Evidence supporting the use of: Honey Bee
For the health condition: Bites and Stings

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Honey bee products, particularly honey itself, have a long tradition of use in folk medicine for treating various skin conditions, including bites and stings. Historically, honey has been applied topically to insect bites and stings to soothe pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. The rationale behind this practice is honey’s natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been demonstrated in laboratory settings. However, the specific use of honey bee products directly for bites and stings is primarily rooted in traditional medicine rather than supported by robust clinical research.

Scientific studies have confirmed that certain types of honey (e.g., Manuka honey) possess antimicrobial activity and can aid in wound healing, but there is limited direct evidence from controlled clinical trials regarding their effectiveness for insect bites and stings specifically. Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest honey may help reduce swelling, itching, and risk of infection when applied to minor bites and stings, but these findings are not definitive. Overall, while honey bee products are widely used in traditional medicine for this purpose, scientific validation for treating bites and stings remains limited.

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