That Stings

Several years ago, before MS was even a part of my vocabulary, I saw a news clip about an experimental bee sting therapy for the disease.  For some reason, I have always remembered that; I guess because it seemed so odd to me.

I am allergic to honey bee stings (the type of bee primarily used in this treatment) so, there is absolutely no way that I can try this out and let you know the results.  If any readers out there have information or experience on the subject, please share.  I am so curious!

I did some research on bee sting therapy though so, I'll share what I learned in case you're interested (and NOT allergic) - or squeamish!  

The technical term for this treatment is Bee Venom Therapy (BVT) and it falls under the umbrella of apitherapy.  Apitherapy also includes the use of bee products like pollen, propolis (a waxy substance), royal jelly and honey to treat autoimmune disorders and other ailments.  Currently, BVT and apitherapy are used mainly in the treatment of MS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, menstrual cramps, varicose veins and dermatitis. 

In the majority of cases, a bee is held with tweezers next to the skin and allowed to sting.  The stinger is left in the skin for up to fifteen minutes with between twenty to forty stings administered per session.  Most patients have two to three sessions per week and report that MS symptom relief will be noticed after six months or more.  Some patients choose to have the bee venom injected under their skin using a syringe instead.

So, yikes.  That is A LOT of stings...and dead bees.  Well, actually, only the female bees die; their stingers are connected to their abdomens.  The male bees will go on to sting another day.  Lucky buzzers.

You're probably asking:  why bee venom?  What's so special about this treatment that patients will subject themselves to thousands of stings?  Well, I'll tell you right now...

The main, active component in bee venom is an anti-inflammatory substance called mellitin.  When I had a relapse a couple of months ago, my neurologist had me do a three-day IV treatment of Prednisone, a powerful corticosteroid.  This was used to reduce inflammation in my brain and spinal cord and to reduce the severity and duration of my MS relapse.  Mellitin from bee venom is rumored to be 100 times more effective as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Bee venom is said to activate our adrenal glands, which, in turn, stimulates a natural healing response.  It is also said to work because the bee sting itself causes inflammation at the puncture site, prompting the body to mount an anti-inflammatory defense. Presumably, this then works to reduce inflammation in areas where myelin is being attacked and voila, reduction of MS symptoms.

Bee venom also contains a substance called adolapin, which is known for its painkilling properties.  Together, all of these things are rumored to improve mobility, vision, feelings of numbness and are said to promote a sense of well-being and increase energy levels.

Sounds good right?  Well, before you run out to find the nearest hive, lets look at the medical research.  Studies using both mice and human subjects (relapsing-remitting MS patients) have not only shown no benefit, some studies report worsening of symptoms.

But...despite the lack of medical support, thousands of MS patients worldwide swear by their bees.  In the United States alone, it is estimated that 10 000 or more patients are actively using BVT as their main MS treatment.

So, whether this is scientifically proven to be beneficial or not, it's happening...and it's working for people.  Maybe it's all mental, maybe it's unexplainable so far, maybe it's undiscovered as of yet. 

I don't think it really matters as long as it's helping you.  When you have an incurable disease, you use what makes you feel better. 

Next time your gut tells you to run away from that little bee, perhaps stick around, offer him your arm instead and let him work his magic !