In 1996, Professors Bernard Descottes (1943-2009) and Roch Domerego created the European Association of Apitherapy, fruit of their friendship and collaboration in the U.H.C of Limoges. From 1994 to 1997, Professor Domerego collaborated with Professor Descottes, head of the visceral surgery department and transplantation of U.H.C of Limoges, and his team on the healing power of honey in surgery.

Professor Descottes is a pioneer in the use of honey for the healing of postoperative wounds and pressure sores.
He established and applied during 25 years a protocol for the use of honey on post-traumatic wounds. Professor Descottes’ contribution to apitherapy is invaluable.

Professor Domerego, beekeeper, naturopath, Vice-President of the Apimondia Apitherapy Commission from 1997 to 2011, has been studying the effects of honey products on human health since 1981. Permanent professor of the Faculty of Medicine Calixto Garcia of Havana (Cuba), he taught for 7 years to the students of the Faculty and supervised several clinical studies in the University Hospitals of Cuba.

Since the death of Professor Descottes, the Association has pursued its mission of promoting the virtues of the products of the hive for human health.
The therapeutic efficacy of hive products is strongly linked to an ecological practice of apiculture. The European Association of Apitherapy has been renamed the European Live Beekeeping Association (ELBA) to broaden its field of action. This allows to defend another vision of apiculture. This must be respectful of the bee, its environment, its products, the beekeeper and the consumer.