World Honeybee Day

World Honeybee Day!

World Honey Bee Day on the third Saturday in August brings a buzzing celebration for beekeepers, honey lovers, and all blooming things. The day recognizes both the honey bee and the beekeepers who tend the hives.

Honey has many beneficial properties, especially high quality, raw honey!

Antioxidants – Raw honey contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals.

Free radicals contribute to the aging process and may also contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Research shows that antioxidant compounds in honey called polyphenols may play a role in preventing heart disease. Add a little bit of honey to your diet for your health? Sounds sweet!  

Antibacterial and antifungal properties – Research has shown that raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungus. It naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic. Its effectiveness as an antibacterial or antifungal varies depending on the honey, but it’s clearly more than a folk remedy for these kinds of infections.

Because of this, honey is used to promote burn and wound healing. Hospitals use special medical grade honey as an effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers and skin conditions such as psoriasis and herpes lesions. Studies show that special Manuka honey is especially effective. 

Soothe a sore throat – Have a cold? Try a spoonful of honey. Honey is an old sore throat remedy. Add it to hot tea with lemon when a cold virus hits you. Anyone who has tried can attest to this that it helps!

It also works as a cough suppressant. Research has suggested that honey is as effective as dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough medication. Just take one or two teaspoonfuls, straight.

Another important part of the day includes learning about honey bees and providing them with a supportive environment. When we plant wildflowers, orchards, and other flowering plants, we support pollinators such as honey bees. They depend on the nectar of a variety of plants for their survival. Conversely, we depend on honeybees for our survival, too! Without their pollinating abilities, many nutritious plants wouldn’t reproduce. It also encourages everyone to enjoy and buy locally grown honey. Supporting locally grown honey is important because honey bees help pollinate plants, which means that it improves your environment and makes it a better and more beautiful place to live. 

Honey bees do sting, but only if they perceive a threat – damage to their hive or being swatted at. If a honey bee comes close, either hold still or move slowly away. The honey bee will fly along to the next sweet thing as long as it doesn’t feel threatened. But remember – the fuzzy honey bees do not string!

Have a sweet World Honeybee Day!