Apitherapy

Apitherapy is a branch of alternative medicine that uses honey bee products, including honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom. Proponents of apitherapy make claims for its health benefits which are not currently supported by evidence-based medicine.

History

The use of bee products for health purposes dates back thousands of years, to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks. However, the term "apitherapy" was not coined until the 19th century, and the practice has only gained widespread attention in the last few decades.

Methods

Apitherapy encompasses a range of treatments, each using a different bee product.

Bee Venom Therapy

Bee venom therapy involves the application of bee stings, either directly or through the use of beeswax or other mediums, to specific points on the body. This is believed by some to help with conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis, although scientific evidence is lacking.

Honey Therapy

Honey therapy uses honey, either consumed or applied topically, for its purported health benefits. Honey is known to have antibacterial properties, and is sometimes used in wound care.

Propolis Therapy

Propolis therapy uses the resinous substance collected by bees from tree buds and other plant sources. Propolis is believed to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Pollen Therapy

Pollen therapy involves the consumption of bee pollen, often in capsule form. Bee pollen is rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins, and is sometimes used as a dietary supplement.

Royal Jelly Therapy

Royal jelly therapy uses the substance secreted by worker bees and fed to larvae. Royal jelly is believed to have a range of health benefits, from boosting the immune system to slowing the aging process.

Criticism and Controversy

While some people swear by the benefits of apitherapy, the practice is not without its critics. Many of the claims made by proponents of apitherapy are not supported by scientific evidence, and the practice is not recognized by the mainstream medical community. In addition, there are risks associated with the use of bee products, particularly for those with allergies.

See Also

• Alternative medicine
• Beekeeping
• Honey
• Bee venom
• Propolis
• Royal jelly
• Bee pollen