Breathe like a bee: Apiary Air Therapy creates a buzz this winter
AS the world marks World Bee Day on May 20, attention turns to the production of honey and to the vital role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining ecosystems. The annual observance highlights the threats bees face — from climate change and pesticide use to habitat loss — and underscores the need for global awareness and conservation efforts.
But beyond their environmental importance, bees are also making waves in the world of natural health. With winter approaching and flu season looming, a ground-breaking wellness approach is gaining buzz: Apiary Air Therapy, also known as Bee Bed Therapy.
Also Read: World Bee Day: Why pollinators 'bee-long' in our ecosystems
Now available at the Macnut Farm in Assagay, Hillcrest, the facility is the first of its kind in South Africa, offering a unique and non-invasive treatment that involves the inhalation of air from active beehives. This air — rich in bee particles and essential oils — is believed to offer a range of health benefits, all while allowing the bees to move freely in and out of their hives.
Hannah Paine who runs the therapy facility said that air apiary therapy could help with:
• Stress relief
• Sleep disorders
• Immune system support
• Cardiovascular health
• Respiratory conditions
With increasing interest in natural and holistic therapies, the buzz around bee-based treatments is growing — just in time for flu season.
Also Read: Restoring nature and enhancing biodiversity
Last month Caxton Local Media visited Macnut Farm to experience the apiary air therapy. Our biggest concern: is it safe? What if we are stung by a swarm of bees.
Payne said there was no chance. 'When you enter you will find an alarm and if at any point you feel threatened, just press the horn.'
We were greeted by the gentle sound of buzzing bees, ducks roaming the property and the sound of water cascading down a stream that runs along the Assagay property.
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