Apitherapy

​

Apitherapy & Bee Venom Therapy

Apitherapy, the use of honey bee products for healing, has been practiced since ancient times. While honey and propolis are well known, the most striking form is bee venom therapy (BVT), which has been used for more than 2,500 years to ease the symptoms of rheumatic diseases.

Today, BVT is practiced either through injections or directly from live bee stings. When applied carefully (typically a few stings, several times per week, rotating placement on the body), many people find relief from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, lupus, and other chronic pain syndromes.

In the U.S., no one championed BVT more than Charles Mraz, who worked with scientists at Sloan-Kettering and Walter Reed, helped set USDA purity standards for venom, and co-founded the American Apitherapy Society, which continues his legacy of education and advocacy.

Research into BVT continues to expand, with studies suggesting potential benefits for certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, skin conditions, and more. While not a cure-all and not appropriate for those with bee sting allergies BVT has shown promise as a natural, evolving therapy that offers hope for many who struggle with chronic illness.