When a bee stings, the sting penetrates deep into the skin, and the released poison immediately penetrates the bloodstream under the influence of muscle contractions. At this moment the person feels a burning sensation and pain. It is difficult to unequivocally assess the effect of bee venom on the human body; it affects everyone differently. The bite can cause anaphylactic shock or a severe allergic reaction in some people. In most cases, a single bite does not threaten anything and even turns out to be useful.
After a sting, bee venom produces local and general effects. At first skin at the site of the sting they become red and swollen, a sharp and burning pain, there is also an increase in temperature of several degrees (usually 2-6 degrees). Your maximum local reaction reaches in 15-20 minutes. Majority healthy people tolerates 5 to 10 simultaneous bites with ease and without health consequences.
But with numerous stings or hypersensitivity the body cannot do without the occurrence severe symptoms. These include:
In this case, a person cannot do without a qualified medical care, otherwise it may occur death, most often due to respiratory arrest.
The effect of bee venom on humans can be very useful, not without reason in alternative medicine There is such a direction as apitherapy, that is, treatment with bees. This method has been known for a long time; it was used by the most ancient civilizations of India, Greece and Mesopotamia.
It is one of the strong biological stimulants. It is often used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic.
Bee venom has the following effects on the human body:
It has now been reliably established that bee venom in moderate doses has a beneficial effect on humans, for example, improves sleep and appetite, increases performance, relieves chronic fatigue. In addition, it helps get rid of many ailments or alleviate the painful symptoms of chronic diseases.
With the help of this medicine the following can be treated:
Apitherapy allows you to cure ailments even in the most severe forms. In addition to direct bee stings, various types of medicines (injection solutions, ointments, emulsions, tablets) are made from the venom.
Do not forget that bee venom is a strong allergen, so its effect on the body is not limited only to beneficial qualities. Severe intoxication can lead to very sad consequences. Particularly dangerous are multiple bites from short period. It is believed that 180 or more stings cause poisoning of the body, often in severe forms. The critical dose for an adult can be considered 450 or more bites in a short time.
Children, elderly people, as well as pregnant and young nursing mothers are most sensitive to the effects of bee venom.
Bites on the fingertips, ears and nose area are especially painful, but they do not cause much harm. The most dangerous places for stings are:
No more than 2% of people suffer from hypersensitivity to bee venom. It only takes one bite for them to develop a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock.
Others are resistant to bee venom. Scientists have found that numerous insect bites, on the contrary, cause the body to develop immunity. Indeed, beekeepers can be stung dozens of times during the day, but they do not develop any dangerous or fatal conditions. On the contrary, they have excellent health and, as a rule, there are many long-livers among them. Experienced beekeepers with extensive experience can easily endure up to 1000 stings. Good immunity is also produced by those who undergo apitherapy courses. But when long breaks The body's susceptibility to the components of bee venom increases again.
The source and principle of the formation of such immunity have not been fully elucidated. Attempts to explain this phenomenon by the production of antibodies were unsuccessful. Most likely, the answer lies in the body’s adaptation mechanism to bee venom, which is why immunity is temporary.
The effect of bee venom is multifaceted, it all depends on its dosage and the individual characteristics of each organism. This substance can be fatal and... So, for some, bee venom becomes an invaluable medicine, and for others, it becomes a dangerous toxin and allergen.
The use of bee venom in medicinal purposes already very practiced for a long time. A long time ago, the benefits of apitoxin (as bee venom is scientifically called) on the human body were noted. When used correctly, any person will very quickly feel the positive effect.
By its nature, the poison of field workers is a product of the activity of their secretory glands. Moreover, it should be noted that this substance is characteristic only of the working variety of bees. Visually, it looks like a liquid with a thick consistency, which is essentially transparent, but has a slight tint yellow. The reaction of the substance is sour, and the taste is bitter. They also note the presence of a somewhat specific odor, which is somewhat reminiscent of the aroma of honey.
