Honeybee Therapy

Apitherapy is the medicinal use of honeybee by-products. These products include, honey, bee venom, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and beeswax. Bee venom therapy is only one type of therapy under the umbrella term apitherapy. These therapeutic bee stings have been associated with the science behind the application of acupuncture needles. Honey has antibacterial and anti-flammatory properties and is used as a topical salve on superficial flesh wounds and burns. Honey eaten as a food is a cold and flu remedy. Royal Jelly is an antioxidant and for this reason is sought for its anti-aging properties.

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is dark in color and somewhat bitter in taste. It is produced by honeybees that have obtained nectar from the Australian manuka bush plant. This type of honey is noted to fight off bacterial infections, including the superbug MRSA.

Warning: Intentional bee stings should not be given to individuals who are allergic to bee venom. Also, if you do not know whether or not you are allergic, then be sure to have an EpiPen nearby to use if immediately if signs of an allergic reaction (throat constriction, breathing difficulties) surface.

Benefits of apitherapy include:

• Improves circulation
• Decreases inflammation
• Stimulates immune system
• Opens meridian pathways

Conditions treated with apitherapy include:

• Gout
• Arthritis
• Mutliple Sclerosis
• Shingles
• Burns
• Tendonitis

_{honey bee and honeycomb image © John Foxx / Getty Images}

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