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Like other bee products, bee pollen has an antimicrobial effect. In addition, it is useful
for combating fatigue, depression, cancer, and colon disorders. It is also helpful for
people with allergies because it strengthens the immune system.
It is best to obtain bee pollen from a local source, as this increases its antiallergenic
properties. Fresh bee pollen should not cling together or form clumps, and is should be sold
in a tightly sealed container. Some people (an estimated 0.05 percent of the population) may be
allergic to bee pollen. It is best to try taking a small amount at first and watch for a
developing rash, wheezing, discomfort, or any other signs of a reaction. If such symptoms
occur, discontinue taking bee pollen.
Bee propolis is a resinous substance collected from various plants by bees. Bees use propolis,
together with beeswax, in the construction of hives. As a supplement, it is an excellent aid against
bacterial infections. Bee propolis is believed to stimulate phagocytosis, the means by which
white blood cells destroy bacteria.
Propolis is beneficial used as a salve for abrasions and bruises because of its antibacterial
effect. Good results have been reported on the use of propolis against inflammation of the mucous
membranes of the mouth and throat, dry cough and throat, halitosis, tonsilitis, ulcers, and acne,
and for the stimulation of the immune system.
Be sure that any bee products you use smell and taste fresh. All be products should be in tightly
sealed containers. It is best to purchase these products from a manufacturer who specializes in
be products. If you are using products for allergies, it is best to obtain products that are
produced within a ten-mile radius of your home. This way you get a minute dose of pollen to
desensitize you to the local pollen in the area.
Bees produce honey by mixing nectar, which is a sweet substance secreted by flowers, with bee
enzymes. Honey is made up of 35% protein and contains half of all the amino acids, and is a
highly concentrated source of many essential nutrients, including large amounts of carbohydrates
(sugars), some minerals, B-complex vitamins, and vitamins C, D, and E.
Honey is used to promote energy and healing. It is a natural antiseptic and makes a good salve
for burns and wounds. Honey is also used for sweetening other foods and beverages. It varies
somewhat in color and taste depending on the origin of the flower and nectar, but in general
it is approximately twice as sweet as sugar, so not as much is needed for sweetening purposes.
People who have diabetes or hypoglycemia should be careful when consuming honey and its
byproducts. These substances affect blood sugar levels in the same way that refined sugars
do. Tupelo honey contains more fructose than other types of honey and it is absorbed at a
slower rate, so some people with hypoglycemia can use this type sparingly without ill effects.
Buy only unfiltered, unheated, unprocessed honey, and never give honey to an infant under
one year of age. In its natural form, honey can contain spores of the bacteria that causes
botulism. This poses no problem for adults and older children, but in infants, the spores can
colonize the digestive tract and produce the deadly toxin there. Honey is safe for babies after
age one.
Royal jelly is a thick, milky substance that is secreted from the pharyngeal glands of a special
group of young nurse bees between their sixth and twelfth days of life. When honey and pollen
are combined and refinded within the young nurse bee, royal jelly is naturally created. This
substance contains all of the B-complex vitamins, including a high concentration of pantothenic
acid (vitamin B5) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and
is the only natural source of pure acetylcholine. Royal jelly also contains minerals, enzymes,
hormones, 18 amino acids, antibacterial and antibiotic components, and vitamins A, C, D, and
E. It is useful for bronchial asthma, liver disease, pancreatitis, insomnia, stomach ulcers,
kidney disease, bone fractures, and skin disorders, and it strengthens the immune system.
This product must be combined with honey to preserve its potency. Royal jelly spoils easily.
Keep it refrigerated and make sure it is tightly sealed when purchased.
Other Helpful & Fun LInks
Mead is a honey wine that is easy to make and is quite tasty. My son-in-law, Alex, makes
wonderful mead. Here are some links to resources for this sweet, tasty wine.
The Compleat Meadmaker: Home Production of Honey Wine From Your First Batch to Award-Winning
Fruit & Herb Variations
Making Mead Honey Wine: History, Recipes, Methods & Equipment
Making Mead Honey Wine
Note: Many of the links provided on this page have assorted Bee Products besides just those
listed in each section above. I tried to supply a diverse selection of links that would allow you
to compare quality and prices of the products shown and from various areas of the country.
Bee Pollen
Bee Propolis
Honey
Royal Jelly
Bee pollen is a powderlike material that is produced by the anthers of flowering plants and
gathered by bees. It is composed of 10 to 15 percent protein and also contains B-complex
vitamins, vitamin C, amino acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, carotene, calcium, copper,
iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, sodium, plant sterols, and simple sugars.
Making Wild Wines & Meads: 125 Unusual Recipes Using Herbs, Fruits, Flowers & More
-- by Pattie Vargas, Rich Gulling
-- by Ken Schramm
-- by Roger A. Morse, Mary A. Scott
-- by Roger A. Morse
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics: Natural Food Supplements Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics Index
MoonDragon's Health Index Page
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information & Discussion Index by Subject Order
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information & Discussion Index by Alphabetical Order