What is Apitherapy and Its Benefits?

There are literally hundreds of alternative therapies that are available for people to try. However one of the least known and probably accepted therapies if apitherapy. In this article we will look at what apitherapy is as well as the health benefits that can be gained from it and the possible risks to apitherapy.

What is Apitherapy?

Apitherapy is often also called bee therapy and is the basically the use of bee products to treat different conditions. There are a number of products that can have health benefits and be used in apitherapy and they include pollen, raw honey and royal jelly however the main one used is bee venom. The use of bee products and in particular bee venom dates back to ancient Greece, Egypt and China.

In fact it is believed that Hippocrates who is considered to be the father of medicine actually used bee stings to treat people for conditions such as arthritis. In addition in 1888 Philip Terc published a paper on bee venom and rheumatism. Today bee stings are used throughout the world as a treatment for a wide variety of different conditions and below we will consider the benefits that you could get from the treatment.

Health Benefits of Apitherapy

The different bee products have different benefits and can be used in different ways. Below we have put a list of the most popular bee products that are used in apitherapy and the benefits that you can get from them:

1. Bee Venom - this can be given to people as actual stings or can be given through a needle. Bee stings have been shown to contain substances such as adolapin and melittin which are anti-inflammatory substances and are thought to be more powerful than commonly prescribed products such as cortisol. For this reason bee stings are thought to be very valuable for treating conditions like arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism and tendinitis.

2. Bee Pollen - this product is high in vitamins and minerals and can be used as a nutritional supplement. In addition it can be a valuable treatment for people suffering from seasonal allergies such as hay fever. In additions some claim it can help with anti-aging and athletic performance.

3. Raw Honey - this is honey that has not been processed in anyway and is thought to be a source of energy. In addition it is believed to have antibacterial properties that could make it good for treating things like sore throats.

4. Royal Jelly - there have been a number of claims about the health benefits of royal jelly and some say it can help with things like fatigue, infertility, asthma, and lack of appetite. In addition studies have shown that it could be useful at reducing cholesterol levels. You will also find royal jelly in a number of anti-aging products such as face cream.

Risks of Apitherapy

There are a number of people who should not undertake apitherapy or should take extra care. For example if you have an allergy to bee stings then you need to take extra care. As many people may not be aware of the allergy it is important to choose a reputable therapist who will be prepared if you have an allergic reaction as they can often be very severe.

In addition people who have heart disease, hypertension, tuberculosis, or diabetes should make sure they avoid apitherapy completely. Honey should not be given to children under the age of one due to the possible bacteria in it and people who have a weak immune system should also avoid honey. Finally the recommended dosage for many of the bee products is not known so care should always be taken to ensure you remain safe.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mercedes_Aspland

Our Guide To Bee Pollen and Hypertension

Our Guide To Bee Pollen and Hypertension

Bee pollen and hypertension are not generally used in the same sentence unless you are speaking of healing and adding essential vitamins and nutrients to the body. Bee pollen has been known to aid in the healing and promotion of healthy regenerating cells as well as numerous other uses.

Bee pollen contains the essential enzymes and co enzymes, every single vitamin known to man as well as trace minerals, the absolute essential amino acids; it contains hormone precursors called prostaglandins, essential fatty acids, flavonoids and carotenoids. Bee pollen is the oldest known health food available and is the only food on the planet that can completely sustain life.

That's pretty remarkable to think that if the food of the world were gone, you could sustain your life on just water and bee pollen alone. Now that bee pollen as a substance is explained the subject of bee pollen and hypertension can be addressed.

How does Bee Pollen and Hypertension Relate?

Before we can fully understand how bee pollen and hypertension relate it is best to gain some knowledge on the subject of hypertension. Hypertension is simply a fancy name for high blood pressure and is benefited by the taking of bee pollen. Bee pollen and hypertension is now known to be a beneficial addition to the individual's diet, improves the heath and regulates blood pressure by providing the body with the proper nutrients that we as a society cannot get from the foods of today that are constantly over processed and the addition of chemicals makes it impossible for us to draw out all of what our bodies need to sustain good health.

