Apis Mellifica

Apis mellifica (honey bee)

Apis Mellifica uses in homeopathy: a key remedy for stinging, burning swelling — hives, insect stings, puffy oedema and sore throat — that is better from cold, its symptom picture, FAQs — informational.

Quick answer

What is Apis Mellifica used for in homeopathy?

Apis Mellifica, prepared from the honey bee, is the homeopathic remedy for sudden, stinging, burning swelling with puffy, water-bag oedema — like a bee sting — that is markedly better from cold and worse from heat.

Reviewed & updated: June 2026

This is general information about a homeopathic remedy, not a prescription or dosing advice. In homeopathy the correct remedy and potency are chosen for the whole individual symptom picture by a qualified homeopath — the same remedy is not right for everyone. Do not self-medicate, and consult a qualified homeopathic doctor (and your physician for serious or persistent conditions) before taking any remedy.

What Apis Mellifica is used for

  • Hives (urticaria) with burning, stinging welts
  • Insect stings and allergic swelling
  • Puffy, oedematous swelling (eyelids, face, joints)
  • Sore throat with puffy, swollen, shiny redness
  • Burning urination in some cases

Characteristic symptom picture

Homeopaths look for these guiding features when considering Apis Mellifica.

  • Stinging, burning, pricking pains
  • Puffy, rosy, water-bag swelling
  • Better from cold, worse from heat
  • Thirstless despite swelling
  • Sudden onset, like a bee sting

Potency

Apis is commonly used in 30C and 200C; potency selection is a clinical decision.

The characteristic picture & modalities

Apis Mellifica, prepared from the honey bee, is known for sudden, stinging, burning swelling with a puffy, rosy, water-bag quality, much like a bee sting. The picture covers hives, allergic puffiness of eyelids or face, and shiny, swollen sore throats. A defining feature is that complaints are markedly better from cold and worse from heat, and the person is often curiously thirstless despite the swelling. Onset tends to be abrupt. This is a familiar oedematous, stinging pattern that suits some cases, not a diagnostic label.

Before you take Apis Mellifica

A homeopath selects remedy and potency for the whole individual, weighing the stinging quality, the cold-relief modality and the wider state rather than the swelling alone. This page is background information, not a prescription, and self-choosing a potency is not advised. Crucially, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or any difficulty breathing, signals anaphylaxis and needs immediate emergency care. For severe allergic reactions, widespread swelling or persistent symptoms, seek medical assessment first and treat homeopathy as a supporting conversation with a qualified practitioner.

Frequently asked questions

What is Apis Mellifica used for?

It is associated with stinging, burning swelling — hives, insect stings, puffy oedema and sore throat — that is better from cold and worse from heat. The right remedy depends on the whole case.

Is Apis good for hives?

It is one of the most-considered remedies for burning, stinging hives better from cold applications, but widespread swelling with breathing difficulty is an emergency.

When is swelling an emergency?

Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or any difficulty breathing, needs immediate medical care (anaphylaxis).

Can I self-prescribe Apis?

No — consult a qualified homeopath, and seek urgent care for severe allergic reactions.

Don’t self-prescribe — consult a homeopathy doctor

The right remedy and potency are chosen for your individual case. Book an online or in-clinic consultation with a qualified homeopath.

Find a homeopathy doctor near you

Use your location to see the closest verified homeopathy clinics and book an online or in-clinic consultation.

Browse all clinics

Ask a homeopathy doctor

Have a question? A verified homeopath will answer it. General guidance only — not a substitute for a consultation.