HAYWARD, Wisc. Oct. 18, 2023 – Beehive Botanicals, Inc. (beehivebotanicals.com)
It may surprise you to learn that bees are hard at work creating more than just sticky honey. Enter bee propolis – the hidden treasure that is as sticky as it is miraculous! Lets explore the remarkable properties and ethics of harvesting this lesser known bee-made product.
What is Bee Propolis and Why Have I Never Heard About it Before?
Bee propolis might sound like a term from a sci-fi movie, but it's a genuine gift from nature. This sticky substance is collected by bees from tree buds and sap flows. They then blend it with beeswax and enzymes to create a unique and multi-faceted material known as propolis. Think of propolis as the bees version of home improvement – a natural cement that seals cracks, strengthens the hive, and maintains a healthy environment.
The Propolis Players: Components and Benefits
So, what makes propolis a hot commodity? It's not just its alluring amber color, but also its diverse array of organic components. Flavonoids, phenolics, essential oils – these are the stars of the propolis show, contributing to its health benefits. It’s like an immune support booster for bees - but it’s incredibly beneficial for humans as well!
In fact, humans have been aware of and making use of bee propolis for centuries. Ancient civilizations, from the Greeks to the Egyptians, used it for medicinal purposes. Today, companies like Beehive Botanicals use bee propolis in their many supplements and products. Propolis is like a multitasking wizard – it can help hydrate your mouth, it can be used as a topical on your skin, and is even found in various skin creams, soaps, moisturizing creams and sometimes shampoos.
The Sweet Spot: Ethical Propolis Harvesting
With all the benefits propolis can offer, it is vitally important to remember that harvesting needs to be done ethically and responsibly. One can’t just head out to a beehive and take all of the miraculous propolis substance one can find. Bees work hard to collect this resinous material, and their hives and the colony depend on its sealing and health-promoting powers. Without it, the hive would die out whenever the temperature dropped. Instead, when harvesting propolis, it's crucial to respect the bees' needs and maintain the balance of their environment.
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The Surplus Solution: Ethical beekeepers ensure that they only harvest surplus propolis – the extra propolis that the bees won't miss. This usually involves using special traps or screens that allow bees to collect propolis in designated areas.
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Timing is Everything: Beekeepers also need to choose the right time for propolis harvesting. Doing it when the hive is less active, like during a nectar flow, ensures minimal disruption to the bees' routines.
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Keep It Hive-Friendly: Manufacturers who prioritize ethical harvesting - like Beehive Botanicals – use contractors that avoid over collecting, which could weaken the hive's structural integrity. A strong hive is a happy hive!
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Give and Take: A mutually beneficial relationship is the key. Beekeepers often provide alternative sources of propolis, like plant resins, so bees don't have to work overtime to replenish their stash.
Conclusion: Sticky Wonders and Ethical Wanderings
In the marvelous world of bees, propolis shines as a testament to nature's ingenuity. From its stunning creation process within the hive to the bounty of benefits it offers humans, bee propolis is a true marvel of organic complexity. However, it is important for the general public to remember that ethical choices are the sweetest nectar one can offer these incredible insects. By harvesting propolis responsibly, we not only preserve the delicate balance of their ecosystem but also ensure that this golden gift will continue to exist for generations to come. So, whether you're a bee enthusiast, wanting to learn more about products like Beehive Botanical’s Propolis Tincture or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of nature, let's continue to celebrate – the sticky, sensational, and sustainable treasure of honey-bees and the unique and complex resins that they produce to sustain their homes the beehive.
Beehive Botanicals nutritional supplements are produced in an NSF-certified facility meaning that all the claims of being vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and cruelty-free, are verified and validated. For more information you can contact Beehive Botanicals via their website at beehviebotanicals.com or call directly at 800-233-4483.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.