History of Bee Venom Therapy
Perhaps the most exotic product from the hive is bee venom. Bee venom has been used via bee-sting therapy for centuries in many cultures. Hippocrates and Confucius were familiar with its healing properties.
Eastern countries in particular have employed the curative abilities of bee venom, in fact, large clinics dedicated entirely to bee venom therapy are common in China. Its popularity is rapidly increasing in Europe and North America for the purposes of providing relief to arthritis sufferers and desensitizing those that are allergic to bee stings.
In a movement towards healthier lifestyles and in the reaction to the dangers of modern drugs and their side effects, people are now turning to more natural ways of treating their conditions. Thus the use of bee products are, once again, gaining popularity. The American Apitherapy Society is just one body that has been formed to promote the use of the bee venom therapy. In the past the only way to receive bee venom therapy was through an injection or the actual bee sting. Now with new technology produced by Nelson Apiaries, bee venom therapy can be administered in a much sweeter, less painful way.
History of Nectar Ease™ and Nelson Apiaries
Nectar Ease™ is the Original Manuka honey with bee venom.
Things are buzzing for Nelson Apiaries Ltd., operated by the Cropp family who have been working bees for the past 100 years. The noise maker is a revolutionary new product called Nectar Ease™, the result of a mistake made in Phillip Crops honey shed in 1996. Little did he imagine the impact his error would create worldwide in the field of natural health.
Nectar Ease™ is bee venom mixed with Manuka honey and the process of mixing the two is a world first.
The therapeutic benefits of bee venom have been known for years – bee sting therapy being used for arthritis is recorded as far back as Hippocrates and Galen in 130AD. The treatment still has widespread support in many European countries and China in spite of the unpleasantness of a course of bee stings. Phillip Cropp was familiar with bee sting therapy, but it was not until something extraordinary occurred to a friend who ate his honey that he really focused on the matter. Philip tells the story: “About three years ago, a bloke up the road came in for some honey, which we gave to him. Two days later he was back for more because he reckoned the arthritis in his hands was healing up. I thought he was having me on. The man was delighted that he no longer had to limber up his hands before holding his breakfast utensils each morning. He was sure it was the honey, but it had come from a pail which wasn’t anything special.” Or so Phil thought until he investigated and discovered the honey was different. It had had bee venom with it by mistake. “I wasn’t trying to invent anything. It was just something I did. I knew what had happened but I forgot about it when I gave the honey away.” The discovery led Phil to collect all the information he could find about bee sting therapy and it’s reputed abilities to help arthritis, multiple sclerosis and a number of other problems. Years passed before local demand grew and Phil then began selling direct to the public under the brand name thought typical of the benefit – Nectar Ease™ – sweet taste and relief.
Additional Health Benefits
In addition to arthritis there are also reports of bee venom therapy assisting in the control of:
- Auto-Immune Disease
- Amyloid Neuropathy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Lupis Erythemematosis
- Scleroderma
- Fibrositis
- Mastitis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Shingles
- Gout
- Tennis Elbow
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Lower-back Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Ligament Injuries
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Cholesterol Levels
- Neurosis
Nectar Ease™ and Your Best Friends
People often use alternative therapies for themselves but seldom consider their application for their pets, even their working animals. However, Nectar Ease™ is also used by many customers to treat their animals, including dogs, cats and horses. Normal guidelines to dosage are applied.
Science of Bee Venom Therapy
Clinical Trial Results on Nectar Ease™, November 2000
An early clinical trial on 20 arthritis patients conducted in Auckland found that 66% of patients experienced a reduction in their pain levels when treated by Nectar Ease™. Encouraged by these results, Nelson Apiaries went on to conduct a full double blind trial in Hamilton under Dr Alan Dobe, Rheumatologist. Just completed, this trial showed statistically significant improvements in the level of pain for the osteo arthritis patients and in mobility for both osteo and rheumotoid arthritis patients.
An improvement in pain was observed in 66% of osteo arthritis patients treated with Nectar Ease™.
