Apitherapy, The Amazing Honey

Natural Health Questions

By Archie Armada

Apitherapy is the therapeutic use of bee products including bee venom (bee stings), honey, royal jelly, polen, propolis and beeswax. Apitherapy has been practiced for centuries in many poorest parts of the world, and recently had gained increased attention from bee scientists and alternative health practitioners. Bee products are totally safe and do not require precise dosages as in allopathic medicine.

Honey contains mono-saccharides that are easily absorbed by the body which is better than sucrose sugars in terms of benefits to human health. It likewise contains numerous trace elememts, vitamins and minerals, and enzymes that assist our digestive processes. Honey has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties that render it an appropriate medicine for virtually all ailments. It is hygroscopic, thus can rehydrate the skin in cases of burns and severe cuts. It is very effective in treating common colds and coughs, stomach ulcers, eye and ear infections and skin disorders. It has application in malnutrition, for pregnant and lactating mothers, to guard against illness and to improve liver and heart function.

Royal Jelly is a very rich protein, vitamin, mineral and hormone source which can be used for convalescence and fatigue, growth problems, ageing, stress and for infertility. Althoiugh royal jelly cannot be produced in large quantities from beekeeping for honey and beeswax production, but even consumption of small volumes will have potent tonic effects.

Bee Pollen contains practically all the essential amino acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E and H, biotin, folic acid and rutin, and minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and sodium). It also has wide range of medicinal applications especially in cases of disturbed metaboism, digestive disorders and allergies.

Beeswax has great application in the preparation of medicinal skin creams, rubs and ointments. These are highly efficacious in the treatment of dry and chapped skin and lips, cuts and grazes, skin disorders and discoloration. Hot beeswax can be applied to arthritic joints or taken internally for stomach ulcers.

And what is interesting, Bee Venom in the form of bee sting has many therapeutic applications, particularly for arthritis and also multiple sclerosis in Europe and in the US. Stinging on the point of pain or on associated acupressure points can have remarkable results, in some cases instantly relieving pain for prolonged periods or permanently. Also, iodine deficiency induced thyroid problems (goiters) may respond well to treatment. For women, stinging in the lumbar region can treat menstrual disorders, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) and also infertility.

And Lastly, Honey on Sex. Honey has always been associated with love and sex. Kama Sutra, an ancient Indian work on sex life, describes the benefits of honey. It has been a traditional part of the Indian wedding, even today, that the bridegroom is often offered honey to boost his stamina.

Sweet, is sex and honey’s common denominator….. honey can make sex sweeter in life.

References:
Beck, B.F. 1997. The Bible of Bee Venom Therapy. Maryland, USA
Croft, L., 1987. Honey and Health. Wellinboro, Northants: Thorsons.
Kaal, J., 1991. Natural Medicine From Honeybees (Apitherapy)