Abilene beekeeper shares the sting: Health benefits, bee safety & why it matters

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – If you’ve ever been stung by a bee, you likely remember the sharp sting and discomfort. However, an Abilene bee expert suggests that there might be surprising health benefits associated with bee stings.

Crissy Ward, owner of Sadie Grace Farms

and president of the Big Country Bee Keepers Association, spoke at the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Luncheon, where she unveiled some of the science behind bee venom.

“We are intentionally stinging people with venom because the venom is shown to have two compounds that affect us in a positive way, which are militant and phospholipase, and it is one of the strongest forms of anti-inflammatory that we can get in our system,” Ward explained. “We’re seeing benefits from people with joint pain, arthritis issues, autoimmune diseases. So we’re stinging people on purpose to see how it benefits their body.”

Currently, Ward’s team is in the testing phase of this specialized procedure, but early results indicate a wide range of benefits for those willing to undergo the treatment, something Ward said has helped her firsthand.

As spring approaches, Ward reminds the community that it’s not just flowers to look forward to; bees will soon be more active in our neighborhoods.

“We’re going to start seeing these out and about pollinating around our plants, flowers, maybe houses. We may see swarms. Soon, they’ll be moving from one location to another,” Ward shared.

Ward emphasized the importance of bee education, teaching residents what to look for and how to respond when encountering bees.

“We’re protecting both people and bees at the same time,” Ward added. “It’s very important to teach the community about bees. The knowledge of bees, what to look for, what to see, what to do when you see those things.”

She shared key questions to ask when a bee sting happens to ensure the best outcome for everyone involved:

• Is it a swarm or an established hive?
• Were the insects disturbed?
• Is anyone allergic?
  • Do they have their EpiPen?
  • Have they already been dosed due to exposure?
• Has anyone already been stung?
  • How long ago were they stung?
• When in doubt, call a local beekeeper for help!