The product of bees' activity tends to harden quickly when exposed to air. As a result of this process, about 25% of all volatile acids that make up the product are lost. If apitoxin is stored dry and in the right way, he will not lose his useful qualities for a long time.
Field workers use such secretions to protect themselves from various external factors, ranging from other insects to various animals. Bees also try to resist the actions of people, but thanks to protective equipment, the success of such protection can be considered minimal.
The effects of apitoxin are much stronger in the warm season than in the cold season.
The effect of the poison secreted by bees is based on its chemical composition, which is very complex. It includes various mineral and fat-like substances, proteins, and amino acids. It should be noted that the specified protein is the main part of dry matter.
In turn, in its composition melitin, which is a non-enzymatic, toxic version of this component, has a significant effect. It is he who, through a successful combination with magnesium and various types acids provides just the medicinal effect a person requires.
Other constituent elements include substances such as glucose and fructose. Apitoxin also contains a large number of different amino acids, ordinary acids (one of which causes pain when bitten), minerals and other similar components.
In medicine, they note the presence of very significant medicinal properties. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of various options diseases. Depending on the characteristics of the process of improving the body’s condition, as well as on the personal characteristics of the patient himself, there are several possible options use of this beneficial substance.
The most natural useful option is input using the bees themselves. They sting the area that requires help, thereby facilitating the healing process. The second option is based on the input bee product when using electricity. Here it is applied directly to the skin over the sore spot.
In addition to these effective types of drug administration, it should also be noted that medical procedures when using cream with bee venom (method for joints), rubbing in ointments and even using inhalation.
Even in relatively small doses apitoxin has an extremely positive impact on human body . It was noticed that a person’s appetite, sleep improves, the nervous system strengthens, and so on. Interesting feature is that this substance is also capable of providing a protective effect against the effects of radiation.
The influence of these useful substances on a person and his well-being is comparable to a fantastic rejuvenating effect.
Substances such as peptides, which are part of bee venom, have an effect similar to that of aspirin. Moreover, the “power”, compared with most narcotic analgesics, is at least 10 times higher for apitoxin, and the fact that the substance also has an anti-shock effect along with an increase pain threshold, makes it generally irreplaceable.
A precisely adjusted amount of medicine tends to reduce blood pressure and reduce the inflammatory process. The speed of blood circulation increases significantly, and the blood vessels in the brain dilate.
The total amount of blood increases, an anticoagulant effect occurs. The level of ESR, as well as the amount of cholesterol, decreases significantly. The body's defense against stress is activated.
The product of the activity of the secretory glands of bees also has the ability to accelerate protein metabolism, replace the lack of various types of enzymes and peptides, and can also increase the activity of the adrenal glands. In addition to all of the above, a stung person has increased general level immunity and improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
As mentioned above, the venom of hardworking insects has positive influence for the entire human body. However, in addition to this, it can also be used in the form of gels and ointments. In this form, it is most often used to treat joint problems, and the use of bee venom also shows good results for osteochondrosis.
The action of the cream is based on the influence of substances such as phospholipases and melitin. They tend to dilate blood vessels. In addition, the vitamins it contains, as well as extracts various herbs also provide their positive impact. Cream with bee venom, intended for the treatment of joints, helps relieve inflammation and has a general alleviating effect.
In addition to creams, there are also special gels with the same bee honey for the treatment of joints. Number of variations similar means very large, but in essence they all work on exactly the same principle as creams. The excipients (the list of herbal extracts and oils) may change slightly and the application system may differ slightly. However, the basis of effectiveness - apitoxin - remains unchanged.
The poison that field workers secrete requires a precise dosage, because large quantities it can lead to numerous negative consequences. It is recommended that any course of treatment be previously agreed upon with the attending physician and read the instructions carefully on the use of bee venom.
Attentiveness in treatment is the key to successful healing and the absence of health problems in the future.
The application itself can vary quite significantly. A lot depends on the choice a person makes. medicine. If we take as a basis creams, which are most often used without medical supervision, then everything is quite simple.
Using light movements, apply a small amount of cream to the affected area of the body. This procedure must be repeated regularly for at least one week.
