Apis mellifica (honey bee)

Homeopathy 101:
Apis mel provides a great remedy for examining certain homeopathic principles.
1. Like cures Like - the concept behind homeopathic medicine. On contact, bee venom’s toxin, mellitin,  starts destroying cells. The body responds with burning pain, redness and swelling to try to contain the toxin. For many people this response is more intense than necessary, in others it runs out of control. Without suppressing the body’s necessary response, the homeopathic remedy made from bee venom helps the body address the situation more efficiently. Suddenly the body seems to know exactly what it’s fighting, so it turns off the pain, and limits its defenses to the task at hand.
   2. Does that mean it’s only for bee stings? Absolutely not. Because ‘Like Cures Like’, Apis mel applies to a range of ailments suffering similar inflammatory symptoms. The various responses to bee stings reveal Apis’ wide range of applications:
Most people, experience mild swelling, burning stinging pain and redness, thus Apis mel helps many hot, painful swellings and rashes, whether caused by bees, insect bites, hives, sunburn, burning urine or other irritants.  
     Some people experience exaggerated swelling making nearby joints hot, puffy, shiny and red. Thus Apis helps swollen, reddish, arthritic or injured joints.
   In even more intense cases, inflammation extends to various membranes. Thus Apis has applications in swollen sore throats, eye irritation (redness & swollen eyelids) and acute urinary pain. Any further applications for inflammatory symptoms should be applied only under the guidance of a homeopathic professional.
   3. When choosing Apis mel or any remedy, you look for a certain pattern of symptoms that match the case: If Apis mel can help, the inflammation should be red, hot and swollen with burning, stinging pains which feel better with cold air or compresses and worse for heat. Apis’ other applications often accompany inflammation including: thirstless, acute burning fevers that are worse with heat or motion, nervous restless sleep with sudden starts, and intense throbbing headaches better for pressure and worse with motion. Whenever there are strong reactionary symptoms, it’s best to consult a licensed practitioner.     

    4. When “proving” homeopathic remedies, it becomes clear that certain personalities or states of mind (permanent or temporary) respond more deeply to remedies, especially in higher potencies, e.g., 30X, 30C, 200C. This is called ‘constitutional’ work.
    Just as practically every remedy has its ideal personality, so has the bee. Whether from symptoms or inborn susceptibility, this remedy best matches fussy, fidgety, hard to please individuals who might be overly jealous or suspicious, easily vexed and clumsy. When well, this can translate to industrious, team or family oriented individuals. Its children may cry or whine constantly without cause especially when jealous of new sibling or change. Older children and adults may show more apathy than tears. Old or young, there is a fear of being alone and often difficulty concentrating.
     Conclusion: A very important remedy to keep handy when kids are around, as their vital young systems often go overboard when reacting to unfamiliar irritants. We don’t go bare footin’ without it.