The Beehive As Your Medicine Cabinet
Photo Credit: Seamore Photography
THE BEEHIVE AS YOUR MEDICINE CABINET
Apitherapy (from apis which means “bee” in Latin) is the medicinal use of products made by bees. In the U.S. Apis mellifera, the European honeybee is most commonly used. Products of the honeybee hive include honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, beeswax and of course the venom itself. When used in conjunction with Bee Venom Therapy (BVT), these products have a synergistic effect. Bee products contain trace elements that can't be synthetically recreated by humans. To put it simply: God knew what he was doing when he created Bees :)
PRODUCTS OF THE HIVE
HONEY: LIQUID GOLD
The most common of all bee products, honey is known for its ability to heal wounds, treat infection, and provide energy to the body. It's a great alternative sweetener to refined sugars. Honey contains glucose and fructose, while white sugar contains sucrose. The glycogen in a spoonful of honey passes into the bloodstream within 10 minutes to produce quick, usable energy. It's important to keep honey in it's raw, unheated state to preserve its nutritional value. I always let hot tea cool a bit, before I stir in that liquid gold. B. Chill Honey in the evening is such a treat.
Fun fact: Honey never expires!
BEE POLLEN: NATURE'S MULTIVITAMIN
The perfect food, bee pollen is known for its nutritional makeup. Extensive tests on animals show that life can be sustained on an exclusive diet of bee pollen and water. It's an excellent alternative to a synthetic multivitamin and B Vitamins. Due to it’s complete protein content, it is excellent for increasing energy levels, stamina, balancing hormones and so much more. Bee Pollen is a staple in my morning smoothies or for a quick boost when on the go.
ROYAL JELLY: BRAIN FOOD
The Queen's Food, Royal Jelly is a creamy white substance made by worker bees for the sole nourishment of the Queen bee (who can live up to 5 years). For that reason, Royal Jelly is a nutritious, hormone-rich substance that is excellent for supporting our vital organs, tissue growth and cell regeneration. It contains 17 amino acids (including all 8 essential amino acids). B. LXR Brain Fuel can be taken like a shot for that mid day brain boost, increasing focus and clarity.
PROPOLIS: THROAT COAT
The bee glue, Propolis is created to sterilize the hive and protect it against outside intruders and infection. It's used to seal cracks in the hive, and is a natural antibiotic.Viruses and bacteria are unable to build a tolerance against propolis. Propolis is taken by mouth or used externally to sterilize and disinfect skin irritations and sore throat. This Propolis Throat Spray is one I always bring in my bag or when traveling by plane. It’s my secret weapon to keeping the immune system strong.
Fun fact: It contains almost 500 times more bioflavonoids than oranges!
BEESWAX: THE PERFECT CANDLE
The natural wax, Beeswax, is produced by glands in the worker bees. Beeswax is often used in candle making and is known to purify the air. When burning, it produces negative ions to help neutralize pollutants in the air - such as dust, odors and mold.
BEE VENOM: MAGICAL MEDICINE
Bee Venom Therapy is an ancient modality that has been used for thousands of years to treat chronic conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, MS etc. The live bee venom is ANTI - inflammatory, bacterial, viral, parasitic and essentially a very powerful immune modulator. The melittin peptide delivers enough strength to cross the blood brain barrier, which treats hard to reach infections that antibiotics often become resistant to with chronic infection. It is also made up of several peptides that strengthen the body simultaneously.
Bee venom works under the homeopathic principle in that small doses heal. Too much venom can cause the condition or symptoms one is attempting to treat. Therefore, it is important to stick to the protocol (I use a protocol by Ellie Lobel specific to Lyme disease). The protocol specifically uses 10 stings along the spine, 3x per week for 2-3 years with consistent detox in between sting sessions. It’s important to work your way up to this amount, allowing the body to adjust with proper diet, lifestyle and stinging precautions.
NEW (BEE)GINNINGS
For more information on BVT, check out my Beginner’s Guide To Bee Venom Therapy. 10% of the proceeds from each guide go directly to The Bee Girl Organization. Helping to preserve, educate and care for our bee population.
Beekeepers Naturals is my go to for all hive products and medicinals. Use code “somethinghealing” for 25% off your purchase and check out all of their amazing offerings from the hive here.
For raw honey, always support your local and sustainable beekeepers working to keep our land free from pesticides. I’ve found that the bees respond very well to local honey for BVT.
Bee Well,
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before adding a new supplement into your routine. Always have an epi-pen nearby when working with bees.