CINCINATTI, Ohio -- A controversial practice called "Bee Sting Therapy" is making many people believe a bee's venom can help their health.
Floyd Alexander intentionally stings people with bees. He says he's stung more than 2,000 people since he started offering the therapy about 15 years ago. He charges $35 a session.
One of his patients, 59-year-old Karen McGhee says the bee venom alleviates her pain and weakness from Multiple Sclerosis.
"If I couldn't do the bees I'd probably be maybe in a wheelchair, not being able to walk very well," says McGhee.
Floyd and other apitherapists like him say the bee venom stimulates the immune system and can improve MS patients' mobility.
Some however find the bee sting therapy troubling. Neurologist Michael Devereaux says the practice can be dangerous.
"If they're stopping their treatment, they're hurting themselves and there's just no scientific validation that it does any good," says Dr. Devereaux.
Floyd insists his clients stop their MS medication for at least a month before getting stung.
More information about the use of bee products as medicine can be found at the
American Apitherapy Society.
