5 Easy Ways To Save Our Honey Bees!
Some of you may not be aware of the situation the world is facing if we do not save our honey bees. Here are the latest facts:
- The bee is one of the most important pollinators. They pollinate approximately 1/3 of the world’s food supply
- Over 1,000 plants grown for food, medicines, spices, and fibers require pollination.
- Commercial beekeepers have reported a 30% loss in bee colonies each winter since 2006.
The Foods We Love Are In Danger
Big deal, you say? Let’s take a look at some of the foods we love and can’t live without each day:
- Coffee Strawberries
- Chocolate Pumpkins
- Blueberries Melons
- Peaches Almonds
- Vanilla
- Tomatoes
The list is much larger than that but we get the point, right? Bees are crucial for sustaining not only our food supply but our entire ecosystem. What will happen if we lose certain plants that wildlife depend on for food as well? It is a chain that is on the verge of breaking!
More Facts:
- There are 20,000 species of bees
- Bees range in size from tiny stingless to over 1.5 “
- The European honey bee is the most familiar and is what pollinates our crops
- Bees have facial recognition just like we do (Isn’t God a magnificent designer?)
- Bees may be a link to curing cancer and HIV
- Studying the social interaction of bees may help us treat brain disorders such as dementia
How Is Honey Good For Us
- It contains all of the necessary ingredients to keep us healthy.
- It is antibacterial and can be used directly on your skin. Simply spread some raw honey on a clean dry face and let sit for up to 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Use honey to boost metabolism by combining it with warm water and lemon juice. Enjoy daily
- Honey lowers cholesterol
- Good for your heart health and may prevent clogged arteries. (Dark honey has the most antioxidants.)
- Memory booster and may help prevent dementia. Take a spoonful at bedtime. It will also keep your metabolism from slowing down as you sleep.
- Sleep aid
- Healthier stomach. Take a spoonful on an empty tummy to kill the bad bacteria
Don’t overindulge
Too much of a good thing can create problems, so only a Tablespoon is recommended to enjoy all of the awesome health benefits honey has to offer. *Caution! The rule is that honey is not to be given to any child under the age of one year.
How We Can Help
Save The Dandelions and Save Our Honey Bees!
We may see dandelions as a weed that uglies the lawn and makes us sneeze, however, the dandelion is the first food of the spring for bees and should be left alone. I leave the dandelions alone in my yard until they are done flowering before my lawn gets cut. I’m not worried about the dirty looks from my neighbors- I’m doing my part to help feed my bees!
Stop using weed killer
Pesticides and weed killers do away with bees as well. Is it really necessary to use them when there are alternatives available? For instance, a 30% vinegar concentrate is a good alternative to commercial weed killer and non-toxic to us and our bees.
Think Bee Friendly When Planting
Here are some beautiful flowers to plant to attract bees:
- Coneflower Black-eyed Susan
- Monarda (bee balm) Lavender
- Rosemary Poppy
- Cosmos Cranesbill
- Sunflower Foxglove
- Sage Nasturtium
As you can see, a few on this list not only attract our friendly honey bee but are wonderful herbs to use in the kitchen too! Those are just a few of the different varieties we can plant to add beauty to our yards and feed the bees.
As a kid, I walked into a nest of yellow jackets and had a phobia for many years. I now walk past my blooming monarda with my lawnmower and even get up close to snap a photo or two of the bees and they are only interested in their task at hand. I enjoy watching them go about their business.
Let Them Do Their Job
For the most part, the honey bee is not going to attack anyone unless, of course, they have no choice. If we leave them alone to do their job they will fly happily away to pollinate another day!
Think Organic
When growing food or purchasing food, think organic, because that is not only better for the pollinators but us as well. Imagine what pesticides are doing to our food supply. Is it healthy to eat? I am sure to thoroughly wash any produce but try to buy organic if I can. Cancer is on the rise and when I see the number of children getting cancer I can’t help thinking about the food supply. A good diet is essential. Eating whole foods is one way to ensure good health.
