These bees that heal us

Bee products have been known for centuries for their beneficial and immune-boosting effects. They are used for therapeutic and medicinal purposes thanks to the various molecules they contain: proteins, vitamins, trace elements, sugars, mineral salts, etc. According to numerous studies, honey is an excellent healing agent, pollen is a tonic, propolis has recognised antiviral, anticancer, and antibacterial properties, etc. Royal jelly is said to stimulate the brain, while wax is used in cosmetics. Also, bee venom therapy is used, as in the past, to treat chronic rheumatic and arthritic conditions, certain inflammatory diseases such as tendonitis and bursitis, as well as multiple sclerosis. These are all virtues highlighted by a pool of experts in beekeeping, scientists, clinicians, and practitioners of alternative medicine, during the first international conference on api-phytotherapy held from 18 to 20 May at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Fez. "The hive is a true wealth to be revalued in nutritional, cosmetic, and especially therapeutic terms. Its products are prescribed for digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, rheumatic, dermatological, and neurological conditions.

It is a complete pharmacy due to its therapeutic virtues," indicates Prof. Badiaa Lyoussi, a research professor in environmental pharmacology and president of the Espace Science et Vie association, the initiator of this conference. And to better understand the virtues traditionally attributed to honey and propolis, and to discover the hitherto unknown benefits of pollen and royal jelly, speakers dissected bee products and their physico-chemical and therapeutic properties, while others, including Moroccans representing the Ministry of Agriculture and the Regional Directorate of Agriculture of Fez-Boulemane, presented their studies, research, and experiences in the field. Among others, the German Prof. Eberhard Richard Bengsch, Professor and Doctor of Science in biochemistry, virology, and apidology in Germany, focused his intervention on royal jelly and its contributions to medicine, while the Algerian Prof. Laïd Boukraa, a specialist in api-therapy and aromatherapy, and the Chilean Dr. Maria Alejandra Lopez Pazos, a veterinarian, addressed the issue of api-products for animal health.

The pollen specialist, Prof. Maria Da Graça Campos, spoke about bee pollen in the world and insisted on risk assessment at the level of different floral sources of pollen, particularly toxic plants. For his part, Prof. Mondher El Jaziri, from the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of the Free University of Brussels, retraced in his communication the main results achieved in the field of antibacterial control through the valorisation of plant genetic resources. That said, while api-therapy works as well as conventional products, this alternative medicine is not recognised by many countries. Some medical circles maintain that it should not replace effective medical treatment. And if they are used, medical supervision is required.

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"Bees are suffering from global warming"

{How did you discover acupuncture and api-phytotherapy?}

Romania was under communism for 50 years and the population was very poor. They went to natural doctors and complementary therapists. It is cheaper than chemical pharmacopoeia and effective. As a doctor and specialist in acupuncture, I have seen spectacular cases of healing in Romania thanks to honey and its derivatives. And as I wanted to understand, I went to see two institutes specialising in api-therapy in Bucharest and I documented myself extensively on api-therapy and discovered several scientific research studies. I subsequently created a database by specialty and by product to fully understand the virtues of the hive and its products. They are inexpensive, natural, and stimulating for the immune system.

{In your opinion, what is the best honey for treating diseases?}

There is no one good honey for everyone. Polyfloral honey like pollen is good for people in good health, but for certain diseases like hepatitis, gastritis, and kidney problems, the doctor specialising in api-therapy can choose this or that honey according to the botanical origin and the specific medicinal properties of each plant. The selection is made according to the patient's needs. In fact, it is better that treatment with bee products be supervised by a doctor specialising in api-therapy and api-phytotherapy.

{Bees are suffering from global warming and are disappearing more and more. What do you think about this?}

Bees are suffering from global warming and end up disappearing, knowing that through their pollination activity, bees ensure the survival of humans and animals. Also, among the greatest mistakes of humanity is the development of monocultures, which are more threatened by diseases and require more pesticides. Today, in Germany and Austria, there is a return to plant diversity and polyculture. This allows for staggered flowering and, in fact, the maintenance of bee populations.

Interview by R.B.

Provider / Source : Rachida Bami, Le Matin