Bee stings have healing effects, says entomologist on World Bee Day

Professor Rofela Combey, a specialist in entomology and Deputy Director of the International Stingless Bee Center, says bee stings, though painful, have healing properties. She explained that several studies suggest bee stings may help treat certain illnesses.

Speaking on World Bee Day, which is marked every year on May 20 to encourage the protection of bees and other pollinators, Professor Combey said the fear of pain often discourages people from seeing the health benefits. Still, she believes more people should be aware of their potential. “Their stings are medicinal. We are in an era of new medicine, apitherapy. Some of us [humans] don’t need much… a sting or two is enough. But the fear of bees triggers that flight response when one is stung,” she said.

She added that researchers are currently studying how best to use bee stings in medical treatments, including how much is safe, how to apply it, and who it might help most.

“We have documented these medicinal uses and are now investigating the science behind them how to administer them, dosage, susceptibility levels, and other medical applications,” she explained in an interview on Orokodo Kasaebo, Connect FM’s midday news in Takoradi.

Professor Combey also shared that Ghana is home to more than 150 bee species, many of which don’t sting. She called bees fascinating and urged people to live peacefully with them because they play an important role in nature. “They are animals. We need to learn to coexist with them. Research conducted in Ghana shows we have over 150 bee species, many of which are stingless,” she said.

Although bees are essential, Ghana does not yet have specific laws to protect them. Professor Combey said discussions are underway with the government and other groups to change that “We are engaging the Ghanaian government to institute bee protection laws. Our economy is largely agrarian, so preserving bees is in our best interest.”

She also noted that Ghanaian honey is currently banned in the European Union but said efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue. “We are collaborating with government agencies through UCC, as well as partners in Germany and the EU, to advance this cause,” she added.