Therapeutic uses of honey and honeybee larvae in central Burkina Faso

J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Nov;95(1):103-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.06.016.

Abstract

The therapeutic uses of hive-derived products by local people in four zones from the central part of Burkina Faso are described. Of 13 apitherapeutic applications recorded, only honey (12) and honeybee larvae (1) were used. The uses described included treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory ailments, fatigue, vertigo, ophthalmic disorders, toothache, measles, wounds, burns, chest pains, period pains and postnatal disorders, male impotence as well as its application as a skin cleansing agent. The effectiveness against some of these conditions, e.g. measles, period pains and postnatal disorders, requires further investigation and confirmation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bees*
  • Bronchial Diseases / drug therapy
  • Burkina Faso
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods
  • Dysmenorrhea / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Honey*
  • Humans
  • Larva
  • Population Surveillance / methods