Products of The Hive
01. HONEY
02. PROPOLIS
03. BEESWAX
04. BEE POLLEN
05. ROYAL JELLY
06. BEEVENOM
The honey bee is one special and magical being. They are essential for the health of human beings and the planet. Not only do we depend on them for pollination and fertilization of crops and our food supply, they also hold within them miraculous healing capabilities. From their venom to sweet honey and potent propolis, their gifts offer us such a range of medicinal products.
HISTORY
The oldest fossilized honeycomb dates back three million years. In Spain, an ancient cave drawing shows a human removing honey from a hive, a painting which dates as far back as 15,000 years.
In Greek mythology, bees were seen as the messengers of the gods and honey was a source of wisdom and poetry. Honey was thought to provide unbelievable powers. In the Iliad and Odyssey of Homer it was mentioned that the gods of Olympus lived on honey, which they referred to as nectar, and mead (honey wine). In Greek the word “nectar” means “victory over death” and Ambrosia stands for “immortality”. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty, used honey and beeswax for skincare and beauty practices.
01. HONEY
The most common bee product found in households across the world. It’s considered the “perfect food” because it contains every substance that a human needs to survive (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, protein and water. It also never goes bad. This study goes into depth about the healing properties of honey
Honey contains many important bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. The darker the honey, the higher in antioxidants.
It’s better for blood sugar regulation than other types of sugar. Researchers have found that honey may increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation (study). There’s also some evidence that daily honey intake may improve fasting blood sugar levels.
Honey has antibacterial and anti viral properties and prebiotics making it great for our gut health. Honey has also shown to have, antidepressant and anticonvulsant effects and helps the central nervous system. Studies also shoe that honey polyphenols have nootropic and neuroprotective properties.
External Use —- Because of honeys natural antibacterial properties it makes a great natural face wash and face mask. It contains enzymes that help to gently exfoliate dead skin cells leaving you with fresh, glowy skin. Honey is a powerful humectant meaning it draws moisture to the skin. This is in large part due to the water bonding capabilities of glucose and fructose molecules.
02. PROPOLIS
Propolis (aka bee glue) is one potent bee product. It’s the resin like substance made by bees from collected from plants, buds and trees. They use it to seal and line the hive which acts as an almost external immune system for the bess due to its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti fungal properties. It’s also contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti cancer and immune modulating properties. We most often find and use propolis in its extracted form (using either alcohol or glycerin). Its a staple addition to your wellness toolkit. It can be taken internally during or to prevent illness, to help any gut infections or ulcers (specifically potent in killing h.pylori, the bacteria responsible for ulcer) as a throat spray, as well as orally for gum health maintenance or if you are experiencing acute gum or teeth issues.
External Use —- Just like propolis provides a barrier for the hive, it provides the skin with that same protection. It’s amazing for so many different skin types due to its abundant healing properties. For sensitive skin with a weakened barrier to those struggling with acne. In a recent laboratory study, a team of Bulgarian researchers found that propolis extract was successful at killing most strains of anaerobic bacteria, including P. acnes - the bacteria responsible for acne. another benefit of propolis in skincare is it’s high flavonoid concentration. This antioxidant helps to neutralize free radical damage and oxidative stress from the environmental stressors, pollution, sunlight, and radiation. This is one of the key ingredients in our Propolis Face Oil (coming soon!)
03. BEESWAX
Beeswax forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, protecting your skin from environmental irritants and harsh weather. Beeswax is particularly exceptional being non-comedogenic (non-pore blocking), allowing the skin to breathe freely. This makes beeswax particularly beneficial for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It is also a humectant like honey which means it’s great for skin hydration.
04. BEE POLLEN
Bee pollen is considered natures multivitamin. It contains over 250 biological substances, including protein, carbs, fats,,vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. The exact nutrient composition depends on the plant source and season collected. Pollen contains both fat soluble vitamins such as provitamin A and vitamins E and D, and water-soluble such as B1, B2, B6, and C, and acids: pantothenic, nicotinic and folic, biotin, rutin, and inositol. Pollen also has adaptogenic properties (increases resistance to harmful stressors).
External Use —- Bee pollen has strong anti-aging properties due to its high levels of nucleic acids. It stimulates growth of new skin tissues.
05. ROYAL JELLY
Royal jelly is a milky secretion made by worker honeybees. It's rich in carbs, protein, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.Royal jelly gets its name because it is used as food for the queen bee.
Currently there aren’t any ways of harvesting royal jelly ethically and sustainably enough for us to be comfortable incorporating them into our products. We feel better saving it for the Queen :)
06. BEE VENOM
Bee venom contains several active molecules such as peptides and enzymes that have advantageous potential in treating inflammation and central nervous system diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, bee venom has shown promising benefits against different types of cancer as well as anti-viral activity, even against the challenging human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This article says it all.
Once again, we aren’t totally comfortable with the process of bee venom extraction for cosmetic use so will not be apart of our products. Bee venom is sacred medicine that should only be used when necessary.
Can not wait for you to try our products and experience everything that nature has to offer.
With Love,
xx Sara