In both trials patients remained on their regular therapies which included non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (Voltaren etc), aspirin and paracetamol.
These trials confirm what our customers have been telling us for years – that our unique mix of bee venom and our special brand of manuka honey helps reduce the pain of arthritis.
Bee Venom Components
The actual healing process is still a bit of a mystery but ongoing research has identified a number of naturally occurring chemical compounds, which appear to work together in the body. One possible way that bee venom works its anti-inflammatory effects is by assisting the production of cortisoles in the human body. This is compared to synthetic cortisone with out the side effects. Bee venom has anti-oxidant qualities, which make it effective as a booster for the natural immune system.
Research has so far established that Bee Venom Therapy stimulates the activity of the immune system so the body produces it’s own healing agents
Like many alternative and folk remedies there seems little evidence to suggest a mechanism by which bees venom could have any therapeutic value. However, there have been studies performed which have demonstrated the existence of compounds in bees venom with important and very relevant pharmacological properties. Amongst the most important of these seems to be Peptide-401, commonly referred to as the mast cell degranulating peptide of MCD for short. Researchers from Guys Hospital and the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology published a report in 1973 about Peptide-401 in which they demonstrated it to be 100 times more effective as an anti-inflammatory agent than hydro cortisone. However, another compound that has come under great scrutiny is Mellitin which forms the bulk of dried bees venom. Many studies have been performed around the world investigating its properties one of which demonstrated it to inhibit the formation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to joint damage. Mellitin has also been shown to indirectly stimulate the adrenal gland to produce the bodies own cortisol by stimulating the pituitary gland to release ACTH.
“Bee Venom Therapy is a classic example of the homeopathic principal, which states that a substance that produces the symptoms of a disease is a cure for that disease. Rheumatic diseases result in swelling, pain and inflammation. A bee sting causes the same symptoms. The sting stimulates the immune system to relive the inflammation caused by the bee venom, while relieving the symptoms of the rheumatic disease at the same time. Bee Venom Therapy stimulates the immune system through the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. This therapeutic effect stimulates the immune system rather than suppressing it, completely contrary to the effects of many drugs. ” – Charles Mraz, Health and the Honeybee, p. 46; Queen City Publications, 1995
Bees venom contains a compound called apamin which enhances long term synaptic transmission and dopamine which helps increase motor activity. The implications of their actions are obvious although not proven in any studies. In addition there is a component of bees venom called adolapin, also a neurotransmitter, that has been shown to have an analgesic effect which may be important for those who suffer pain as one of the symptoms.
Nectar Ease™ Honey is a creamed blend of Manuka honey and other honey, with Manuka constituting between 60-65% of the raw material before processing. The bee venom component is considered to be the active compound in the product. The venom composition and strength varies between honeybee species and small variances are even identifiable inter-specifically between races and locations. The bee venom used in the Nectar Ease™ product is extracted exclusively from the Apis Melifera species of honeybee.
The following table expresses the composition of venom from a honeybee worker as stated in the findings of two separate studies (Dotimas and Hilder, 1987 (1); Shipolini, 1984 (2)). Hilder, 1987 (1); Shipolini, 1984 (2)). These components were measured as a percentage of dry venom, with water makes up approximately 88% of venom before drying. Class of Molecules Component % of Dry Venom (1) % of Dry Venom (2)
| Class of Molecules | Component | % of Dry Venom (1) | % of Dry Venom (2) |
| Enzymes | Phospolipase A2 | 10-12 | 10-12 |
| Hyaluronidase | 1-3 | 1.5-2.0 | |
| Acid phosphomonoesterase | 1.0 | ||
| Lysophopholipase | 1.0 | ||
| a -glucosidase | 0.6 | ||
| Other Proteins and | Melittin | 50 | 40-50 |
| Peptides | Apamine | 1-3 | 3 |
| Mast Cell Degranulating Peptide (MCD) | 1-2 | 2.0 | |
| Secapin | 0.5-2.0 | 0.5 | |
| Procamine | 1-2 | 1.4 | |
| Adolapin | 1.0 | ||
| Protease inhibitor | 0.8 | ||
| Tertiapin * | 0.1 | 0.1 | |
| Small peptides (with less than 5 amino acids) | 13-15 | ||
| Physiologically Active | Histamine | 0.5-2.0 | 0.6-1.6 |
| Amines | Dopamine | 0.2-1.0 | 0.13-1.0 |
| Noradrenaline | 0.1-0.5 | 0.1-0.7 | |
| Amino Acids | t -aminobutyric acid | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| a -amino acids | 1.0 | ||
| Sugars | Glucose and fructose | 2 | |
| Phospholipids | 5 | ||
| Volatile compounds | 4-8 |
In 1982 Bulgarian researchers Shkendrov and Koburova isolated another peptide in bee venom called adolapin and showed that it had anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
In April 1993 Chen, Chen and Sun of the Nanjing Institute of Biochemical Pharmacy in China not only noted the anti-inflammatory properties of bee venom but also demonstrated its analgesic effects.
