Homeward Bound

Bee Venom composition and strength varies between Honeybee species and small variances are identifiable between bee breeds and locations.

Bee Venom contains a variety of peptides, including melittin, apamin, ado lapin, the mast-cell-degranulating (MCD) peptide, enzymes (i.e., phospholipase A(2)), biologically active amines (i.e., histamine and epinephrine), and nonpeptide components which have a variety of pharmaceutical properties.

Bee Venom’s unique composition has multiple effects on the body. The natural components of Bee Venom have been isolated and studied scientifically and one of the most important components has been identified as Melittin. Making up about 50% of the Bee Venom.

Bees Festooning - repairing or creating

We started using Bee Venom in some of our products over 3 decades ago after feedback from beekeepers about its success in supporting an active lifestyle. A range of Nectar Ease products were formed with our original Bee Venom and Manuka Honey, Nectar Ease and Nectar Balm gaining a reputation in New Zealand for providing a joint health product in a tasty format.

Bee Venom Harvest

The Bee Venom used in Nectar Balm is extracted exclusively from the Apis Melifera species of Honeybee. Bee Venom is extracted from Honeybees using low voltage electrical stimulation. Beekeepers use a so-called collection frame that has wire electrodes installed that have a low electrical current running through them on a glass base, just like in the picture above. These frames are installed in honey hives and bees that come into contact with the wire electrodes will receive a small electrical shock. This causes bees to sting the glass, releasing the venom without losing their barbed sting.