Principle Facts Regarding Bee Venom Therapy For Lyme Disease

By Brenda Warner


The pain experienced by a person stung by a bee is usually because of the venom produced. However, as they say, poison to one person can be meat to another. Bee venom therapy for lyme disease is a practice that has taken place for decade. The venom has also been shown to successful in treatment of allergies, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and many other conditions.

The agent is composed of biogenic amines, peptides and enzymes. Over eighteen components obtained from it have pharmaceutical capabilities. The mechanisms of action of this therapy are believed to be modification of the immunity and production of cortisol. The therapeutic agent is packaged in ointments, creams and most commonly injections.

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.

An emergency kit becomes quite handy when an individual goes into anaphylactic shock. This is a reaction that may encompass some of the side effects and becomes worse when the person goes into unconsciousness. The kit contains a syringe and epinephrine. Intervention needs to be made as fast as possible to save the life of the individual and further evaluation needs to be done at a health facility.

When all else has failed, therapy using bee venom can prove to be a savior in many cases. However, additional research is needed in particular cases to prove for sure that they can be effective. For instance, it is not enough to assume that the therapy can be a remedy in arthritis just because a majority of bee farmers are immune to the disease. This treatment mode for other conditions such as nerve pain, and multiple sclerosis need to be investigated further.




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