Bee Pollen and Hypertension and the Benefits

In using bee pollen and hypertension in the same sentence we can now feel good about it and speak of the numerous benefits in taking a high grade supplemental product. There are so many benefits to taking bee pollen it is mind blowing and incredible. To name a few, it helps aid in any insufficiencies in vitamins, minerals and amino acids and especially helpful it becomes to pregnant and nursing women due to the decrease in essential vitamins during pregnancy.

Ever wonder why you had to take a supplement when you were pregnant? It is because your body is using excessive nutrients and in order to replenish them we have to add what cannot be gained through diet. Please note that all pregnant or nursing mothers should seek expert medical advice before starting any bee pollen regime.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

Healing Properties of Bee Pollen and the Heart - Bee Pollen's Miracles and Downsides

Many believed that healing properties of Bee Pollen and the heart is always associated with each other. As we all know, heart attack or cardiac arrest remained as one of the killer diseases in the community today.

And the major culprit is none other than cholesterol. Heart ailments are very common to adults ages 50 and above. Fortunately, there are a lot of cures that claim to help in such illnesses. The only problem is the cost, definitely skyrocketing.

Thanks to pollen! We can now reduce the risks of heart problems, high blood pressure, cancer and stroke. If this is the first time you heard be pollen, well this is not a huge issue at all. It's been a hundreds of years since bee pollen was used for dietary supplementation. For many acceptable reasons, pollen is known as the healthiest "super food" ever. This said supplement is made from flowering plants wherein the bees gather nectar.

Talking about the nutrients, bee pollen is known as the nature's supplement as it contain folic acid, amino acids, vitamin B complex, polysaturated oily acids carotene and enzymes. The healing properties of bee pollen and the heart play a vital role in the process of eliminating the risks of several diseases.

Benefits

Pollen from the bee is an excellent immune system builder. The vitamins mainly work in relieving stress in the body. In addition to that, bee pollen is also a proven supplement that rejuvenates the body, enhance vitality, stimulate the organs and glands and bring longer life span. Pollen from the bee also increases mental concentration and alertness. More importantly, bee pollen is an excellent antioxidant as it removes poisons and toxins from the body.

Pollen also benefits sex life. Studies proved that this supplement helps in keeping women's reproductive system healthy.

Pollen doesn't benefit all the time. You should not take if this if you are hypersensitive as it may cause allergic reactions and other side effects. Pregnant women are also advised not to take such supplement as it can affect babies.

Possible Side effects

One serious reaction being reported is anaphylaxis. This reaction happens when taking lesser than the required amount of bee pollen, usually less than 1 teaspoon. Other side effects reported include chest pain, swelling of the throat, stomach ache, hives and rashes.

To avoid these side effects, there's only a single thing that you should consider. That is to choose a reliable brand of bee pollen. As you can see, there are dozens of brand names out there. Always remember that not all brands are created equally.

Pollens from New Zealand are best options. These are bee pollens that come from natural sources and no harmful chemicals added. After all, the healing properties of bee pollen and the heart is something that you should consider. If you have doubts in choosing one, you can consult professionals and ask for advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Micheal_Thomas

The Antibacterial Properties of Honey

Honey has been successfully used as medicine for at least 5000 years, its known use beginning with a Sumerian tablet dated at about 3000BC prescribing honey for the treatment of an infected skin ulcer. But only in the last 60 years have the antibacterial properties of honey been studied and documented by modern science. Due to its natural antimicrobial properties, honey has been clinically shown to have an inhibitory effect on no fewer than 23 known pathogens, among them the bacteria that cause meningitis, septicemia, tooth decay, ear infections and, most recently, stomach ulcers caused by Heliobacter pylori. Four natural characteristics of honey are responsible for its antibacterial properties: its osmolarity, acidity, hydrogen peroxide production, and its floral nectar component.

