Management of Honey bee sting (Keeta visha) using Krishna valmik mrittika and Gomutra lepa: A case report

Insect bites are the most commonly encountered cases in clinical practice. Around 69% of Indian population resides in rural areas, and the incidents of insect bites especially honeybee sting are quite common. However, death due to honeybee sting is quite rare. As per the reports, the incidence of anaphylaxis caused by insect sting has been estimated to be 1% in children and 3% in adults. The usual manifestation of a honeybee sting is either a local reaction or a systemic reaction of anaphylaxis or massive envenomation with a large number of honeybees’ sting. In Sushruta Samhita, Keeta visha (~insects venom poisoning) is comprehensively described, detailing various insect bites and stings, their symptoms and treatment. Further, different classics of Ayurveda have explained the details of Damsha lakshana (~symptoms of insect bite) of different types of Keeta (~insect) and; wide range of drugs and treatment protocols for their management. Although rarely fatal and the severity of reaction can vary among individuals, the incidences of honey bee bites require prompt and quick treatment. Here, we report the case of a ten-year-old patient is being presented, having a history of honey bee sting while playing in his farm. He had complaint of spreading swelling over periorbital region of the left eye and zygomatic, infraorbital and temporal regions of left cheek with tenderness, itching, severe pain and burning sensation at the bite site. He was managed with local application of Lepa (~anointment) of Krishna valmika mrittika with Gomutra (~cow urine) which is described as the most potent medicine for Makshika (~honey bee), Pipileeka (~ant) visha as per the Ayurveda classics. The case demonstrates the benefits of traditional medicine and its potential to be used in conjunction with conventional medicines as a standard treatment choice for the management of insect related bites. It further highlights that Ayurveda therapies are accessible and useful in rural India where access to modern medical facilities may be restricted and honeybee stings are prevalent. This provides an effective alternative approach for managing such events.