Ellie Lobel is a former nuclear physicist who famously discovered a potential treatment for her own Lyme disease through an unusual encounter. Having earned a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and a Bachelor's in Engineering by the age of 18, she contracted Lyme disease at 27 and suffered for 15 years, enduring misdiagnoses and declining health. As her condition worsened, she moved to California in 2011, intending to live out her final days.
Shortly after moving, Lobel was attacked by a swarm of bees. Surprisingly, instead of succumbing to the allergic reaction, her Lyme symptoms began to recede. Intrigued, she researched the effects of bee venom and discovered studies suggesting its potential to combat Lyme disease. The key component, melittin, has antimicrobial properties against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria causing Lyme. Following her experience, Lobel developed a bee venom therapy (BVT) protocol for Lyme disease and shared her findings. She traveled the country educating others, spearheaded the "Bee Bus Mission," and authored a book on the subject. While her experience is considered anecdotal, it spurred further research into apitherapy and the potential of melittin as a treatment for Lyme disease.
