Bee venom is primarily used by bees as a protective mechanism for the colony. In medicine, it is also known as "apitoxin" and consists of a complex mixture of different secretions. In the event of a sting, it is usually injected into an attacker via the venomous sting. A honey bee can release around 0.1 mg of venom.

In apitherapy, however, bee venom is used specifically for therapeutic applications, for example as part of apipuncture. The effect can be painful and depends, among other things, on the amount administered. For people with a bee allergy, however, a bee sting can have serious health consequences.