In July 1990 Ziai, Russek, Wang, Beer, Blume from the American Cyanamid Company, Pearl River, New York, USA commented that peptide-401 displays striking immunological and pharmacological activities. They also demonstrated that MCD significantly lowered blood pressure in rats.
Glucosamine Added to Nectar Ease™ Plus – Honey and Capsules
In the case of Asthma, Eczema, Arthritis and Crohn’s Disease the body uses the immune system to cause inflammation which produces Glucuronic Acid and Glucosamine to eliminate the toxins which have entered the body through our eating, drinking and breathing habits. It is a naturally formed substance but in the above cases the body cannot produce enough to fight the imbalance and it is necessary to take some Glucosamine to supplement the body’s natural performance.
All available research prove that Glucosamine Sulfate is effective in treating Osteoarthritis. Fifteen years ago, researchers began supplementing Glucosamine Sulfate to Degenerative Joint Disease (Osteoarthritis) patients. This naturally occurring molecule is used by the body to make cartilage in healthy joints. Researchers hoped that supplying this building block might lead to repair of degenerative joint disease damaged joints. Subsequently, double blind trials have consistently shown Glucosamine Sulfate is effective. In one double blinded trial the standard dose of Glucosamine Sulfate (500 mg taken three times per day) led to a 40% drop in pain. All ten patients who received Glucosamine Sulfate in the trial had a reduction in joint swelling, and eight of the ten suffered less pain. Two other blinded trials also reported greater pain relief in the Glucosamine treated groups. Another double blinded trial reported a sharper (73%) drop in symptoms for those taking Glucosamine.
Benefits and Features include the following:
- It is a key component in synovial, bursa fluid, and loose connective tissues.
- It is required by the tendons and ligaments and is rich in chrondritins.
- It is a component of the gel-like matrix between collagen fibers.
- It helps support the immune system and is a component of some enzymes.
- It is a component of mucous membranes lining the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts.
- It encourages growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
- It is a key component of chitin, the tough material found in the nails.
The Manuka tree (Leptospermum Scoparium) is unique to New Zealand and Manuka was first used as a traditional medicine by the native Maori people. The ‘Tohunga’ or medicine men would use the leaves, bark and seed capsule in a variety of ways to cure illnesses.
The Manuka tree grows prolifically on the eastern coast. The trees are often found in harsh and exposed terrain and subjected to strong winds and salt air. At flowering time this otherwise plain scraggy tree emerges heavily cloaked in small delicate white or pink flowers. Honeybees are particularly attracted to these flowers. They collect the nectar from which they produce a dark amber honey which is very popular in New Zealand.
The wood from the Manuka tree is a dark hardwood. When used in smoke houses it imparts a distinctive aroma and flavor to smoking meats and fishes.
Manuka is harvested in a sustainable manner using only the leaves, small branches and seed capsules.
The Honey Research Unit was set up in 1995, with financial support from the New Zealand Honey Industry Trust, in recognition of the expertise at The University of Waikato in the composition of honey and its antimicrobial activity. These pages have been written to tell you about the Honey Research Unit’s research activities, and to provide information on the nature of honey and its medicinal properties. The information here has been written by Peter Molan for public education.
