The Keeper
Venom
Bee venom, or apitoxin, is a liquid that a bee secretes from her stinger in self-defence. For most people, a bee sting is painful and causes some temporary swelling; those with a severe allergy may have a more serious reaction.
Collecting venom does not kill the bee. The beekeeper creates a mild current that prompts the bee to release venom but not to lose her stinger (which is what occurs-and leads to death-when she stings a mammal).
Venom is known for its therapeutic properties; it's used, for example, to help control pain related to arthritis.
