Notes from a beekeeper

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Using our knowledge of beekeeping to continue rescuing dogs in the Redlands

The importance of bees for an ecosystem

🌸 Helping Plants Reproduce

When bees collect nectar, they also move pollen from one flower to another. This helps plants make seeds and grow new plants.

🐾 Feeding Other Animals

The plants bees pollinate are also food for animals like birds, rabbits, and even bears. Bees help keep the whole food chain strong.

🌍 Keeping Nature in Balance

Bees pollinate wild plants too, not just crops. This supports entire ecosystems, providing food and shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

🐝 Pollination Power

Bees help pollinate about 75% of all the plants we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without them, many of our favorite foods would be harder to grow.

🧃 Supporting Our Food Supply

Thanks to bees, we enjoy a wide variety of foods from apples and almonds to blueberries and cucumbers.

🌿 Improving the Environment

Healthy plant life (thanks to bees) keeps soil strong, reduces erosion, and helps trap carbon from the air — all great for fighting climate change.

🐝 Products made by bees consumed by humans

🍯 Honey

A natural sweetener made by bees from flower nectar. Honey is widely used in cooking, baking, and beverages, and is valued for its antibacterial and soothing properties in natural remedies.

🌸 Bee Pollen

Collected by bees as a food source for the hive. For humans, it’s considered a superfood and is consumed as a supplement due to its high protein, vitamin, and antioxidant content.

👑 Royal Jelly

A special, nutrient-rich substance that bees feed to larvae destined to become queens. It’s used in health supplements and cosmetics for its potential benefits to skin and immune health. .

🌿 Propolis

A sticky resin bees make from tree sap and plant resins to seal and protect their hives. Propolis has been used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

💉 Bee Venom

A complex mixture used by bees to defend the hive. In controlled forms, it is used in a practice called apitherapy to treat conditions like arthritis and has been explored in cosmetic products for its anti-inflammatory effects.

🕯️ Beeswax

Bees produce this wax to build their honeycombs. Humans use beeswax in candles, cosmetics (like lip balm), skincare products, and even as a natural alternative to plastic wrap

The power of propolis

What Is Propolis?

Propolis is a resin-like material made by bees by mixing plant resins, wax, and their own enzymes. Bees use it to seal gaps in their hive and protect against bacteria and invaders. Humans have valued propolis for thousands of years due to its wide range of health-supporting properties. Below are some of the benefits associated with propolis and it's common uses

🦠 Antibacterial

Studies have shown propolis may help reduce the severity or duration of viral infections, such as colds and flu.

🧪 Antiviral

Some studies show propolis may help reduce the severity or duration of viral infections, such as colds and flu.

🔥 Anti-inflammatory

Propolis may reduce inflammation, making it helpful in treating sore throats, skin irritations, and minor burns.

🩹 Wound Healing

Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, propolis can speed up healing of cuts, burns, and mouth ulcers.

🛡️ Immune Support

Propolis is rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants, which may strengthen the immune system and protect cells from damage.

🧬 Antioxidant

The flavonoids in propolis help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and possibly lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

🦷 Oral Health

Used in toothpaste and mouthwashes, propolis helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and mouth infections like canker sores

🧘 Skin Health

Found in many skincare products, propolis helps calm irritated skin and may benefit those with eczema, acne, or psoriasis.

🧴 Common Uses of Propolis

Throat sprays – to soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation.
Lozenges – for cough relief and oral health.
Toothpaste & mouthwash – to prevent dental plaque and gum issues.
Creams and ointments – for cuts, burns, acne, and irritated skin.
Dietary supplements – in capsule or liquid form for overall wellness.
Natural preservatives – due to its antimicrobial properties, it’s sometimes used in food or cosmetics.

⚠️ Note on Safety ⚠️

Propolis is generally safe for most people, but those allergic to bee products or pollen should avoid it. Always consult a healthcare provider before using it as a supplement or topical treatment, especially for children or those with existing health conditions.