Bee Pollen and Honey

Pollen is a fine powderlike material produced by the anthers of flowering plants, and gathered by the bee. Bee pollen contains the B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, enzymes, carotene, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, sodium, and protein (10-35 percent). Bee pollen, bee propolis, and honey have an antimicrobial effect. Honey is produced by the bee when plant nectar, which is a sweet substance secreted by flowers, is mixed with bee enzymes.

Honey varies in color and taste depending on the origin of the flower and nectar. It contains 35 percent protein (one-half of all the amino acids), and is considered to be a complete food. It is a highly concentrated source of essential nutrients, containing large amounts of carbohydrates (sugars), the B-complex vitamins, vitamins C, D, and some minerals. It is used to promote energy and healing. Two tablespoons daily is sufficient. It is twice as sweet as sugar and, therefore, not as much is needed. Only unfiltered, unheated, unprocessed honey should be purchased.

Diabetics and hypoglycemics should be careful when consuming honey and its by-products. The blood sugar reacts to these substances as it would to refined sugars. However, tupelo honey contains more levulose than any other honey and is absorbed at a slower rate so some hypoglycemics can use this type sparingly. If you are hypoglycemic, check with your health care provider.

Do not feed honey to infants under one year of age, as they are more prone to develop botulism.

Bee Propolis

Propolis is a resinous substance collected from various plants by bees; it is not made by bees. It is used together with beeswax in the construction of hives. As a supplement, it is an excellent aid against bacterial infections. A Soviet scientist stated that bee propolis stimulates phagocytosis, which helps the white blood cells to destroy bacteria. Soviet surgeons often fed honey to their patients before surgery as a precaution against infection.

Bee propolis is also good as a salve and for abrasions and bruises because of its antibacterial effect. Reports proclaim good results against inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, dry cough and throat, halitosis, ulcers, and acne, and for the stimulation of the immune system.

Be sure that all products from the bee are fresh and tightly sealed. It is best to purchase these products from a manufacturer who specializes in bee products. When used for allergies, it is best to obtain bee products that are produced within a ten-mile radius. This way, those with allergies get a minute dose of pollen to desensitize them to the local pollen in the area.

Iron

Perhaps the most important of its functions is its production of hemoglobin and oxygenation of red blood cells. Iron is the mineral found in the largest amounts in the blood. This mineral is essential for many enzymes, and is important for growth in children and resistance to disease. Iron is also required for a healthy immune system and for energy production. Vitamin C can increase iron absorption as much as 30 percent.

Iron deficiency symptoms include brittle hair, nails that are spoon-shaped or that have ridges running lengthwise, hair loss, fatique, pallor, dizziness, and anemia.

Sufficient hydrochloric acid (HCI) must be present in the stomach in order for the iron to be absorbed. Copper, manganese, molybdenum, vitamin A, and the B-complex vitamins are also needed for complete iron absorption.

According to Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, iron utilization is impaired by rheumatoid arthritis and cancer and will result in anemia despite adequate amounts of iron stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. The journal also states that iron deficiency is more prevalent in those suffering from candidiasis and chronic herpes infections.

Excess iron build-up in the tissues has been associated with a rare disease known as hemochromatosis, a disorder that causes bronze skin pigmentation, cirrhosis, diabetes, and heart disorders.