Therapeutic uses of honey and honeybee larvae in central Burkina Faso.

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.