It is a fundamental principle of nature that water moves across a permeable membrane from regions of high concentration to regions of low concentration. Being a supersaturated sugar solution, honey has a very low concentration of water and therefore a high osmolarity. When honey comes into contact with bacterial cells, the water within the cells will seek to reach equilibrium by moving across the cellular membrane into the honey. In this way, water is drawn out of the bacterial cells, and the bacteria are killed by simple dehydration.

Bacteria thrive at pH levels that are close to neutral or slightly acidic, such as the natural pH of human skin of about 6.1. With a pH of about 4, honey is an acidic substance and creates an inhospitable environment for bacterial growth.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) will kill bacterial cells by oxidation, and is commonly used for the purpose. Pure H2O2, however, is chemically unstable and rapidly degrades to water when exposed to heat and light. Honey, on the other hand, is highly stable but will naturally produce H2O2 in small amounts from the oxidation of glucose when exposed to a pH between 5.5 and 8.0, the normal pH of human skin. By this mechanism, honey is able to supply a steady dose of H2O2 when applied to the skin.

Most plants have natural defence systems against invading pathogens, and this is where the floral nectar component of honey comes into play. Using natural flavonoids still not fully identified by science, floral nectar itself has antibacterial properties that are part of the plant's immune system.

These four properties, taken together, make honey a powerful, natural antimicrobial substance that will not lead to resistant strains of bacteria or harm beneficial bacteria that are part of the natural fauna of the human body. After 5000 years of use, the antibacterial properties of honey are finally beginning to be understood, and certainly warrant further study.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Drake_Jenkins

The Bee Venom Therapy For Positive Health

People have been using the Bee Venom Therapy for ages and the ancient Egyptians and Chinese have been taking advantage of the different benefits of honey and the bee therapy. This is the reason that they have been using honey, pollen and royal jelly in the treatment of different diseases. There are many benefits of using these products and are known to cure a lot of health related problems.

In traditional treatment methods the bees were allowed to sting at the specific body part that needs to be treated. The medical assistant tries to hold the bee with a pair of tweezers and lets the bee leave its sting at the particular area. Some homeopathic doctors also make a solution that works just like a bee sting and is injected under the skin there are also many cosmetic creams and other products that contain it as well.

The venom in honeybee contains pharmaceutical properties and this has made people realize its importance and because of it more people are adopting this beneficial way of treatment. More and more people have realized the importance of this way of positive treatment. The adrenal glands are activated due to the melittin which helps in increasing the immune system and also boosts up the natural healing process. It sure is more effective then the Hydrocortisone's that are used.

People should be careful before trying out the Bee Venom Therapy as they need to make sure that the patient is not allergic to the substance so that the necessary precautions can be taken. The effect of the bee venom can be desensitized for people who are more sensitive to bee stings and are also allergic to it.

The duration time and the quantity of the bee venom is determined according to the severity of the condition that has to be treated. The venom is injected two or three times a week according to individual requirement .At time's people who are not allergic to bee venom develops a type of allergic reaction and so the patient and therapist should be ready with precautionary measures to resolve the problems.

If the bee sting results in a red swollen bump this shows that the bee venom therapy is effective and the stingy effect is very short lived and can easily be relieved by blowing a fan. The bee venom has qualities to boost your energy level and also create a feeling of well being.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wade_Davis

Powerful Medicinal Benefits of Honey

Wonderful honey ... that deliciously sticky, liquid gold which has been recognized throughout the ages as a natural sweetener, healing medicine, and valuable health food. Kids love it -- and how many healthy, natural products can you say that about? Not only is it delicious to eat, but true honey also contains powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which are a true God-send in these modern times when we gradually become immune to man-made antibiotics. Let's take a look at just some of the many medical benefits of honey, so that you spend less time at the doctors, less money at the drugstore, and more time enjoying life to the full.

Medicinal Benefits of Honey: Why

Why does honey offer so many health benefits? Well, mainly because of its super healthy contents. It's absolutely jam-packed full of goodness, containing every vitamin, mineral and essential ingredient necessary to sustain life. It also has the ability to produce hydrogen peroxide.