It is better to agree on the maximum period with the doctor. The fact is that a lot here depends not so much on the chosen remedy, but on the severity of the disease, its type, characteristics and many other factors that a non-specialist simply cannot determine on his own.
If you approach this problem wisely, the effect of treatment will be noticeable very quickly. It cannot be said that such substances are a panacea for all diseases, but of all the drugs currently existing in the world, they are the ones that come closest to this title.
There is a whole range of problems that can arise in a person who has exceeded the dosage of medications created on the basis of the described substance. In addition, there is a list of contraindications for which the use of such medications is also prohibited.
In large quantities, the secretion product of bees can depress the nervous system, cause depression, increase the amount of cholesterol, and also reduce the efficiency of reproductive function.
In medicine, there is a special list of diseases that not only cannot be cured with the help of this substance, but can even become significantly worse with such an attempt. Special attention should also be given to allergy sufferers. Only after finally making sure that there is no allergy to bees and their products can you begin treatment.
To avoid negative consequences independently or with the help of volunteer assistants who do not have the required specialization, It is strictly prohibited to carry out the treatment process using bee stings.
It is not recommended to use the medicine on children, pregnant women and the elderly (unless it has been approved by a doctor). You need to remember that it takes about half a thousand bites to kill a person. Considering the fact that many thousands of bees live in one hive, you should be careful not to irritate these insects.
The first step in case of a bite, even if it seems minor, is to remove the sting. Do this at maximum speed. The affected area should be treated with alcohol, vodka, iodine or potassium permanganate solution. In most cases, this will be enough for normal subsequent well-being. If the person has not been stung by bees before, it is recommended to monitor him in case of an allergic reaction.
The speed of providing first aid in case of a bite is the key to the absence of health problems in the future.
If a person has suffered from large number bites, you should force him to take a horizontal position and give up to 50 grams of vodka. This really helps. In particular difficult cases you will have to start taking antihistamines. Naturally, if the victim’s condition is clearly serious, you should immediately call ambulance, and also, if necessary, provide first aid ( external massage hearts, artificial respiration and so on).
Timely provision of assistance can save a person’s life or, at a minimum, have a beneficial effect on the body affected by toxins. As a result, without normal care, the consequences of bites, in particular from the influence of toxins, can affect general health only negative. In particularly severe cases, death may occur. If you lack confidence in your own abilities, it is not recommended to work with bees without outside supervision.
Bee poison (apitoxin) “Defensive weapon” of worker bees. Produced by the large and small poisonous glands. In a minimal dose (when stung, insects secrete up to 0.8 mg of secretion), the biologically active liquid provokes a slight change in the functions of the body systems; in large quantities it causes serious poisoning.
The reservoir of the poisonous glands of bees holds up to 0.008 g of liquid apitoxin. The yield of dry matter from one honey collector is 0.1 mg. To collect 1 g of product you will need to use up to 10 thousand bees.
Bees that emerged from their cells less than a day ago cannot sting. Their poison appears on the second day of life, and in sufficient volume accumulates after 10-18 days. From 20-30 days (the exact period depends on the time of hatching and the breed of bees), the vital activity of the cells secreting this substance stops.
Having released the poison, but without losing their sting, the bees continue normal life. They produce toxic secretions about 20 days after birth. If it was taken from bees 5-10 days old, it is formed again. Their ability to sting will return. The Institute of Beekeeping confirmed that the selection of apitoxin does not affect the wintering of bee colonies, but it is possible that their productivity during honey harvest may decrease by up to 24%.
Native (fresh) poisonous secretion contains up to 60% moisture. In dry form, it includes groups of toxic peptides: the main ones are melittin (occupies 50-55% of the total mass) and apamin (2-3%). In addition to them, bee venom contains: proteins, amino acid compounds, carbohydrates, biogenic amines, lipids, aromatic and other substances.
