What Are the Benefits of Bee Venom?

Bee sting therapy, also known as apitherapy, has been used for generations to treat various ailments. In modern times, proponents of bee sting therapy believe the venom can help ailments such as arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia and bursitis.

History

• Bee sting therapy has been used as a healing tool since the second century B.C. in Eastern Asia.

Function

• Modern doctors, mostly in Eastern Europe and Korea, still practice bee sting therapy. A patient may be stung up to 80 times in a session, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Benefits

• Bee venom contains a peptide made up of amino acids, called melittin. This peptide works as an anti-inflammatory and, in theory, prevents pain associated with arthritis.

Effects

• According to the American Apitherapy Society, bee venom not only reduces inflammation but promotes better circulation and strengthens the immune system.

Warning

• There have been no human trials to prove the efficacy of apitherapy. However, doctors at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki in Greece in a 1988 study proved that bee sting venom slowed down the growth of arthritis in rats.