Alternative Health Blog

While bee-sting venom treatment is the most publicized component of apitherapy (see the previous entry in this blog), there is a growing number of studies confirming the healing quality of honey when used for wounds. Propolis, manufactured by bees starting with the resins of new or damaged plants and then mixed with pollen, enzymes and wax, has been found in laboratory tests to contain anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. 

The first two we can get from drugs (if so inclined) but the anti-viral effect is much harder for science to replicate. Practitioners like Theo Cherbuliez, an East Coast psychiatrist and one of the country’s leading bee-sting therapist, and Vetaley Stashenko, a Florida-based naturopathic physician have published research about the use of propolis for specific conditions. Both practitioners contend it is not coincidence that bee products have been used in a country like China for more than 2,000 years. 

Both men have European roots in beekeeping, Swiss and Ukranian, respectively, with hopes that American researchers will take up the cause of why bee products contain strong doses of medicinal substance. It might seem far-fetched but consider that a growing number of U.S. scientists have committed to studying the medicinal qualities of frogs and toads, especially in South America. Bees in hives are readily available.

Some of the most impressive scientific studies have been conducted in Australia and New Zealand (especially manuka honey in the latter country). Many hospitals on that continent routinely stock honey as a topical application for wounds and burns.

Bob Condor blogs every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.