Click here to learn more about the University of Waikato Honey Research Unit
Recent research has rediscovered the use of Honey as a medicine. Interestingly honey was one of the most used medicaments in ancient Egypt. Of nine hundred remedies recorded, over 500 were honey based. It was often used by the Egyptians and Greeks for the preservation of meat. The Assyrians, Chinese, and Romans also used honey for open wounds and stomach problems, coughs (honey and vinegar), and for thirst and light fevers they used a mixture of water and honey. In his book, Bee Hive Product Bible, Royden Brown shares a report on honey as a natural treatment, which states: “This food was found to be perfectly tolerated, even in very large doses”. Honey contains a series of nutritive elements. It has an important stimulant action overall. Honey has a light appetite-stimulating effect and facilitates assimilation and digestion of other foods. It also has laxative, sedative, anti-toxic, anti-septic, anti-anaemic, fever-reducing and emollient properties.”
Today exciting results are being achieved and recorded in the science field and in doctors consulting rooms since confidence and interest was stirred by experiments done at Waikato University. They are essentially the rediscovery with scientific backup of what has been known for many years. Dr Molan of the University of Waikato, says that several reports in medical journals in the 1930′s stated that honey had been effective in clearing wounds of bacterial infection, and that it had been established in laboratory work in 1919 that honey has anti-bacterial activity. But by the mid-1940′s with other studies becoming available honey was displaced from use in medicine.
Dr Molen’s recent research has revived what has been known for many years and knowledge has increased. He states that all honeys have anti-bacterial properties and will stop the growth of bacteria because of its high sugar content along with their varying quantities of Hydrogen Peroxide generated by the glucose oxidase enzyme in the honey.
But the studies have shown that some Manuka honeys have another property, which continues to work after the hydrogen peroxide was removed. Of the 26 honeys tested, the additional antibacterial activity was quite high in some samples of Manuka honey. Further tests are summarised here. The percentage nine (by volume) of each type of honey needed to prevent completely the growth of each species of bacteria was found to be:
| Bacteria | Manuka Honey | Other Honey |
|---|---|---|
| Escherichia coli | 3.7 | 7.1 |
| Proteus mirabilis | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 10.8 | 6.8 |
| Salmonella typhimurium | 6.0 | 4.1 |
| Serratia marcescens | 6.3 | 4.7 |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 18 | 4.9 |
| Streptococcus pyogenes | 3.6 | 2.6 |
Dr Molan concludes: “Although some species are more sensitive to the action of one type of honey than they are to another, on average there is little difference. The most notable point is that these ‘average’ honeys can be diluted nearly tenfold yet still completely halt the growth of all the major wound-infecting species of bacteria. Also notable is the finding that an ‘average” manuka honey will still halt Staphylococcus aureus when diluted with 54 times its volume of fluid. This bacteria is one of the most common wound-infecting species, and is notorious for developing resistance to antibiotics.”
Dilution of the honey still enables it to halt the bacteria. This is an important observation, as in any open wound there is invariably a lot of slough and ooze with an infection, but the honey can still stop the bacteria in this environment.
Caution: It is important to be cautious in the use of honey on wounds where the patient is a diabetic, as they could absorb glucose through the open sore. Blood-glucose levels would need to be checked often.
The Infection Fighter
It is a well-known fact that honey was used as a wound dressing for thousands of years up until the advent of antibiotics. Recent research done by Dr Peter Molan of the University of Waikato, has shown how honey is effective in the treatment of wounds. In all honey, the glucose-oxidase enzyme introduced by the bee to the honey, slowly releases the antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide, at a level effective against bacteria but not tissue damaging. The hydrogen peroxide content varies from honey to honey and is the first factor that made honey effective as a wound dressing until it was replaced by antibiotics. But this action lasts for only a certain period of time before it needs to be replaced with a fresh dressing. With further research, Dr Molan discovered that some honeys, especially some Manuka honeys, have another property that takes over when the hydrogen-peroxide stops working, thus giving it additional anti-bacterial inhibiting abilities, and makes the honey more stable as a wound treatment. It is this additional factor that separates table Manuka honey from Active Manuka Honey, as it has twin-action, anti-bacterial property which can work with the dilution of body fluids.
