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From the first days of recorded history, bees have been observed, admired, studied and feared by people. They are amazing little creatures–did you know that bees provided humans with the first sweetener (honey) and probably the first waterproofing and plastic material (beeswax)? Honey bees are hard working, peaceful insects that go about their business of producing nutritious products "fit for a queen."

Beeswax has a distinguished history. It commanded a high price as man’s first and only plastic wrap for many years. Architects used beeswax to model proposed structures, sailors used it to strengthen and waterproof sails and soldiers used it to waterproof tents and food storage containers. It has been used to make dental impressions, insulate electrical instruments, stiffen and strengthen sewing threads as well as for polishing woods and metal. Today, beeswax is used in cold creams, ointment, lotions, lipsticks, salves, crayons and chewing gum. Beeswax candles are popular as they burn with a slow, smokeless flame while emitting a pleasant odor.

Straight From the Hive

Royal jelly is one of the most nutritious foods produced by animal, plant or insect. It is the only food the queen bee is fed and it is the secret to her success. She is larger and more attractive than the other bees, weighs about 60 percent more and lives 60 times longer.

Royal jelly is a creamy, white substance that special nursing bees secrete for one purpose only–to feed their queen. It contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, D and E and is the richest single source of pantothenic acid (a B-vitamin), known especially for its stress reducing abilities. It also contains calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, silicon, sulfur and zinc in addition to 18 amino acids. Royal jelly is known for its ability to enhance skin texture and smoothness and for its contribution to longevity. Because royal jelly contains a gelatinous amino acid (a basic ingredient in collagen), with regular use the skin becomes soft, more lubricated and fine wrinkles disappear.

Royal jelly also contains globulinic acid, which has been shown to act as a diuretic, work like an antibiotic increasing resistance to bacteria and viruses, alleviate some symptoms of respiratory allergies and help guard against arthritis and cancer. It is the only natural dietary source of pure acetycholine, a neurotransmitter that enables the body organs, glands, and the brain to communicate. Royal jelly strengthens the immune system, increases circulation and aids in disposal of body waste. It also helps control skin irritations such as eczema and impetigo.

Bee pollen is a golden-colored dust gathered by bees from the stamens of flowers and is treasured for its many health-enhancing benefits. It works wonders in a weight control or weight stabilization regimen by correcting a possible chemical imbalance in body metabolism. Consumption of bee pollen can improve the appearance of unhealthy or aging skin. It stimulates the growth of new skin tissue and offers effective protection against dehydration.

According to one research project, many bee keepers in the Russian state of Georgia (in the Soviet Union at the time of the study) were known to live more than 100 years. The researchers concluded that the longevity of the keepers was attributable to consuming raw, unprocessed honey (rich in bee pollen) every day of their lives. Some clinical allergists have used bee pollen to relieve allergy and hay fever symptoms, but a small percentage of the population may be allergic to it. You should try only a small amount at first and monitor any reaction. It is mostly the wind borne, helter-skelter anemophile pollen that causes allergic difficulties, not the entomophile pollen that hitches a ride on the insects.

Honey and Propolis

Jennifer Farnell is a writer with a background in practical nursing.

Source: alive #209, March 2000