In conditions external environment apitoxin dries out, losing up to 70% of its weight due to quickly evaporating moisture and esters. If frozen or refrigerated, it will keep for several days. Apitoxin mixed with water (proportion 1:50,000) does not lose its antibacterial properties for up to 42 days. Fifteen-minute heating of the solution at 100 0 C causes the disintegration of hyaluronidase, and exposure to temperatures above 150 0 C leads to the evaporation of melittin. Acidic or alkaline solutions do not affect the properties of apitoxin, but under the influence of sunlight it is destroyed.
Bee venom cannot be preserved. The only method of processing poisonous secretions is drying. It is carried out in a place protected from sunlight at temperatures up to 40 0 C. The shelf life of dry bee venom when stored in a dark, clean room at temperatures from -15 to +2 0 C will be several years.
The quality of raw apitoxin is assessed by checking its consistency, shade, and degree of irritation of the nasal mucosa. Characteristics external signs and the standards for the content of individual substances in its composition are determined by GOST 3042-97.
Researchers explain the clear mind, longevity and excellent health of all beekeepers under the influence of apitoxin. Bee venom has a positive effect on the functions of the pituitary gland, regulating the formation of corticotropin, which has a stimulating effect on the adrenal cortex. These organs are responsible for the formation of the hormone cortisol, which strengthens memory and increases protective functions organism that reduces psychological stress.
The human body's reaction to bee venom is variable. If stings occur regularly, immunity will soon develop and susceptibility to their effects will decrease. You just need to remember that apitoxin is a strong allergen, and people intolerant to its components may suffer from anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of poisoning or allergies appear after several or one sting.
After 100 or 200 bee stings, a person’s blood pressure decreases, nausea, vomiting, intestinal dysfunction occur, elevated department saliva, sweating, dizziness, fainting. Apitoxin is especially dangerous for women and children. Men are less susceptible to its influence, and 500 simultaneous stings are fatal.
To stop the penetration of toxic substances from a bee's sting, you need to remove it from under the skin. Rub the affected area with crushed validol powder, soda, ammonia, onion or garlic juice. When stung in the area of the eyes, neck, lips, palate or tongue, the reaction is stronger. To neutralize toxins, take diphenhydramine, milk, kefir, 50 g of vodka with the addition of 20 g of honey or a vitamin drink obtained by dissolving 0.5 g ascorbic acid and 10 g of honey in 100 ml of water.
It is unacceptable to consume apitoxin orally. Its substances disintegrate under the influence of gastric and intestinal juices.
The therapeutic sting in one place is repeated after 5 days, when swelling and pain disappear.
It can do harm. The use of this product for medicinal purposes, like all beekeeping products, is permissible only after consultation with a doctor.
Bee venom is a miracle created by nature; with its help, bees protect themselves from enemies. The composition of bee venom has not yet been fully studied. Despite the fact that the use of bee venom in the treatment of many diseases began in ancient times, official medicine recognized him medicinal properties only at the end of the 30s of the last century.
Why is bee venom called medicine? Yes, everything is very simple, thanks to him unique composition.
Composition of bee venom
It has been reliably proven that its main part consists of the protein melitin, it contains amino acids and enzymes. In large dosages, it harms our body and can lead to poisoning due to the destruction of cells. And in small quantities, on the contrary, it restores the functioning of many organs. Pain, itching and redness on the skin after a bee sting are caused by this protein.
Melitin enhances the production of a hormone by the adrenal glands (cortisol). Thanks to this property, bee venom can be successfully used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases (psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis). Especially if patients are hormonally dependent, the effect is very good. Due to melitin, bee venom is sterile and has antibacterial properties. Its contents in bee venom depends on the age of the bee, and the younger it is, the more it is. This protein is found nowhere else in nature. And in terms of the strength and effectiveness of its therapeutic effects, it can be safely called a medicine.
Bee venom contains apamin. It improves the functioning of the nervous system, pancreas, stomach, and intestines.
Bee venom contains inorganic acids: formic, hydrochloric, orthophosphoric. Chemical elements: nitrogen, zinc, sulfur, manganese, etc.
