It's a well recognised observation in the bee keeping community, that beekeepers rarely have muscular or joint problems. They rarely suffer from arthritis and attribute this to the fact that they frequently receive bee stings. It is now known that Bee Venom has anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its obvious pain causing chemicals.

Bee venom or apitoxin as it is also known contains a number of interesting compounds. One component is melittin which is a strong anti-inflammatory that stimulates the production of cortisol in the body. Cortisol reduces inflammation. Adolapin, also found in bee venom blocks the cyclo-oxygenase pathway reducing inflammation in the body.

Bee Venom may be administered, directly as a sting – inconvenient unless you happen to be a beekeeper or to the skin as a balm. It may also be taken orally along with glucosamine supplements…

References

1. ^{^} Strand Arcade Pharmacy (www.strandarcadepharmacy.co.nz)