lundi 18 avril 2016

Some Important Aspects On Bee Venom Therapy For Lyme Disease

By Ruth Jones


Apitherapy is a term used to describe the use of bee venom to achieve various therapeutic effects. This practice has existed for many centuries with the first recorded use of this therapeutic agent being by ancient bee keepers. The discovery of the benefits of this venom was accidental when bee keepers who were suffering from chronic painful conditions such as arthritis realized that their symptoms were abating after being stung severally. Another use that is still applicable to date is bee venom therapy for Lyme disease.

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.

There are no specific guidelines to guide the use of bee venom. Commonly, therapy is initiated at high doses and tapered over several months as the symptoms of an illness begin to resolve. Other practitioners do it in the reverse; starting at a low dose and increasing it gradually until therapeutic levels are attained. As far as the source of the therapeutic agent is concerned, two approaches can be used; exposing the client to the natural sting by a swarm of bees or injecting the commercially available product.

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.

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.

Conventionally, the infection is treated using antibiotics. Metronidazole, for example, is highly effective against the cystic stage when administered intravenously. The oral formulation is usually avoided due to the high risk of liver toxicity. An alternative drug that is less toxic is tinidazole. To increase the chances of eliminating the microorganism, the antibiotics are usually combined with proteolytic enzymes.

There are many brands of venom that are available commercially in different strengths. You need to consult a physician or allopathic on which of them to buy. The first dose should be administered by a registered practitioner so that they can test whether you have an allergy or not. Thereafter, you can inject yourself.

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.




About the Author:



0 commentaires:

Enregistrer un commentaire