Bee Venom
Bee venom, also known as apitoxin, is a complex set of enzymes, amino acids and proteins. The venom appears as a clear and colorless liquid which can be a little bitter to the taste. The venom is found in the sting of the bee and is soluble in water. When bee venom comes in contact with the air it forms grey colored opaque crystals.
Honey bee venom is very different from the venom of snakes. While snake venom is coagulant, honey bee venom is only hemorrhagic. There are several chemicals in bee venom that help the body therapeutically. For instance, chemicals like apamine, hyaluronidase, melittin, and phospholipase do not inhibit the nervous system. On the contrary, these chemicals help stimulate the adrenal glands as well as the cardiovascular system. There are also other mineral substances in bee venom that are therapeutic to the body. Apart from these, bee venom also contains volatile organic acids, hydrochloric acid, formic acid and ortho phosphoric acid. There are several antibiotics contained in the bee venom, as well as phospholipase, which is an important enzyme for the human body. Bee venom triggers the production of cortisol in the body which is vital in improving immunity.
Bee venom therapy is an alternative technique which is quickly gaining popularity in the West. A bee venom therapist typically applies the venom on the surface of the body, specifically on certain parts where the ailment is present. Before the therapy, patients are tested for any sensitivity towards the venom. For this, a small dose of bee venom is injected into the body and the person is then observed overnight. Since bee venom can effectively help in simulating the release of cortisone, it is beneficial in treating rheumatic diseases such as arthritis. Diseases like multiple sclerosis can also be treated by using bee venom. During the therapy, the therapist applies the bee venom directly on to the joints or the venom is administered to the patient through intramuscular injections. Though bee venom is considered useful in improving the condition of the joints and treating arthritis, there are several other treatments like electrotherapy, which should ideally be used along with the bee venom therapy. Such therapies can help reduce muscular pain and improve the deformation of the joints. When used with other therapies, bee venom therapy has shown significant improvement in a patient’s condition. The therapy can be used to treat nerve pain, muscular pain, and sciatica. The therapy is also useful for eliminating rheumatoid polyarthritis.
