Honey, I’m Home: All the Bee Products in Your Household
The fruits and vegetables we eat to sustain our health are all made possible by the pollination of bees. However, bees’ impact goes far beyond the food we eat—perhaps the most well-known product in our household, honey, is a byproduct of bees. In addition to honey, products made from beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, pollen, and bee venom also benefit us.
Honey Products
From putting honey in our tea to using it as a sweetener for baking, honey is an indispensable ingredient in the everyday household. Created from the nectar of plants, honey is then stored in the honeycomb as a food source for the bees when food is scarce. Flavor and color varies according to the nectar.
In addition to being used as a sweetener and ingredient in baked goods, honey can also be used in cosmetics because of the vitamins and nutrients that can be beneficial for the skin.
Beeswax Products
Beeswax is what forms the honeycomb of the beehive. Naturally, it is white or translucent, but it turns yellow when it is mixed with pollen or propolis. Beeswax is popularly used in cosmetic products (think Burt’s Bees) because it provides moisture, has antioxidants, provides a sealant, protects skin, is anti-inflammatory, and has Vitamin A. Beeswax products include lotions, lip balms, body balms, salves, soaps, and acne treatments.
Outside of cosmetics, it can be used in candles, waxed threads, and beeswax wraps, which are used to store food.
Propolis Products
Propolis, or “bee glue,” is a resin-like substance that is created by bees from tree saps to protect and seal the cells of the hive. Propolis has several medicinal qualities—it is antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and has antioxidants—that make it attractive for health purposes.
Propolis can be consumed in capsule form, and it can be used in ointments and solutions for wounds and cold sores.
Royal Jelly Products
Royal jelly is a substance fed by queen bees to their young. There is little scientific proof to prove its anti-aging effects; however, It is frequently sold as a dietary supplement targeted to elderly people. It is also claimed to have vitamins and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, there isn’t substantive evidence that supports these properties.
Pollen Products
Bee pollen contains vitamins, protein, amino acids, and fatty acids and can be eaten as a health supplement.
Bee Venom Products
Bee venom is the venom released by worker bees when they sting. Although bee venom causes inflammation if you are stung, it can be used to desensitize people who are allergic. Although there isn’t ample research to support its medicinal benefits, bee venom is claimed to treat some illnesses. In addition, bee venom is incorporated into some cosmetics for its alleged anti-aging properties.
Bees have a much more prevalent position in our lives than at first glance. If you want to reap the full extent of benefits from bees and their byproducts, make sure to check out products made from honey, beeswax, pollen, propolis, bee venom, and royal jelly.
Sources:
- https://saveourbees.com.au/bee-products/
- https://dteklivebeeremoval.com/what-is-beeswax/
- https://www.humblebeeandme.com/10-uses-for-beeswax/
- https://www.honey.com/about-honey/how-honey-is-made
- https://www.healthline.com/health/propolis-an-ancient-healer#research
- https://www.worldbeeday.org/en/did-you-know/92-honey-and-other-bee-products.html
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/royal-jelly#section3
- https://thespotlyte.com/1121813/bee-venom-skincare-products/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bee-venom#benefits