Recently, the technology of treating some diseases using bee venom has spread. What are the benefits of bee venom? Bee venom is the substance that the bee leaves when it stings a person, and it is characterized by many medicinal properties, ranging from reducing inflammation in different parts of the body to treating some chronic diseases, and in this article we will explain to you the uses of bee venom, its benefits and side effects on the body and health.
What is bee venom?
Bee venom is a colorless, acidic liquid secreted by bees through the sting of people. Bee venom contains anti-inflammatory compounds including enzymes, sugars, minerals and amino acids. Bee venom contains the compound melitin, which consists of 26 amino acids and contains about 50% Of the dry weight of the venom, and it also has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects, however, the compound melitin is primarily responsible for the pain associated with bee stings.
Bee venom also contains the peptides apamin and adolapene, and although they act as toxins, studies have shown that they have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Bee venom also contains the enzyme phospholipase A2, which is a major allergen that causes inflammation and cell damage. However, according to some research, the enzyme may have anti-inflammatory effects.
How is bee venom used in treatment:
Although bee venom therapy has recently seen an increase in popularity, bee venom therapy has been used in traditional medicine practices for thousands of years. Bee venom is used in many ways and is available in many forms, for example, it has been added to products such as extracts, nutritional supplements, moisturizers, and serums.
You can also give bee venom injections by health care professionals, and bee venom is used in live acupuncture for bees or treatment of bee stings, which is a therapeutic method where live bees are placed on the skin and left to sting you.
Benefits of bee venom:
1- Anti-inflammatory:
Bee venom is characterized by its strong anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body, due to its content on the compound melitin, which inhibits inflammatory pathways and reduces inflammatory markers such as interleukin-1-beta.
2- Reduces the symptoms of arthritis:
Studies have proven that the anti-inflammatory effects of bee venom are beneficial for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a painful inflammatory condition that affects the joints of the body. Bee venom reduces pain, inflammation and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
3- Maintain healthy skin:
Many skin care companies have started adding bee venom to their products such as serums and moisturizers, as bee venom enhances the health of the skin in several ways by reducing inflammation and thanks to its anti-bacterial properties, it fights bacteria that may cause skin problems such as acne, as it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This is because it improves collagen levels in the skin, which helps increase skin elasticity and repair damaged cells.
4- Stimulating the immune system:
Studies have demonstrated that bee venom has beneficial effects on immune cells that mediate allergic and inflammatory responses. Bee venom therapy may help reduce autoimmune symptoms such as lupus erythematosus, leukoplakia, and rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and enhancing the immune response. And some other studies have proven that treatment with bee venom may also help in treating allergic conditions such as asthma, and some scientists believe that bee venom increases the production of regulatory T cells, which prevents the response to allergens and reduces inflammation in the body.
5- Neurological diseases:
Some research indicates that treatment with bee venom may help reduce symptoms related to neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
6- Reducing the feeling of pain:
Studies have proven that acupuncture with bee venom, along with traditional medicines, significantly reduces pain, especially chronic lower back pain.
- Fights Lyme Disease
Some research has proven that bee venom and melitin may have an antimicrobial effect on Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but more research and studies are needed.
Side effects of bee venom treatment:
Bee venom therapy, including acupuncture, may cause side effects such as:
feeling pain
swelling
skin redness
Bee venom treatment can also cause serious side effects or even death in severely allergic people by causing anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that can make breathing difficult.
Some serious side effects may also include:
Hyperventilation
feeling tired
Anorexia
severe pain
Increased risk of bleeding
vomiting
If you decide to try treatment with bee venom and acupuncture, you must be careful, and this process should only be performed by a qualified health care professional, in order to avoid any side effects or serious complications that may threaten life.