Venom therapy has been in existence for many centuries. Its first use is believed to have been among beekeepers in South America, Asia and Eastern Europe. The treatment, also referred to as apitherapy has been attempted for many conditions including multiple sclerosis, asthma, Lyme disease and premenstrual syndrome. There are a number of important facts on bee venom therapy for Lyme disease that one should know if considering this form of treatment.
Lyme disease is an infection that is caused by a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdoferi. It is rapidly spread from one person to another through tick bites. The signs and symptoms associated with this condition are many and affect almost all the body systems. These include, for example, insomnia, chronic fatigues, loss of short term memory, joint pains, menstrual disorders, reduced libido and dental infections among others.
The administration of bee venom is not regulated. There are no guidelines to govern the dosages, the route of administration and so on. In most cases, it is matter of trial and error. While one group of therapists begin treatment at high doses and taper off gradually, others start in the reverse direction and increase the amount administered over several weeks and months until a positive response is seen.
The exact mechanism through which this chemical achieves its effect is not well understood. Research has shown that there are at least 40 active ingredients found in the venom. Of these, the most useful is a peptide known as mellitin. Mellitin is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that is believed to be stronger than cortisone. It also inhibits the reproduction of Borrelia burgdoferi which helps to bring the infection under control.
You need to be aware of the possible side effects of this therapy. Generally, what is experienced is more or less similar to what one would experience if they were stung by a bee. Commonly encountered side effects include swelling, redness and itchiness. In about 5% of people allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) may be seen. Sensitivity testing is needed to rule out this possibility.
The conventional management of this disease is through the use of antibiotics. Metronidazole (the intravenous formulation) is highly effective against the cystic stage. The oral form is not preferred due to its potential to cause liver injury. Tinididazole is an alternative drug that can also be used if available. It has the advantage of being less toxic. Combining the antibiotics with proteolytic enzymes increases the chances of success.
Venom can be obtained commercially in vials. You will be well advised to get in touch with a physician or an allopathic to take you through the initial stages of the therapy. They will help determine whether you have any sensitivity to the therapeutic agent and also teach you how you can administer to yourself from then on.
Bee venom remains an important form of treatment even though it has not been recognized as part of conventional practice. There is hope that the useful ingredients will be isolated soon and repackaged into drugs whose activities are more predictable. In the meantime, the general advice is that one should be cautious when using this product and always consult a physician when in doubt.
Lyme disease is an infection that is caused by a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdoferi. It is rapidly spread from one person to another through tick bites. The signs and symptoms associated with this condition are many and affect almost all the body systems. These include, for example, insomnia, chronic fatigues, loss of short term memory, joint pains, menstrual disorders, reduced libido and dental infections among others.
The administration of bee venom is not regulated. There are no guidelines to govern the dosages, the route of administration and so on. In most cases, it is matter of trial and error. While one group of therapists begin treatment at high doses and taper off gradually, others start in the reverse direction and increase the amount administered over several weeks and months until a positive response is seen.
The exact mechanism through which this chemical achieves its effect is not well understood. Research has shown that there are at least 40 active ingredients found in the venom. Of these, the most useful is a peptide known as mellitin. Mellitin is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that is believed to be stronger than cortisone. It also inhibits the reproduction of Borrelia burgdoferi which helps to bring the infection under control.
You need to be aware of the possible side effects of this therapy. Generally, what is experienced is more or less similar to what one would experience if they were stung by a bee. Commonly encountered side effects include swelling, redness and itchiness. In about 5% of people allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) may be seen. Sensitivity testing is needed to rule out this possibility.
The conventional management of this disease is through the use of antibiotics. Metronidazole (the intravenous formulation) is highly effective against the cystic stage. The oral form is not preferred due to its potential to cause liver injury. Tinididazole is an alternative drug that can also be used if available. It has the advantage of being less toxic. Combining the antibiotics with proteolytic enzymes increases the chances of success.
Venom can be obtained commercially in vials. You will be well advised to get in touch with a physician or an allopathic to take you through the initial stages of the therapy. They will help determine whether you have any sensitivity to the therapeutic agent and also teach you how you can administer to yourself from then on.
Bee venom remains an important form of treatment even though it has not been recognized as part of conventional practice. There is hope that the useful ingredients will be isolated soon and repackaged into drugs whose activities are more predictable. In the meantime, the general advice is that one should be cautious when using this product and always consult a physician when in doubt.
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