What is APITHERAPY ?
Key points
- Apitherapy is the medical use of honeybee products.
- The files of the American Apitherapy Society indicate that anecdotal evidence shows apitherapy to be effective in the following conditions: SKIN: eczema, psoriasis, topical ulcers, degranulating wounds, corns and warts.
- Many flying insects have a venomous sting, but because the honeybee has been domesticated and is easy to raise, it is the one used most for treatment.
- loosens the glue (a substance called hyaluronic acid) which connects cells thus making the tissue or extra-cellular space more permeable.
Apitherapy is the medical use of honeybee products. This can include the use of honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom.
Q What kinds of conditions are treated with APITHERAPY?
The files of the American Apitherapy Society indicate that anecdotal evidence shows apitherapy to be effective in the following conditions: SKIN: eczema, psoriasis, topical ulcers, degranulating wounds, corns and warts. INFECTIONS: laryngitis and mastitis. VIRAL: herpes simplex 1 and 2, post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles) and warts. RHEUMATOLOGICAL: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, tennis elbow and bursitis. CARDIOVASCULAR: hypertension (chronic and acute), arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease and varicose veins. PULMONARY DISEASE: (COPD), emphysema and asthma. SENSORY: hearing loss, vision, glaucoma, diplopia and iritis. ORTHOPEDIC: stimulates bone healing. PSYCHOLOGICAL: depression and mood swings. ENDOCRINE: PMS, menstrual cramps, irregular periods and decreased blood sugar.
Q How does Bee Venom work ?
Many flying insects have a venomous sting, but because the honeybee has been domesticated and is easy to raise, it is the one used most for treatment. Honeybee venom consists of the following known components:
MELLITIN:
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provides the "ouch" and the itch in bee venom
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has powerful bactericidal and cytotoxic properties
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produces the signs of inflammation via the release of histamine
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stimulates the pituitary to release ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, part of your body's own healing response
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is 100 times more potent as an anti-inflammatory agent than hydrocortisol, when tested in rats with arthritis (Nature, Nov. 1974)
MAST CELL DEGRANULATING PEPTIDE:
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leads to the release of histamine which creates the signs of inflammation (swelling, itching, redness, warmth)
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is the most powerful seizure-inducing agent known to man when injected into the brain (not cross blood brain barrier)
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increases short-term memory in rats (maze test)
APAMIN:
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blocks Ca2+ dependent K + channels
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enhances long-term synaptic transmission
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shortens duration of a nerve's action potential
HYALURONIDASE:
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Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
