The honey bee is the star of all the insects that impact our lives. Their labor is central to the welfare of our own lives. Consider their activities that have a direct bearing on our daily welfare. Bees pollinate plants, flowers, and trees which together compose 35 -50% of the food we eat, depending on the type of diet we follow.
As part of the pollination process, bees accomplish two vital processes: produce honey but just as important, they fertilize the trees to produce seeds for reproduction or food for us and wildlife when the seeds mature. Let’s consider Honey which is beneficial to our health and well-being beyond our just eating it. It has many medicinal properties such as helping our bodies stave off infections and internal inflammations which is one of the chief culprits in heart attacks, arthritis and other common maladies of the human race. Honey is one of the major food sources for antioxidants which save the destruction of our cells.
Since honey is also predigested, it has played an important role in cosmetics through the centuries. Honey not only keeps the skin remain in peak condition to protect us from a hostile environment invading our bodies but also keeps us younger looking and attractive. In a large sense, we can easily proclaim that the bee plays a significant role in much of the beauty that surrounds us in humans, plants, animals and flowers.
So the bee’s role is directly tied to life and beauty. It is no paradox then to realize that Honey is the only natural product that does not spoil, nor require special consideration in storage. It can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated; it does not need to be specially wrapped or sealed. There is no expiration date needed either. This is not to say that the texture won’t change but, it will not rot or spoil.
The bee’s labor also provides many life sustaining ingredients through their industriousness. In order to keep a constant temperature in the hive, the bees seal any opening with a special mixture called propolis. Propolis is very popular among many cultures as a type of chewing gum although it is much healthier for us than the gum we typically associate with the term. Propolis actually protects the gums from gingivitis and keeps our teeth and mouth healthy. Propolis is also able to stimulate the immune system. It works by increasing the formation of antibodies to build our body resistance to diseases and by stimulating our body to release chemicals that protects us from cellular deterioration.
The cells inside the hive which contain the honey and immature bees are made of wax (bees wax) which is used in the cosmetic industry for items such as cosmetics, salves, body care products, lotions and you can melt it down to make your own aromatic candles. Bees Wax candles are the finest candles money can buy because not only do they provide light but, they do not pollute the air.
Bee colonies also have only one bee called the queen bee that produces new bees for their hive. They use a special food to feed her called Royal Jelly which is used in the most expensive cosmetics. The claims for royal jelly are varied ranging from special medicinal properties to increasing energy in our system. Some people who have used royal jelly swear by it and have a lot of praise while others dispute its effectiveness.
Pollen is part of the flowering plants that bees collect. Pollen is collected from the hives and sold as a remedy for people who have allergies. To be effective, it is recommended that it comes from reputable beekeepers within seventy five miles from where you live.
The one negative factor about bees for most people is their ability to sting. However, the poison they inject can be a very powerful curative for arthritis. There is a type of arthritic therapy that consists of using a syringe and needle to directly inject into arthritic joints.
When at last the little bee’s life is over, their usefulness continues. Their bodies contain protein that can be fed to chickens and in some cultures, consumed by humans.
So the next time you see a bee, don’t swat it; tip your hat or wave a thank you in their direction. Just be sure that you do not try to shake their hand.
