Apitherapy is medical therapy utilizing bee products such as bee venom, bee pollen, propolis, honey or royal jelly. Apitherapy is mostly associated with Bee Venom therapy (BVT) or venom immunotherapy.

Little history

In ancient times, various forms of apitherapy were practiced. The Koran mentions medicinal properties of the liquor produced by bees. Around 800 AD the French emperor Charlemagne used bee sting. An Austrian physician Philip Terc in the 19th century utilized bee sting to treat rheumatism. This treatment is still popularly employed to treat various ailments these days.

Cancer treatment

Various products by the common honeybee such as the venom, raw honey, royal jelly and pollen are being investigated on their action against cancer. Propolis – the substance that coats the hive – is one popular bee product that is being analyzed for anti-cancer properties.

Some results of the anti-carcinogenic properties mostly on bee venom and propolis in the laboratory are showing promising results. They seem to have an action on inflammation. As you know, inflammation is a process utilized by cancer to grow.

However, the properties of propolis will depend on where the bees of individual hives source out their raw materials to manufacture propolis. As such, different bee hives have different chemicals in their propolis. This being the case, any potential medicinal properties that may be present differs from one beehive to another.

Clearly, distributors of propolis products cannot control such factors.

Side Effect

Extreme allergic reaction is one fatal side effect. This has already claimed one death from royal jelly use.

Bottom Line

From my own perspective, research studies on bee products to fight cancer seem promising. However, and be aware of this, there are no clinical trials conducted yet.

With various bee products available, this treatment looks like a roll of the dice. This treatment utilizes only one bee product. If clinical trials provide medical evidence that bee products interfere with cancer mechanisms, I can safely advocate them. Let’s wait and see!

The best cancer fighting strategy, as I have always advised here in my blog, is your standard cancer regimen plus a healthy lifestyle. By the way, it is never to late to start. Exercise at least 30 minutes every day. Eat 5 to 10 servings of various veggies and fruits daily. These are our best chance.