How to Treat MS With Bees

One emerging treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) is the use of bee venom via targeted bee stings to the body. The theory is that bee venom helps to counteract neurological problems caused by MS through two compounds, melittin and adolapin. These two chemicals help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, and trigger the body's own natural anti-inflammatory process. A 2008 article in the medical journal Neurological Research by researchers at the University of Manitoba examined the use of bee venom therapy for MS and concluded that there is "marginal" evidence for its use. While the treatment--allowing bees to sting oneself on the body intentionally--is controversial, some MS patients report dramatic improvement.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Qualified apitherapist with bees

1. Verify that you are not allergic to bee venom by contacting your primary care physician and discussing bee venom treatment in advance. Move on to Step 2 if the physician verifies no history of bee sting allergies.

2. To rule out possible drug interactions with bee venom, discuss bee venom therapy with any specialist, such as a neurologist or rheumatologist, who prescribes current medication for you.

3. 
   American Apitherapy Society home page

   Contact a member of the American Apitherapy Society in your area. Select an apitherapist with an extensive history of apitherapy use with MS patients. Schedule an appointment for a preliminary interview.

4. Prepare for the first bee sting treatment, which involves 20 to 40 bee stings, with the stingers left in the body for up to 15 minutes. Most controlled studies of bee venom therapy for MS show success if the first few sessions involve stinging the spine or the upper thighs. Be sure to set aside time to recover from the first treatment.

5. Proceed with additional treatments, targeting areas of dysfunction (i.e. sting the legs if legs are weak, the spine if spine is weak, etc.). Expect three treatments per week, 20 to 40 bee stings per treatment, until you experiences improvement.

Tips & Warnings

• Some physicians will perform apitherapy with an injection of bee venom via a hypodermic needle in a clinical setting. Some apitherapists will inject the patient with a weakened form of bee venom, to test for allergies.
• If the patient experience any adverse reaction from bee sting therapy, stop immediately and seek medical attention.

References

• Venom Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis
• Examining the evidence: complementary adjunctive therapies for multiple sclerosis

Resources

• Bee Sting Therapy and MS
• American Apitherapy Society
• Apitherapy for MS

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