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Focus on Herbs: Bee
Pollen
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by Lynne Latella
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Mentioned in the Bible and
well as in ancient Egyptian and Chinese writings, bee pollen is
considered a complete food. Remarkably, studies have shown it to be
beneficial for many common ailments because it contains all the
essential components of life.
Pollen, the male seed of flowers, is necessary for fertilization of
every flower in the world. How amazing a feat it is for bees to be able
to produce this incredible gift of nature! In simple terms, bees
skillfully scrape the golden powdery, loose pollen from flowers,
moisten it with honey and gather it together in the bees’ baskets. When
the bees completely fill their baskets and fully tamp down the pollen,
it becomes a single pollen granule. One bee, working eight hours a day
for one month produces only a mere one teaspoon dose of pollen.
Bee pollen contains almost all the nutrients humans need. It is about
40% protein, rich in amino acids and vitamins and very high in rutin.
It cannot be synthesized in a laboratory. Obviously, the composition
cannot be totally replicated, because when bees are fed man-made
pollen, they die.
Effective for a wide range of respiratory ailments, bee pollen is
useful in cases of hay fever, allergies, asthma and bronchitis. In
order to be effective as an allergy and hay fever remedy, it must be
taken at least six weeks prior to allergy season and continued
throughout the entire season. This is an ideal time to begin such a
program.
Bee pollen stabilizes weight by correcting chemical imbalances in
metabolism and speeding caloric burn. It acts as an appetite
suppressant for those who need to lose weight and works just the
opposite for those who need to gain weight, especially during periods
of convalescence.
Considered an energizer and tonic in some cultures, bee pollen is noted
for its ability to increase longevity and mental acuity. Many athletes
take it as part of a regimen for physical strength and endurance. It
also promotes recovery from chronic illness.
Studies have shown that bee pollen has been effective in supporting
recovery from other health issues. It can reduce cravings and
addictions. With its antibiotic properties, it inhibits the development
of harmful bacteria and is used, for instance, in cases of salmonella.
Not only does it normalize cholesterol and triglycerides, it can also
effectively treat anemia. Immune system cells have been known to
increase, providing hope for people with compromised immune systems. It
has even been recorded to increase sperm count. Besides its obvious
benefits for humans, bee pollen is increasingly being used for animal
health. Hundreds of animals fed bee pollen over a two-year period
during a study in France exhibited increased vitality and improved
reproductive functions.
Although bee pollen’s wide range of health benefits may seem
miraculous, caution should be exercised in those who may be prone to
allergic reactions to bees and pollen.
The Co-op carries fresh local pollen that is harvested on a daily basis
as well as other fresh and dried organic and non-organic pollen.
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