Friday 15 April 2016

Basics Relating To Bee Venom Therapy For Lyme Disease

By Ruth Jones


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 infectious condition that is caused by a bacterium, Borrelia burgdoferi that belongs to the group of microorganisms known as spirochetes. Transmission from one person to another is mainly through tick bites. The symptoms are many and systemic. They include chronic fatigue, insomnia, emotional irritability, reduced libido, joint pains, recurrent jawbone and dental infections, poor memory and confusion among others.

No specific guidelines exist with regard to the use of the venom. The common practice is to initiate the treatment at high doses and to taper off over several months. A significant number of people report marked symptomatic relief after receiving the first injection. Some practitioners prefer to expose the client directly to the stings by a swarm of bees so that the treatment is administered naturally.

How exactly he venom achieves its effects is not clearly understood. However, research has helped identify at least forty active ingredients within it. The most significant among them is a peptide known as mellitin. This peptide has strong anti-inflammatory properties that rival those of cortisone. The peptide also has the ability to inhibit the reproduction of Borrelia burgodoferi which helps to control the infection.

There are several side effects that one should look out for when on this treatment. In general, the effects are similar to what one experiences when they are stung by the bee. They include swelling, redness and itchiness of the injected area. In about 5% of people, allergic reactions may be noted. It is important that everyone intending to have this therapy undergoes sensitivity just as a precautionary measure.

The conventional treatment for this condition involves the use of antibiotics. Intravenous metronidazole has been shown to be effective (mainly against the cystic stage). The oral form of the drug is injurious to the liver. An alternative drug that works in the same way as metronidazole is tinidazole. Tinidazole has been shown to have less toxicity. Antibiotics may be combined with proteolytic enzymes.

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 is still a very important treatment for a number of medical conditions. However, you should bear in mind that there is no scientific basis behind some of the properties that it is claimed to have. A lot of research is still needed in this area.




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