Apis has traditionally been used for the symptomatic relief of bites and stings with heat, redness and swelling, hives, nettle rash, allergic eruptions and sore throats with classic stinging pains and sensation of swelling. As the heading suggests, this remedy is made from the honeybee. To understand the essence of this remedy we look at the effect that a bee sting has on us and its side-effects: a sudden oedematous swelling which is hot, burning and stinging and may cause the person to shriek. Apis is mainly used in home prescribing for treating bites and stings with redness, heat and swelling. Other conditions such as hives, nettle rash, allergic eruptions, sore throats and cystitis also respond well to Apis when indicated. Symptoms usually come on quickly and with intensity and there is an aggravation to heat and touch.