So why use honey instead of antibiotics? With the wide and common use of antibiotics during the last 50 years, many strains of bacteria have become and are becoming antibiotic resistant, hence the need for something else. They say history repeats itself and with the research on the anti-bacterial properties of honey, which began six years ago, and the scientific proof of its ability to inhibit growth in the seven main bacteria, doctors are beginning to use honey again. But it is not just any honey off the supermarket shelf, but Active Manuka Honey with the Unique Manuka Factor that increases its ability to fight bacteria, and thus heal wounds a lot quicker. Dr Molan commented that, “We found active Manuka honey has a very potent anti-bacterial activity and wounds we worked on were found to be sterile after one week. Sloughs and gangrenous tissue separated painlessly from the wounds, oedemas subsided, exudation ceased, bad odour was removed and re-growth of the skin around the affected area was rapid with no adverse reactions.” Active Manuka honey was also found to be an ideal medication in the treatment of infantile gastro-enteritis for babies over six months, shortening the life of bacterial diarrhoea. (N.B. Honey should not be given to children under six months old,). Active Manuka Honey was also found useful in drawing the foreign matter from serious grazes; acting as an agent for drawing out prickles and poisons from the flesh, and also as a substitute for glucose and oral re-hydration fluids.
This added activity has recently been trademarked as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMFTM and is the registered trademark of the Active Manuka Honey Industry. UMFTM may be present in Manuka honey as well as other honeys. To determine this, it has to be tested by qualified scientists. When used in relation to honey, the trademark must have a number following it to indicate the extra antibacterial strength of the honey in terms of the equivalent percentage strength of phenol. This value must be no less than 10 according to Dr Peter Molan to be a super effective treatment in comparison to the activity of regular honeys.
Our honeybees have been very clever and have produced some Active Manuka Honey, which has a UMFTM property with a phenol strength percentage of more than 12. Active Manuka Honey can be even more safely and confidently used to treat wounds, cuts, burns, abscesses, skin ulcers, and varicose ulcers. Also, diluted with a sterile saline solution, it can be used to treat eye infections. Active Manuka Honey with a UMFTM rating can nourish the skin tissue, speed healing and minimise scarring.
If you have a favorite recipe using honey, please consider sending it to us to include on the website.
Manuka Honey can be used in most baking recipes. Honey in baking improves the moisture content, tenure and flavour of a recipe, and because it is more easily metabolised than sugar, and has vitamins and minerals in, it must be better for us!
History tells us that honey has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, and modern research has revealed nutrients and antibacterial substances existing in all honeys, more in some types than others, which sets honey apart from all other spreads.
As a Sugar Substitute:
- For each cup of sugar, substitute 2/3 cup of honey.
- Reduce other liquids by approximately 1/8 to 1/4.
- Add 1/4 tsp Baking Soda (Optional)
- Reduce the temperature by 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10 to 15 degrees celsius.
Try these delicious recipes from the Manuka Tree:
A healthy and delicious snack for old and young alike.
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- Melt butter, honey and Brown Sugar
- Mix with remaining ingredients.
- Press into slice tin and Bake in low to moderate oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
Honey Marinated Chicken Nibbles
1Kg Chicken Nibbles
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- Mix all marinating ingredients together.
- Add chicken nibbles, and marinate for at least one hour, turning or mixing often.
- Place in baking dish and bake for 45 minutes to one hour at 160 degrees C.
Here is a quick favorite the children will love!
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- Bring the Butter, Sugar and Honey to a boil and cook on low for 7 minutes.
- Place Rice Krispies in a bowl, and Pour the Honey Mixture over and combine quickly.
- Press into a greased Swiss Roll Tin, and cut while hot.