The poison also includes natural hydrocortisone, which is tens of times stronger than the synthetic one. It relieves inflammation, swelling, pain when applied topically and works well in the treatment of arthritis.
Well, after all that is listed, how can one not call this invention of Mother Nature a medicine?
Bee venom protects our cells from radiation, reduces blood cholesterol, painful muscle tone, and improves local blood circulation.
Bee venom regulates work well immune system in people prone to frequent allergic reactions. Improves wound healing, especially trophic ulcers. The heart muscle is also not left without attention, since bee venom normalizes heart rhythm.
But the best treatment is bee venom various lesions joints and spine. In some cases, a complete cure is possible.
It is not for nothing that bee venom is called a medicine; on the basis of its use in medicine, the whole science of apitherapy is based - treatment with bee venom.
Eat several methods of treating bee venom:
Bee sting.
Administration of ready-made ampoule preparations intradermally.
Rubbing in ointments containing bee venom.
Inhalations.
Or ultrasound.
Sublingual tablets.
It is not enough to call bee venom a medicine; you also need to know for which diseases it can be used and for which it cannot be used. If you decide to try treatment with bee venom, then do not immediately run to the apiary in search of a bee, but first be sure to consult a doctor, because this treatment method may not be suitable for you. In addition, it has contraindications and side effects.
Of all beekeeping products, it is the venom that has the most pronounced ability to eliminate various diseases and strengthen the immune system. Bee venom and its healing properties were known to our ancestors. The effect of the poison on the body and the features of its use for treatment are described in the article.
You will learn how bee venom is extracted and what features should be taken into account when using this substance to treat diseases. We also described in detail the features of the use of poison for the treatment of diseases of the skin, blood vessels, heart and its use in cosmetology.
A special poison is secreted in the glands of worker bees and, in case of danger, enters the skin through the sting. Externally, it is a clear or yellowish liquid with a very thick consistency. The smell is similar to honey, but sharper, and the taste is pungent and slightly bitter (Figure 1).
Figure 1. External features of bee venom In the open air, the poison quickly hardens, but does not lose its beneficial properties even in dried form.
The technology for producing poison is shown in the video.
The effect of bee venom on the body can be compared to a powerful antibiotic. It is capable of destroying a wide variety of microorganisms, and even in a diluted state is sterile.
Figure 2. Production of poison in the body of insects The substance is formed in the filamentous glands of bees. Its amount gradually accumulates with age and reaches a maximum at two weeks of age (Figure 2). Despite the common constituent substances, the composition of the venom may vary depending on the breed of bees, their age, diet and habitat.
Having determined how the poison is formed, it is also necessary to find out what beneficial properties it has.
The main component is the substance apimin, which has a powerful positive effect on the body. Among the beneficial properties of the product are:(Figure 3):
Figure 3. Useful properties poison It is also used when multiple sclerosis, diseases cardiovascular system, improves liver function and digestive tract in general, improves sleep and nervous system function.
Like all beekeeping products, the venom contains unique components that can bring great benefit to the human body.
Includes: essential amino acids(18 out of 20 existing), inorganic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and glucose. One of the main components of the substances is melittin. It is this that causes the burning sensation when the sting penetrates the skin. However, this component perfectly dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
Other substances that make up bee venom (for example, phospholipase) perfectly rejuvenate the body, accelerate the resorption of hematomas and improve blood composition. The poison also contains useful microelements(chlorine, magnesium, iodine and phosphorus).
Treatment with bee venom is called apitherapy. This folk way elimination of diseases was known to our ancestors, and in modern world found wide application as an alternative to traditional medicine.
The unique composition of insect venom makes it indispensable in the fight against a wide variety of diseases. Let's consider the use of the substance in more detail.
More information about the use of bee venom in folk medicine- in the video.
Multiple sclerosis - dangerous autoimmune disease, in which the body's defense systems react aggressively to the nerve sheaths. Gradual death nerve cells and tissues leads to progression of the disease and serious nervous disorders.
Traditional medicine cannot yet completely cure this disease, limiting itself symptomatic therapy. But effective means Bee poison is considered to fight the disease.
