Evidence supporting the use of: Honey Bee
For the health condition: Bites and Stings
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.
Other ingredients used for Bites and Stings
aloe verabasil
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
bасора
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
green tea
hemp oil
horseradish
honeysuckle
lavender
mustard seed
oregano
phenolic acids
plantain
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
siler root
fern
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
Angel's Trumpet
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Adrenergic amines
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Black root
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cedar
Centipeda
Castile Soap
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Mustard
Spikenard
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Honey Bee
AbrasionsAcne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Cuts
Eye Infections
Fever