The honey bee is the only insect with its own branch of medicine, apitherapy.

Apitherapy is the medicinal use of products from bees including venom, propolis, honey, pollen, and royal jelly. The last 3 are well-known for their use as nutritional supplements or in reducing allergic reactions. The first, venom, is used in research and in rheumatism and allergy therapeutics.

For skin and wound care, honey is used in treatment of burns. Also, propolis in tinctures is used on wounds and to reduce irritation. Both propolis and honey are used with wax in balms and salves for healing and soothing, not just for cosmetic purposes.