joint ailments. Bee venom therapy (sometimes called Apipuncture) has also been reported to successfully ease multiple sclerosis symptoms, such as fatigue, vision problems and numbness.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is produced in the salivary glands of bees. It is used to feed all bee larvae and, if a queen bee is needed, the queen hatchling will continue to receive royal jelly for the first four days of its growth. It’s a milky white substance, and medicinally has been used to treat chronic fatigue problems and to increase appetite. Studies have indicated that royal jelly can lower cholesterol. Some practitioners consider royal jelly to be effective in bolstering the immune system, increasing energy levels, easing menopausal related headaches and vaginal dryness, preventing osteoporosis and, even, improving skin tone.
Propolis
Bee propolis is a sort of bee glue that bees make from tree sap and beeswax. They use it to stick their hives together and repair hive walls. Propolis is considered an antioxidant and can be used to make lip balm. It’s also thought to be able to break down and soften scar tissue and help ease spasms in people with MS. If you have asthma, don’t use propolis because it can worsen your condition.
For some great ideas on how to add honey to your pampering routine, read Honey Do: Kitchen Cupboard Beauty Tips.
A word of caution
Bee products can, in some instances, cause severe allergic reactions, so be an informed consumer and consult with an experienced apitherapist or a doctor who uses apitherapy.
More from Lynn Behrendt (8 articles available)
related stories
-
(4 comments)
-
(12 comments)
-
lynnb
(1 comment)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
9 comments
add your comment »Honey bee venom contains more than 40 active substances, many of which have physiological effects. The most abundant compound is an anti-inflammatory agent called melittin. This substance causes the body to produce cortisol, which is an agent of the body's own healing process. As an anti-inflammatory, melittin is 100 times more potent than hydrocortisol. It is noted in Paul L. Cerrato's RN article that experiments have shown that melittin can slow the body's inflammatory response. That is why the venom may be helpful in treating inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
magnesium
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I would like to quote a verse from “Quran” the holly Book of Muslim revealed 1400 years ago. It tells us about the “bees”:
"Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)." There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think.” Ch 16 Verse 69
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
We life in the wood, and I had a biking accident about 4years ago now, and I've had severe pain in my syatic nerve .
almost 2 summers ago the day before my wedding I could bearly walk it was so bad and then a bee was on my leg (Ididn't no at the time) it stung me 2 times on my right tigh, it hurt like hell that's when I saw it ..I didn't feel to good so I layed down for a few minute I went red from my right tigh to my lower adomen to the left leg red and inflamed.
It lasted a few hours and I suddenly notice that my syatic nerve wasn't hurting anymore and I haven't had the pain since, I can now bike again and treck that I could do for years now....and since then bee's are always around me or on me....so thank you bee's for taking my pain away....
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Hi,
I seem to posted the web address incorrectly. It is http://www.copperwiki.org/index.php/Main_Page
. We have several articles on alternative medicine and therapies but none on apitherapy. I once again request you to come here and share this valuable information.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Hi,
Im am associated with a "wiki" on holistic living. This is the first time I have heard about apitherapy. I found it immensely interesting. Could you share your knowledge on the subject on this athttp://copperwiki.org/index.php/Main_Page. Do register and write here and let more of us know more about this.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Also it should be added that we need to get the word out about the plight that bees are in right now. There's a virus,Colony Collapse Disorder, that is affecting them and they are dying and bee colonies are disappearing. Not to mention I read an article a couple weeks ago about a guy in CA who's been having his hives stolen in the night. Crazy stuff. We need bees to help pollenate and without them our fruits and veggies are in trouble.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
If you're looking for great apitherapy products, try Honey Gardens (www.honeygardens.com). We use their Propolis Spray (for everything!), Elderberry Syrup, and Wild Cherry Bark Syrup
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Being familiar with ayurveda I am sure the practitioner ould be aware of the conseuences and would not recomend anything they were not sure of, besides that as a diabetic you would have blood testing eqipment so why not try it, monitor it and if it works - GREAT! - if not dont continue with it.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Does anyone know if raw honey would be harmful to people w/Type II diabetes? An ayurvedic practitioner recommended that I take a teaspoon with 3 oz organic apple cider vinegar each morning, but I don't want to put my blood sugar readings through the roof!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: