Hobbies And Interests
Bee Venom
Bee venom has several properties that have medicinal value. The enzymes and antibodies found in the venom stimulate the release of cortisol in the human body. Cortisol is a natural substance made by the body that regulates blood pressure and the body's immune system.
Administration
Apitherapy is performed by physicians, nurses and acupuncturists; it can also be self administered. There are two main ways to have bee venom administered. It can be administer using a live honey bee; the bee is held with tweezers and allowed to sting the patient. The second way is through an intradermal injection; a doctor will inject the venom, which has been collected in a vial, between layers of skin. This imitates a real bee sting without the use of a live bee.
Conditions Treated
Apitherapy is experimental, but bee venom is used to help inflammation from arthritis and to help with pain from gout, tendonitis and infections. Diseases such as Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and multiple sclerosis can also be treated with bee venom. Conditions may not be cured but apitherapy can help reduce pain.
Warnings
Bee venom can be a powerful agent for combating pain from medical conditions; however, bee venom caries risks just like any other medicine. The most common reaction is localized redness, pain, itching and swelling. Sometimes more severe reactions can occur, including swelling of the neck or throat, dizziness, vomiting, low blood pressure, shock and unconsciousness. Although less than 2 percent of the population develop severe reactions to bee venom, stop treatment immediately if these symptoms appear.
According to the American Apitherapy Society website, "No official body in the US has sanctioned Apitherapy as a recognized treatment modality. Bee venom has been approved by the FDA for de-sensitization purposes only. Apitherapy is considered, from both the legal and medical view point, an experimental approach."