Ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Romans and Greeks used honey to treat a variety of ailments ranging from skin conditions to gastrointestinal problems. Modern apitherapists, or people who prescribe honeybee products medicinally, say honey and pollen possess therapeutic applications. Scientific research suggests these substances might indeed have certain valuable medicinal and health-enhancing potential. As with all natural remedies, always consult a health care professional before using pollen or honey for treatment purposes.
Treating Wounds with Honey
Honey shows promise as a low-cost alternative dressing for diabetic foot ulcers, concludes a 2008 review published in the "Wisconsin Medical Journal." "Honey is an inexpensive moist dressing with anti-bacterial and tissue-healing properties that has shown promise in the medical literature," explain the authors. In seven separate studies conducted from 2005 to 2007, honey appeared to expedite the healing of both burns and infected wounds, says a review in "Bandolier."
Health Effects of Ingesting Honey
Honey encourages the growth of healthy bifidobacteria in both fermented dairy products and the human gastroinstestinal tract, according to a 2001 study funded by the National Honey Board. A 2009 study published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" found that eating honey daily in place of refined sweeteners increases your antioxidant intake. Honey also serves as a useful carbohydrate replacement for endurance athletes, says a 2004 study published in "The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research."
Potential Uses for Pollen
Japanese scientists reported in the November 2009 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" that honeybee pollen can cause anti-allergic effects. Pollen extract proved effective in treating both prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome, says a September 2009 article appearing in "European Urology." A 2007 study published in "Phytotherapy Research" says bee pollen holds potential for treating advanced cases of prostate cancer. Bee pollen also possesses "strong antioxidant effects," according to a 2009 study published in "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine."
Possible Adverse Reactions
Bee pollen and "foods derived from bees" can cause dangerous allergic reactions in people with pollen allergies, according to a study published in the September-October 2010 issue of "Allergologia et Immunopathologia." Bee pollen might interfere with the efficacy of warfarin, an anticoagulant medication, says a December 2010 article published in the "American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy." A patient experienced acute kidney failure after more than five months of regularly ingesting bee pollen, as reported in "Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis" in February 2010.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Honey
- American Apitherapy Society: What Is Apitherapy?
- "Wisconsin Medical Journal"; "Practical Considerations of Using Topical Honey for Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcers"; Jennifer Eddy et al, July 2008
- "Bandolier"; "Update on Honey Therapy"; 2007
- National Honey Board; "Effect of Honey on the Growth of Bifidobacteria"; Z. Ustunol; 2001
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; "Total Antioxidant Content of Alternatives to Refined Sugar"; Katherine Phillips et al; January 2009
Member Comments