One of the most used idioms is “busy as a bee.” And, indeed, these small creatures are busy! (See Dan Finnerty’s article on local beekeeping in this edition.)
Their busyness actually greatly benefits us. In fact, honey bees play a big part in pollinating 80% of flowers and more than 130 types of fruits and vegetables, becoming a very important part of the food chain. Since honey bees are not native to North America, they have not been studied as much here as they have been in Europe. The medical community in the United States still considers bee products outside the mainstream of modern medicine and are reluctant to pursue experiments.
However, the ancient art of the use of these products medicinally is referred to as apitherapy, and humans have been using bee gifts as far back as 7000 B.C. Honey is not the only helpful natural product that we gather from the bee. We can use pollen to help treat allergies and increase energy, and propolis (the resin-like sealant bees make) has supposed natural immunity properties.
Royal jelly, also made by bees, can be used for the health and improvement of our skin. Bee venom is considered a successful treatment for arthritis. Beeswax is used to make candles, and is an ingredient in lotions and creams for the skin but also in furniture polish.
Yet, the most common thing people associate with the honey bee is, of course, honey. For centuries, it has been consumed as a sweetener. But it is commonly understood that local honey (prevalent at farmers markets, produce stands, and shops in Macon County) will help with allergies; this is correct, but it needs to be unheated, unfiltered honey from a local beekeeper.
A spoonful of honey might not only make the medicine go down (famous line in “Mary Poppins”), but it also may – if taken regularly before the start of the spring or fall allergy season – lessen sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, etc., symptoms.
Further, bee pollen, considered the world’s perfect food, contains most nutrients necessary for human survival. Bee pollen is approximately 25% complete protein, containing at least 18 amino acids. In addition, bee pollen has more than a dozen vitamins, 28 minerals, 11 enzymes or co-enzymes, 14 beneficial fatty acids, and 11 carbohydrates; it is rich in minerals and offers the full spectrum of vitamins and hormones. Bee pollen also includes carotenes and is high in B complex and C, D, and E vitamins.
Daily use of pollen ensures an intake of essential trace minerals that are often omitted from vitamin and mineral supplements. It has been used to treat fatigue, infections, increase athletic performance, and alleviate symptoms of such conditions as multiple sclerosis.
If you are considering taking bee pollen, start slowly. It is available in capsules, tablets, and even powders and creams. I noted granules in bottles at our local health food stores. A few granules under the tongue is a good way to test any sensitivity. People who are sensitive to it may experience anything from shortness of breath to anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. Normal adult daily intake can be 1 to 3 teaspoons, depending on individual metabolism and the health concern being treated. It is recommended to take bee pollen between meals with a full glass of water, but always read the label specific to the pollen. There are no known drug interactions from bee pollen; however, if you are taking any prescribed medications, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
In essence, all the work of honey bees has great health benefits for us humans! As Albert Einstein famously said, “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.”