Apitherapy is the use of bee products for health purposes. The evidence behind the claims varies enormously, and being honest about which claim sits where is the foundation of the field.

Three levels of evidence

• Reasonably supported: Medical-grade honey in wound care; honey for night-time cough in children
• Under investigation: Various effects of propolis and royal jelly; laboratory findings without clinical application
• Not supported: Claims of curing serious disease

The rule without exception

Bee products do not replace medical treatment.

Abandoning treatment for a serious illness in favour of an alternative is the most damaging outcome apitherapy can have.

Safety

• Honey: Never to children under one year — the risk of infant botulism
• Royal jelly: The clearest allergy risk; begin with a very small amount
• Pollen and propolis: Allergic reactions are possible
• Bee venom: Application never without medical supervision and provision for emergencies
• Pregnancy, chronic illness, regular medication: Consult a doctor

The standardisation problem

The composition of bee products depends on the forage plants, the region and the season. Propolis differs considerably from place to place.

A study of one propolis therefore does not automatically apply to another — which is why findings are difficult to generalise.

Venom immunotherapy

One area is different. For people with severe allergy to bee stings, venom immunotherapy is an established medical treatment, administered by physicians using standardised preparations.

It has nothing to do with self-administered stinging, which is dangerous and should never be undertaken without medical supervision.

The legal side

In most countries it is prohibited to claim that a food treats disease. This applies to the label and to what is said at a market stall.

An honest position

Explaining what the product is, how it was made, and what is and is not known about it builds more durable trust than claims do.