Vitamins contained in honey include B1, B2, B3, B5 and vitamin C. You'll also discover numerous vital minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, sulfur, phosphates, zinc and sodium chloride. Its natural sugars will kill of bacteria, and it has a special enzyme which works in conjunction with your body fluids to kill off germs. Certain honeys, such as Active Manuka Honey, even contain a special ingredient which aids in the healing of external wounds. And, in raw honey, you'll come across Propolis -- a resin used by bees to clean and seal their hives, and which gives you numerous health, beauty and teeth benefits.

Medical Benefits of Honey: Internal Healing

Honey has terrific natural antibiotic properties and is an anti-microbial agent, effectively stopping the growth of all types of bacteria and yeast infections. It's a strong anti-oxidant, and its anti-inflammatory properties will reduce inflammation. It gives a boost to your whole system so, if you suffer from anxiety, depression, high cholesterol, or just a simple cough and cold, give honey a try before dashing off to see your doctor. It's also beneficial for hormonal-related problems, such as migraines, headaches and tension. And, it helps prevent heart disease.

Medical Benefits of Honey: External Healing

Not only is honey a wonderful natural medicine when taken internally. It's also a powerful healer when used externally. It's excellent for calming skin irritations and inflammation, and can help with such problems as sunburn, acne, pimples and eczema.

You'll also discover it helps with eye infections, tired eyes, and even cataracts. Just mix one part honey with ten parts spring water, drip into your eyes before going to bed, leave overnight and rinse in the morning.

Honey's ability to produce hydrogen peroxide and release it slowly also makes it excellent for healing open infected wounds. For this, you need a good quality honey, such as Active Manuka Honey, which contains a powerful phytochemical.

Honey is a joy to eat, affordable and extremely good for you. Start including honey in your diet and you'll start enjoying life to the full.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janette_Marshall

The Right Bee Pollen Dosage For Healthy Living

Bee pollen is known to be one of the most incredible foods ever to be discovered. It is the richest source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, amino acids, good fats, hormones, and natural antibiotics. Its nutritional and medicinal value has been acknowledged over the centuries, and today, it is a popular health supplement in a lot of households.

Health Benefits

This pollen has a lot of health benefits to offer. Generally, individuals who take pollen as a health supplement have reported higher energy levels and more vitality. It strengthens one's immune system, promotes weight loss, relieves allergies, and is even known to cleanse the body of toxins - making it a good way to detoxify regularly. The benefits it offers have gotten some people to dub it as "the perfect food" because it has a wide range of nutrients to offer, and these nutrients are the ones that are vital in sustaining a healthy life. Because of the rising awareness of its health benefits, a lot of people have begun hearing about it and would like to try it. However, most people who are new to the idea of taking this as a health supplement are not quite certain as to the dosage of the bumblebee pollen that they should be taking. So what is the proper bee pollen dosage?

There Are Various Types to Suit Your Needs

Basically, there are various forms of this pollen available in the market. Those in granules form and capsule form are the most common types you can find. Although granulated honey bee pollen is effective and provides you with the best of what bee pollen can offer, it is best to remember that it does have expiry dates too, just like any other food out there. This is a natural food, thus it doesn't contain any preservatives so as to extend its shelf life. So how about those in capsule form? Well, bees preserve their pollen, making it last for weeks, months, and even years, by coating it in royal jelly which is a waxy, oily substance produced by bees that's rich in vitamin K. So, bee pollen in capsule form are produced in a way that mimics the natural preservation process of bees, making it last longer. Thus, it is recommended to go for capsules if you can't consume a bag of granules over a specific period of time.

Conclusion

If you're new to taking a pollen supplement, start with a small bee pollen dosage and see how your body reacts to it. Once you have determined that your body can tolerate it well, you can start taking it on a daily basis at full dose. Common doses for granules is 1-2 teaspoons a day mixed in yogurt, juice, cereal, oatmeal, apple sauce, or as is. The recommended bee pollen dosage for capsule or tablet form is 1000 mg - 2000 mg a day. These dosages are all for general health purposes. If you are treating a specific condition, consult your doctor first as the dosage may need to be increased.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keshawn_Finney