lecithin granules, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, and
pumpkin seeds; (2) brain oxygenators, including
wheat germ oil capsules, glutamine, and germa-
nium with suma; (3) herbal therapy, including
royal jelly, evening primrose oil, Bach’s Rescue
Remedy, gingko biloba, and ginseng; (4) bodywork,
including exercise, sunlight, yoga, shiatsu, and
breathing exercises; (5) aromatherapy (particularly
ylang ylang, basil, jasmine, and geranium); and (6)
the cessation of smoking.
See also AUSTRALIAN BUSH FLOWER ESSENCES; BACH
FLOWER REMEDIES.
apitherapy Treatment using bee products,
including bee venom, royal jelly, bee pollen, raw
honey, and propolis, for arthritis, desensitization of
allergy to bee stings, chronic pain, back pain,
migraines, hair loss, vision problems, gout, asthma,
various skin conditions, memory loss, multiple
sclerosis (MS), and urinary incontinence. Accord-
ing to The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines &
Healing Therapies (Ballantine Books, New York,
1999), the Multiple Sclerosis Society has funded a
study of bee venom as a treatment for MS, and the
International Apiary Society is currently tracking
4500 individuals with MS as possible candidates for
bee-venom remedies. Allegedly, bee venom
injected into the joints eases the pain and inflam-
mation of rheumatoid arthritis, as some patients
have reported. Royal jelly, secreted by the salivary
glands of worker bees to nourish the queen bee, is
a source of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and
testosterone. Used for hundreds of years for its
rejuvenating properties, royal jelly is also said to be
antibacterial; reduce allergic reactions; boost the
immune system compromised by chemotherapy
and radiation; control cholesterol levels; treat sub-
fertility, eczema, psoriasis, acne, muscular dystro-
phy, thrush, and athlete’s foot; and possibly help
prevent leukemia.
Bee pollen that is collected by bees contains vit-
amins, minerals, sugar, protein, and fat; its advo-
cates believe it fights infection and inhibits aging.
Raw honey is allegedly a source of B-complex vit-
amins, glucose, several other vitamins, and propo-
lis, the substance bees collect from buds or tree
bark (and then use to seal the interior of their
hives); it is a combination of wax, resin, balsam oil,
and propolis. Rich in bioflavonoids, bee propolis
has antibiotic and bactericidal properties and may
be used topically on wounds. As with any bee
product, individuals must be cautioned that an
allergic reaction may occur, and those who have
cardiac problems, tuberculosis, or other infections
or who are pregnant should probably avoid using
bee remedies.
Apitherapists may be contacted through the
American Apitherapy Society (AAS), P.O. Box 54,
Hartland Four Corners, VT 05049, or at 800-823-
3460.applications, healing Any item or agent placed
topically on the skin over an area of the body that
requires healing. Among the types of applications
are hot or cold, dry or moist compresses. Com-
presses have long been used to draw out waste and
its residue, such as the contents of cysts or
abscesses, through the skin, an organ of elimina-
tion and protection. Herbs may be applied to com-
presses; for example, cayenne, ginger, and lobelia
may be added to a hot compress. Green clay com-
presses may be used for growths. Alternating hot
and cold compresses is usually recommended.
Herbal wraps are also healing applications and
quick body-cleansing or conditioning techniques,
which are reported to elasticize, tone, alkalize, and
release body wastes. Spa herbal wraps may involve
the use of seaweed or another natural substance
with therapeutic qualities for balancing body min-
erals and enhancing metabolism. Other types of
healing applications include mud, oatmeal, sea-
weed, and other baths.
See also FOLK REMEDIES.applied kinesiology See KINESIOLOGY.aquasonics A technique used by practitioners of
cymatics involving the use of a heated pool for
patients with arthritis, paralysis, and other physical
disabilities. Various corrective sound frequencies
are introduced into the water, which changes the
water’s molecular structure, thus providing a more
effective “medium” for relaxation, stimulation, or
whatever the patient’s condition requires.
See also CYMATICS.8 apitherapy