In late September, I attended the fall meeting of the Georgia Beekeepers Association virtually via Zoom. One benefit of the pandemic is that I could not have attended the meeting because I live in Arkansas.
One of the seminars discussed the role of the honey bee in mythology, religion, warfare and politics. From the Egyptians to the Catholic Church and our current world leaders, honey bees have played an important role not only as a source of trade, as a symbol of wealth, but also as givers of health.
We all know we have a honey bee to thank for our fruits and vegetables. Without the pollination activities of the honey bee, our food options would be quite few, if at all. But they do so much more. Honey bees are considered a ‘micro-livestock’. They not only pollinate our plants, but also give us honey, pollen, propolis and beeswax.
Honey
I think everyone knows that you should take a teaspoon of raw, unfiltered honey to soothe a sore throat. But did you also know that you can apply honey directly to wounds, cuts and scrapes? Honey contains antioxidants and supports a healthy inflammatory response and microbial balance in the body and on the skin and can support healing. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, NC, even uses it directly on sea turtles with propeller wounds to promote healing.
With the winter season upon us, I keep a jar of garlic-infused honey in my cupboard, just in case. It is a simple recipe that has a long shelf life.
Honey infused with garlic
Ingredients:
- About 6-8 oz. raw, local honey
- 3 three heads of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
- 8 oz. stone pot
Instructions:
- Peel and chop the garlic. Add garlic to the glass jar.
- Brush completely with honey.
- Let the honey settle and add more to ensure the garlic is completely covered.
- Set aside for a week.
Dosage: 1 teaspoon as needed.
To remind, honey should not be given to infants under one year of age.
Pollen
Pollen is a protein filled with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and fats. Honey bees collect pollen from the flowers and mix it with honey to make ‘bee bread’. Bee bread is the protein food source of the honey bee. The color of the pollen varies depending on the flower visited by the honey bee.
Pollen supports a healthy histamine and inflammatory response and contains antioxidants. It is an excellent functional food and contains flavonoids, iron and zinc, proteins, sugars and dietary fiber, and is a good source of carotenoids and B vitamins. Pollen can be ingested to support the body’s allergic response and promotes healthy respiratory and immune function. It is recommended to start taking pollen slowly. Start with ½ grain and work your way up to one teaspoon over several weeks.
Consult a naturopath before taking pollen products in case of an allergic reaction.
Propolis
Propolis or “bee glue” is a resinous substance collected by bees from the buds of trees and sap. It is used as cement in the hive to seal holes, smooth surfaces and create a clean environment in the hive. Propolis is an excellent support for healthy microbial balance and inflammatory response in the body and has been used for centuries. From Aristotle to Dioscordes to Pliny the Elder, they all used propolis to support health. Studies have shown that propolis helps with allergies, skin problems, oral conditions and intestinal problems.
WishGarden products that contain bee propolis are Serious V-Fighter, Kick-Ass Biotic, Kick-Ass Throat Spray, Magic Mint Breath Spray, Gum Strengthener, Ear Be Well and Happy Ducts Free the Flow.
Beeswax
And finally, there is beeswax. Recent research on beeswax provides evidence that beeswax contains compounds showing that it also supports healthy microbial balance. Hippocrates and others used beeswax to treat many ailments. Today we use beeswax in cosmetics such as creams, ointments and balms to thicken the product, help repel water and it also helps reduce the growth of certain strains of bacteria. Beeswax is used externally to soothe bruises and burns and to support a healthy inflammatory response. Of course, if you love honeycomb, there’s nothing more fun than chewing and combing the honey together, getting all the good stuff, including amino acids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes – and spitting out the comb when you’re done.
As you can see, the honey bee provides us with functional food and health products. They form an important ‘micro-stock’ around the world. Simple ways to promote honeybees and honeybee products in your city include: 1) purchasing local raw, unfiltered produce; and 2) add native pollinator plants to your landscape, including trees, shrubs and flowers.
Sandy Morehouse is a functional herbalist and teacher at WishGarden Herbs. Based in Northwest Arkansas, she is spreading the spice love to Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. She received her functional herbalist certification from the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine; certificate from Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine in Medicine Making; and continues her training with Aviva Romm’s Herbal Medicine for Women course.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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