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When people hear about bees, the first thought that comes to mind is honey. Although there is no doubt that honey is one of the sweetest things that nature has given you, it is not the only advantage that the beehives provide. As a matter of fact, a single hive is more of a storehouse of natural resources, each having its own specific uses, starting with skincare, through medicine, to food preservation. If you are a nature-loving person and adore skincare and need a spiritual path into sustainable living, discover the secrets of a beehive to impress and motivate you. Here is a closer look at the incredible things that are produced by your buzzing little buddies.
Beeswax: Nature’s Versatile Wax
Honey usually gets all of the attention when it comes to bees, but beeswax has many uses and is as valuable as honey. Beeswax is produced by worker bees in order to construct their honeycomb hexagonal cells and is an ingredient of household products and natural skin care products. It is used in the manufacture of candles, lip balms, lotion bars, and even plastic wraps that can be used on food instead of plastic. Beeswax as a skincare product is considered a sort of sealant that seals in the moisture, yet allows skin to breathe simultaneously. The fact that beeswax burns clean and has a natural odor explains why both the artisans and DIYers go crazy over it. Any person engaging in homesteading or sustainable living must have beeswax.
Propolis: The Bee’s Natural Medicine
Although honey can assist you with colds, propolis is the ultimate medicine miracle of the beehive. Bees develop propolis by combining their saliva and beeswax with the resins of tree trunks and tree leaves. It is a strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal sticky, brown-colored substance. It is applied to seal the cracks in the hive to avoid bacteria and invaders. In humans, it is commonly used in throat sprays, ointments and supplements. Research indicates that propolis may be useful in wound healing, sore throats and even things such as eczema. It is one of the least discussed riches in beekeeping because of its healing abilities.
Royal Jelly: The Superfood of the Hive
Royal jelly is a proteinaceous and whitish cream provided to every bee larva during its infancy, yet only those larvae that are to later become queens will be provided with it during their entire development. This has made royal jelly a superpower meal. The royal jelly contains a lot of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; hence, it can contribute to maintaining the energy levels, to improving the elasticity of the skin and the brain power. It is a dietary supplement commonly sold in health shops, and it is also ideal for individuals seeking natural health supplements.
Bee Pollen: Nutrient-Dense Powerhouse
Another of the nutritional treasures you can take out of the hive is the bee pollen. Bee pollen is highly nutritious containing a lot of protein, vitamins and antioxidants and bees collect it from flowering plants. It will be added as a natural energy supplement in smoothies and in yogurt or cereal by health enthusiasts and athletes. It is even said that it will aid with allergies by gradually developing resistance to local pollen. It is still under research, but there is no doubt, it is very nutritionally dense and a great asset to a balanced diet.
A Gateway to Sustainable Living
When you start your own hive, you not only get access to delicious honey but also a whole new world of sustainable resources. Backyard beekeeping is another side of hobbies that people are choosing because it is an eco-friendly way to be rewarded. Even amateurs can get into this world using a beehive starter kit and can get access to honey, beeswax, propolis, and other resources, and help the pollination in the local ecosystem. The kits normally include protective wear, hive tools, as well as frames, which in turn provide all you require to start this satisfying journey.
Conclusion
A beehive is so much more than a honey factory; it is a living system, and it is full of natural gifts which are beneficial to both the bees as well as the humans. Beeswax, royal jelly, or any other substance serves the purpose of supporting your health, environment, and even your daily life. If you are just curious to know more about beehives and what they can really do, or you are set to embark on your own beehive adventure, you will be surprised by just how much bees have to offer. There is more than just honey that people should explore.
Sources
https://www.mannlakeltd.com/hives-components/hive-kits/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-390/propolis
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