Bee venom has been used to manage a number of conditions for what is estimated to several centuries. The first use is thought to have been by beekeepers in Asia, Eastern Europe and South America. The therapy, also termed apitherapy has been used for conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, asthma, Lyme disease and multiple sclerosis among others. If you consider trying out bee venom therapy for Lyme disease, there are a number of things you should know beforehand.
Lyme disease is a rapidly spreading infectious conditions that is caused by a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdoferi. The condition is transmitted form one person to another through a tick bite. Affected persons tend to complain about chronic fatigue that is most severe in early afternoons, non-healing infections affecting the jaw bone, joint pains, reduced libido, insomnia, emotional irritability, confusion and poor short term memory among others.
No specific guidelines exist with regard to the use of the venom. The common practice is to initiate the treatment at high doses and to taper off over several months. A significant number of people report marked symptomatic relief after receiving the first injection. Some practitioners prefer to expose the client directly to the stings by a swarm of bees so that the treatment is administered naturally.
The exact mechanism through which this chemical achieves its effect is not well understood. Research has shown that there are at least 40 active ingredients found in the venom. Of these, the most useful is a peptide known as mellitin. Mellitin is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that is believed to be stronger than cortisone. It also inhibits the reproduction of Borrelia burgdoferi which helps to bring the infection under control.
There are several side effects that one should look out for when on this treatment. In general, the effects are similar to what one experiences when they are stung by the bee. They include swelling, redness and itchiness of the injected area. In about 5% of people, allergic reactions may be noted. It is important that everyone intending to have this therapy undergoes sensitivity just as a precautionary measure.
Conventionally, the infection is treated using antibiotics. Metronidazole, for example, is highly effective against the cystic stage when administered intravenously. The oral formulation is usually avoided due to the high risk of liver toxicity. An alternative drug that is less toxic is tinidazole. To increase the chances of eliminating the microorganism, the antibiotics are usually combined with proteolytic enzymes.
There many different forms of bee venom that are available commercially in the market. Usually, you will be required to have a prescription to be given the first dose. A physician or an allopathic will then test it onto your system to determine whether you are allergic to it. Once this has been ruled out, you can be taught to do the injections on your own.
Bee venom is an important therapeutic agent even though it has not been approved for use for most of the conditions it is said to treat. Ongoing research has helped reveal more information about this agent and hopefully it will be taken up by pharmaceutical companies in the near future to be repackaged into a more predictable product. For now, there is need to be very cautious and to consult a physician whenever in doubt.
Lyme disease is a rapidly spreading infectious conditions that is caused by a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdoferi. The condition is transmitted form one person to another through a tick bite. Affected persons tend to complain about chronic fatigue that is most severe in early afternoons, non-healing infections affecting the jaw bone, joint pains, reduced libido, insomnia, emotional irritability, confusion and poor short term memory among others.
No specific guidelines exist with regard to the use of the venom. The common practice is to initiate the treatment at high doses and to taper off over several months. A significant number of people report marked symptomatic relief after receiving the first injection. Some practitioners prefer to expose the client directly to the stings by a swarm of bees so that the treatment is administered naturally.
The exact mechanism through which this chemical achieves its effect is not well understood. Research has shown that there are at least 40 active ingredients found in the venom. Of these, the most useful is a peptide known as mellitin. Mellitin is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that is believed to be stronger than cortisone. It also inhibits the reproduction of Borrelia burgdoferi which helps to bring the infection under control.
There are several side effects that one should look out for when on this treatment. In general, the effects are similar to what one experiences when they are stung by the bee. They include swelling, redness and itchiness of the injected area. In about 5% of people, allergic reactions may be noted. It is important that everyone intending to have this therapy undergoes sensitivity just as a precautionary measure.
Conventionally, the infection is treated using antibiotics. Metronidazole, for example, is highly effective against the cystic stage when administered intravenously. The oral formulation is usually avoided due to the high risk of liver toxicity. An alternative drug that is less toxic is tinidazole. To increase the chances of eliminating the microorganism, the antibiotics are usually combined with proteolytic enzymes.
There many different forms of bee venom that are available commercially in the market. Usually, you will be required to have a prescription to be given the first dose. A physician or an allopathic will then test it onto your system to determine whether you are allergic to it. Once this has been ruled out, you can be taught to do the injections on your own.
Bee venom is an important therapeutic agent even though it has not been approved for use for most of the conditions it is said to treat. Ongoing research has helped reveal more information about this agent and hopefully it will be taken up by pharmaceutical companies in the near future to be repackaged into a more predictable product. For now, there is need to be very cautious and to consult a physician whenever in doubt.
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