While bees may be considered to very dangerous when it comes to their stings, they are a useful source of medicine. The use of bee venom therapy for lyme disease is a practice that has been ongoing for decades. The therapy is very useful especially in minimizing reactions to allergies including those as a result of the same bee stings. Patients with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and nerve pain can also benefit from this treatment.
Out of the three main components (amines, enzymes and peptides), at least eighteen products of pharmaceutical potential can be obtained. It is believed that the venom works by modifying immune response to external attack. The extract also facilitates cortisol production. While the product was initially applied directly through a bee sting, modern day technology has made it possible to package this product as injections, creams and ointments.
Ironically, the traditional method of application has been shown to be the most effective as it involves direct stinging without subjecting the venom through technological processes. Potency of the agent is directly related to availability of pollen grains for the bees. This is maximum during the fall season and lowest in winter.
Apitherapy, another name for this kind of treatment, is most suitable for people who react to the bee venom. It however takes more than one sting to provide immunity to the affected individual. Some people have to be bitten as many times as possible for them to become immunized. About ninety nine percent immunity is achieved upon deliberately providing a conventional number of injections.
Common side effects associated with the practice include skin rashes, redness and swelling on the skin. Some side effects may go beyond subcutaneous tissue affecting other systems of the body. For instance, individuals may complain of chest tightness or difficulty in breathing, loud beating of the heart and gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is therefore highly recommended that injections be given by trained personnel.
There are certain situations in which this kind of therapy is contraindicated. Pregnant women should be given these shots with caution as very high doses can result in miscarriage. This is because of the high levels of histamine produced that cause the uterus to contract. Similarly, the agent should be avoided in autoimmune diseases as the immune system is triggered to overactive levels that worsen the disease.
Anaphylactic shock is a serious life threatening condition that may be experienced by patients undergoing treatment with the agent. The victim goes through a series of hypersensitivity reactions that may result in loss of consciousness and even death. To counteract the reaction, the patient should be given an epinephrine shot and taken to the hospital for close monitoring.
While this therapy may be beneficial in certain cases, further research needs to be done on others to ascertain the effectiveness. Some of the conditions that need further evaluation include multiple sclerosis and neuritis. Although, most bee farmers do not usually suffer from arthritis, scientific evidence is needed to know for sure that the venom can be used as a remedy.
Out of the three main components (amines, enzymes and peptides), at least eighteen products of pharmaceutical potential can be obtained. It is believed that the venom works by modifying immune response to external attack. The extract also facilitates cortisol production. While the product was initially applied directly through a bee sting, modern day technology has made it possible to package this product as injections, creams and ointments.
Ironically, the traditional method of application has been shown to be the most effective as it involves direct stinging without subjecting the venom through technological processes. Potency of the agent is directly related to availability of pollen grains for the bees. This is maximum during the fall season and lowest in winter.
Apitherapy, another name for this kind of treatment, is most suitable for people who react to the bee venom. It however takes more than one sting to provide immunity to the affected individual. Some people have to be bitten as many times as possible for them to become immunized. About ninety nine percent immunity is achieved upon deliberately providing a conventional number of injections.
Common side effects associated with the practice include skin rashes, redness and swelling on the skin. Some side effects may go beyond subcutaneous tissue affecting other systems of the body. For instance, individuals may complain of chest tightness or difficulty in breathing, loud beating of the heart and gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is therefore highly recommended that injections be given by trained personnel.
There are certain situations in which this kind of therapy is contraindicated. Pregnant women should be given these shots with caution as very high doses can result in miscarriage. This is because of the high levels of histamine produced that cause the uterus to contract. Similarly, the agent should be avoided in autoimmune diseases as the immune system is triggered to overactive levels that worsen the disease.
Anaphylactic shock is a serious life threatening condition that may be experienced by patients undergoing treatment with the agent. The victim goes through a series of hypersensitivity reactions that may result in loss of consciousness and even death. To counteract the reaction, the patient should be given an epinephrine shot and taken to the hospital for close monitoring.
While this therapy may be beneficial in certain cases, further research needs to be done on others to ascertain the effectiveness. Some of the conditions that need further evaluation include multiple sclerosis and neuritis. Although, most bee farmers do not usually suffer from arthritis, scientific evidence is needed to know for sure that the venom can be used as a remedy.
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