Observations placeholder
Bugs as drugs, Part 1, Insects the the 'new' alternative medicine for the 21st century?
Identifier
021341
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Aphthous stomatitis (also termed recurrent aphthous stomatitis, recurring oral aphthae or recurrent aphthous ulceration; from Greek: ἄφθα aphtha, "mouth ulcer") is a common condition characterized by the repeated formation of benign and non-contagious mouth ulcers (aphthae) in otherwise healthy individuals.
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection of the skin or occasionally of the mucous membranes, sometimes called water warts. It is caused by a DNA poxvirus called the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). MCV has no nonhuman-animal reservoir (infecting primarily humans, though equids can rarely be infected). The virus that causes molluscum contagiosum is spread from person to person by touching the affected skin. The virus may also be spread by touching a surface with the virus on it, such as a towel, clothing, or toys.
A description of the experience
Altern Med Rev. 2010 Jul;15(2):124-35.
Bugs as drugs, Part 1: Insects: the "new" alternative medicine for the 21st century?
Cherniack EP1.
- 1The Geriatrics Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA. evan.cherniack@va.gov
Abstract
Insects and insect-derived products have been widely used in folk healing in many parts of the world since ancient times. Promising treatments have at least preliminarily been studied experimentally.
- Maggots and honey have been used to heal chronic and post-surgical wounds and have been shown to be comparable to conventional dressings in numerous settings. Honey has also been applied to treat burns.
- Honey has been combined with beeswax in the care of several dermatologic disorders, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, tinea, pityriasis versicolor, and diaper dermatitis.
- Royal jelly has been used to treat postmenopausal symptoms.
- Bee and ant venom have reduced the number of swollen joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Propolis, a hive sealant made by bees, has been utilized to cure aphthous stomatitis.
- Cantharidin, a derivative of the bodies of blister beetles, has been applied to treat warts and molluscum contagiosum.
Combining insects with conventional treatments may provide further benefit.
PMID: 20806997
The source of the experience
PubMedConcepts, symbols and science items
Concepts
Symbols
Science Items
Activities and commonsteps
Activities
Overloads
AcneBeing badly wounded
Being bitten or stung by ants, insects or other creatures
Menopause
Mouth and tooth disease
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Skin diseases
Surgery
Third degree burns
Viral infection
Warts
Suppressions
Bee propolisHoney