This makes a lovely loaf that all who appreciate dates will enjoy.
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- Cover dates with boiling water, add Baking Soda. Allow to cool.
- Cream butter, honey and egg together.
- Mix dry ingredients together.
- Add date mixture to creamed mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Add flour and baking powder and mix.
- Decorate with whole dates and/or dried apricots if desired.
- Bake in loaf tin at 150 degrees C for approximately 1 hour, or until skewer is clean when tested.
Honey and Banana Pancakes (or Pikelets)
This is great as a children’s after school snack.
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- Beat egg and sugar together.
- Add 1/2 of flour and milk alternately.
- Add salt and melted Butter and mix.
- Combine Banana and Honey together and add to Pikelet Mixture.
An absolutely delicious slice that combines the goodness of oats and seeds with the sweetness of caramel
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- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add coconut and flour to butter mixture, and mix well.
- Press into a flat tin and cook a little first (about 15 minutes).
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- While base is cooking, bring caramel mixture to boil slowly over low heat for a minute or two.
- Pour over base.
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- Melt butter and honey.
- Add to other dry ingreedients.
- Spread over caramel mixture.
- Bake slice for approximately 30 minutes at 150 degrees C. Be watchful that it doesn’t burn or overcook.
A healthy and wholesome snack
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- Beat eggs and milk together.
- Melt honey and margarine together and mix with egg and milk mixture.
- Mix dry ingredients together, including bran.
- Add any fruit at this stage to dry ingredients.
- Quickly mix the liquid mixture in with the dry ingredients. DO NOT OVERMIX.
- Put into greased muffin pans or pans lined with paper cup cake shells.
- Decorate with sunflower seeds and a cherry if desired, and glaze with a hot honey glaze, etc.
- Bake at 150 degrees C for 25 to 30 minutes
This filling is ideal for putting between cake layers, sponges or gateaux
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- Liquidize the can of fruit.
- Heat in a saucepan with honey. Bring to a boil.
- Add cream and heat gently.
- Thicken with the cornflour previously dissolved in some of the fruit juice or a small amount of water.
Variations:
- Brandied Fruit Filling: Add a dash of brandy.
- Fruit Sauce: Same as above, but use less cornflour (perhaps half) or more juice to make a flowing consistency, and add the brandy to make a Brandied Fruit Sauce at Christmas Time.
Lovely drizzled over meringues, pavlova or ice cream, etc.
A basic and simple recipe.
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- Melt honey and margarine.
- Beat egg and milk together, add to honey mixture.
- Mix dry ingredients together and add fruit.
- Quickly mix dry ingredients into honey mixture DO NOT OVERMIX!
- Bake in greased muffin pans at 150 degrees C for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- Optional: Brush with a hot honey glaze and/or put a piece of apricot on top.
- Variations: Use chocolate chips instead of dried fruit, chopped kiwifruit or mashed banana. Process preserved apricots in mixture and spoon on top of muffin prior to cooking.
Makes 9-10 muffins.
Honey Orange & Apricot Vegetable Sauce
Serve with cooked carrots or kumara
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- Bring juice and honey to a boil in a saucepan.
- Thicken with cornflour, and cook until clear.
- Serve hot with vegetables.
A delicious, moist loaf for anyone who enjoys mixed fruit
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- Combine in a saucepan the water, honey, butter, fruit, baking soda and spices.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Allow to cool.
- Sift dry ingredients and mix with fruit mixture.
- Decorate with chopped apricots, pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds, etc.
- Bake in 2 loaf tins at 150 degrees C for one hour.
Makes a wonderful very light muffin using cheddar cheese.
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- Cream butter and honey.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift dry ingredients. Stir into butter mixture.
- Stir in oats, apples, cheese and walnuts. Mix well.
- Add milk gradually, stirring only to moisten other ingredients.
- Fill well-greased muffin pans 2/3 full. Dip apple slices first in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar
- Press one slice into top of each muffin. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake at 190 degrees C for 25 minutes.
Yields 12 to 15 muffins.