The substances included in its composition stop the destruction of nerve cells, and amino acids provoke the formation of new endings. Thus, the use of poison can not only stop the development of the disease, but also completely eliminate it in the initial stages.
Poison obtained from bees is considered effective means fight against hypertension. This substance perfectly expands blood vessels, reduces blood viscosity and prevents thickening of vessel walls.
Note: Particularly effective folk remedy counts on initial stages pathology. But even in advanced cases, the use of poison helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The most effective method is considered to be acupuncture - subcutaneous injection of poison into certain points on the body. However, in ancient times they used a simpler method - 4 bees were planted on the patient’s collar twice a week. Bee stings provoked the injection of poison into the body and had the desired therapeutic effect.
When treating live bee stings, it is important to strictly follow the technology and avoid too strong and frequent stings. Otherwise, the effect will be reversed and the patient may suffer from allergies.
As a component of ointments and balms, the poison can relieve joint pain (Figure 4). The components included in the substance prevent blood stagnation in the extremities and serve as an effective means of prevention varicose veins veins In addition, applying poison mixed with plant components to painful areas, perfectly relieves inflammation.
Figure 4. Using poison to relieve joint pain Also, the poison itself and products based on it are used to treat radiculitis, relieve severe pain after intense physical activity and as aid to combat rheumatism.
Like other bee products, insect venom is also used as an external agent. Mixed with vegetable oils and decoctions, it helps fight psoriasis, relieves peeling and accelerates the healing of wounds and ulcers on the body.
It is worth considering that such poison is a powerful allergen, and it should not be used by people intolerant to bee products, even as an external remedy.
Aitoxin, as the main component of the poison, has not only bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but also the ability to rejuvenate the skin and the body as a whole (Figure 5). It is these properties that have led to the active use of poison in cosmetology.
Note: The effect of the poison is similar to Botox injections. But, unlike this chemical substance, poison is a completely harmless way to restore skin elasticity.
Figure 5. Use of poison as a cosmetic product Even poison included in industrial creams has a beneficial effect on the skin. The substance stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, eliminates fine wrinkles and makes deep ones less noticeable. Lip balms and creams make them fuller and more voluminous, and the poison contained in lipsticks makes the color brighter and more lasting.
All components of the poison provoke slight irritation of the epidermis. This explains the effectiveness of such products in the fight against wrinkles (Figure 6).
Figure 6. Using poison to combat wrinkles Apitoxin and amino acids of the product stimulate collagen production, renew skin cells and make the epidermis more elastic. There is an opinion that bee venom will soon be used for anti-aging procedures and will completely replace Botox. This is explained by the fact that it has much fewer contraindications and side effects, and the end result is the same as when introducing chemicals under the skin.
Bee venom is actively used as a component of medicines and cosmetics. For example, modern manufacturers produce ointments with this substance (Figure 7). All such medications are intended to relieve pain and inflammation of the joints, and are also used to heal wounds, ulcers and ulcers on the skin.
Figure 7. Types of preparations based on insect venom The poison is also produced in tablets and ampoules for intradermal injection (preparations Apifor, Apitoxin, Apizartron). These drugs help strengthen blood vessels and effectively fight joint diseases.
The benefits of the poison of these insects have also been proven in cosmetology. However, it is worth considering that this substance can also cause harm if a person has an intolerance to bee products. Therefore, before using a cream, balm or lipstick, you need to carefully study the composition.
The substances that make up bee venom pose a great danger to people with intolerance to bee products. These components can cause a serious allergy, which requires immediate action.
Note: On initial stage Allergy is manifested by cough, runny nose and lacrimation. But if a person is not given help in time, the symptoms may worsen and progress to loss of consciousness, convulsions, a sharp drop in blood pressure and severe swelling interfering with normal breathing.
At the first sign of an allergy to a bite, you need to call an ambulance. Before doctors arrive, you should try to carefully remove the sting and treat the bite site with alcohol. After this, you need to make an ice compress and give the victim any anti-allergy drug.
