Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
containing syringe, but with this you actually have to inject yourself - i.e. push the
needle in!
Venom poisoning can be caused by large numbers of bees, and this can cause death
in non-hypersensitive individuals. It has been estimated that it would take 500-1500
stings for this to occur.
Using venom for humans
Apitherapists claim that bee venom can be used for the treatment of the following:
Chronic injuries, such as bursitis and tendonitis.
Hypertension.
Asthma.
Scar tissue removal.
Certain skin conditions, such as eczema.
Hearing loss.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
However, there is no meaningful scientific evidence to indicate that bee venom is
effective for any of these conditions but, as there is a value in the substance, it is
worth considering it as a source of income. Equipment for its collection is necessarily
specialized, but most can be purchased from reputable bee-supply companies. Chapter
12 looks at harvesting ideas.
The production of silk from honey-bee colonies is probably not economically viable,
but honey-bee larvae produce silk to reinforce the wax cells in which they pupate.
Researchers in Australia have now identified honey-bee silk genes and say that bees
