Apitherapy Used for More Than 2,000 Years

Patients All Abuzz
Apitherapy, which dates back more than 2,000 years, uses honey bees in the treatment of more than 500 diseases, conditions.
By Melissa DeLoach, News-Leader (USA), 4/4/2006

BRUNER — Jim Lafferty lifts the sleeve of his T-shirt and sits patiently as Reyah Carlson ices down his left shoulder. Across the room, a honey bee buzzes toward the sunlight reflected in the window of Carlson's living room…

Lafferty, 56, of Ava, suffers from arthritis, tendonitis and carpal tunnel. Calcium deposits in his left shoulder also contribute to his discomfort.

He has turned to apitherapy, or bee sting therapy, as a way to help reduce years of pain brought on by years of laying bricks and delivering mail.

Apitherapy is the medical use of honey bee products. Though it is not a proven science by the U.S. medical community, many claim the venom, pollen and beeswax can benefit anything from a toothache to allergy symptoms.

The practice of stinging a person with a honey bee dates back more than 2,000 years, according to the American Apitherapy Society. It's regarded as an early form of acupuncture...