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Benefits of bee pollen

For over 50 years, bee pollen has been used as a restorative, in the past year, bee pollen has become more popular and can be found in almost all local food stores in the "health food" section. Bee pollen has many therapeutic uses and is found in different forms. It is available in powdered forms, granules, tablets and capsules. Capsules contain other bee products themselves such as royal jelly, propolis and honey. Pollens that come from multiple sources contain more nutrients than single source pollens. But always begin with the lowest dosage and gradually increase throughout time.

Bee pollen is rich in minerals and vitamins, including calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, thiamin and vitamins A,B6,C,D,E and K, and including 12 different unsaturated fatty acids. It also contains biotin, a vitamin that is important for the skin, hair and nails. Plus, it provides protein, essential oils, essential amino acids, flavonoids and carotenoids, which are important for the synthesis of vitamin A in the body.

How Pollen is Collected:

To collect the pollen, beekeepers attach special scrapers to the the hive; the scrapers remove the pollen from pouches located in the bee's hind legs as they enter the hive. The bees collect pollen using their jaws. They separate the pollen sacks of plants and moisten the pollen until it forms clumps that stick to a special third pair of legs. At least 50 trips are needed to bring back one gram of pollen to hive.

Bee pollen has been used to combat stress, enhance the immune system, improve physical and mental performance and evidence suggests it may have anti-aging effects. It also restores appetite, and has been used for acne and for athlete's foot. Bee pollen also has been known to treat anemia, general weakness, atherosclerosis, constipation and liver disorders.

It has been known to be used for those suffering from hay fever, but it is highly recommended to speak to your doctor before using it for this ailment since there is a possibility that those with hay fever may have allergic reactions to the bee pollen.

If a person is under stress, they can use this bee pollen recipe, which is simple and easy to mix. It is rich in vitamins and contains almost all the minerals and trace elements needed for a good tonic. Thoroughly mix 1/2 lb of liquid acacia honey, 2 oz of bee pollen, 2 oz of brewer's yeast and 2/3 oz of royal jelly. Take one tablespoon of this strengthening mixture a day.

Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from certain trees to produce a cement-like substance. Bees use it to construct and repair the hive, blocking invasions of fungi, bacteria and viruses. It has a similarly beneficial effect in the human body. As a salve or tincture it has germicidal effects and can be used to speed the healing of wounds. When taken internally, it stimulates the immune and circulatory systems.

Propolis is also used for acne problems. Slightly warm 2 tsp of chamomile oil, 3 drops of peppermint oil and 20 drops of propolis tincture. Combine together with 1/2 oz of healing earth and dab on pimples. It is also good for athlete’s foot. With a cotton swab, apply propolis tincture to the affected parts of the feet twice a day until the problems goes away.