Speakers Available!

Let Us Tell You About Honey Bee Resources

As beekeepers and bee lovers, we love to share about the riches that come from bee hive resources.   As a business, BEEpothecary creates artisan batches of  health, skin and hair care products made with beehive resources – propolis, honey, pollen and beeswax. We have a particular passion for propolis and have pent several years pouring over scientific research on the use of propolis for health and illness. We have several presentations that we do for beekeeping conferences, honey festivals, individual beekeeper clubs and homesteading/natural living festivals.  We offer Power Point programs with demonstrations and sampling of various products and raw materials. We also buy raw propolis (and other hive resources) from other beekeepers by the pound and can provide instructions for how to clean it to prepare for sale.

Our presentations include:

• The health benefits of hive resources;
• How to collect clean and prepare hive products for use in value added products;
• Different forms of hive products that can be marketed;
• How to make many different products using bee resources;
• The categorizing, production and labeling laws that must be followed to market value added hive products other than honey;
• Honey Bees and Beekeeping, for non-beekeepers
• Combinations of two or more of these topics in one presentation.

Our speaking charge is $100 for a 45 – 90 min presentation,  plus travel costs.  (We are willing to negotiate, in some cases, for smaller groups with a limited budget.)  We love sharing about the amazing health benefits of hive resources with others! If your club, conference or event is in need of a speaker on any of these topics, please contact us at beepothecary@gmail.com  or call 1-614-450-2339.

HEALTH ~ POWERED BY BEES!

Beekeepers Have the Best Questions!

Ohio State Beekeepers Association

Psalms from the Hive

by Jeannie Saum

Beekeepers together,

Learning from each other.

Trying to protect our bees

And reaping their treasures.

Clover, Bee, and Revery

Reverie (revery) –(n.) state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing; a fantastic, visionary, or impractical idea

 

We attended the Ohio State Beekeepers’ Summer Conference in Oxford Ohio at Miami University last week.  We were able to learn from sessions we attended and Laurie and I (Jeannie) got to share our excitement and passion for propolis and other hive products in two sessions as well.  As usual, people come up with the “I wonder” questions that we can’t answer.  So I always come back from these meetings with things to investigate!

We had two interesting questions about propolis and our bee products.  One questions was whether or not propolis would help tinnitus (ringing in the ears).  The gentleman who asked this said that he had been told to take lipoflavinoids  for his tinnitus, and since we had mentioned that propolis and honey contain flavonoids, he wondered if these would help him.  Here’s what I found:

Lipoflavonoid is a proprietary, over-the-counter, dietary supplement formula created in 1961, by NUMARK Laboratories.  It is claimed by the manufacturer to improve circulation in the inner ear, as a means of combating tinnitus (ringing in the ears).   It is made with a bioflavonoid found naturally in the peel of lemons and also has vitamin B6 and B12 (B complex), vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, choline, inositol, and pantothenic acid.  ^]There is significant anecdotal evidence that  Lipoflavonoid helps relieve the symptoms of tinnitus by consumers.   It has not been expressly approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this purpose.

So, as far as propolis being used in place of lipflavonoid, I would say it is not the same.  However, I did find some other references to propolis for tinnitus.  The following is from an Ezine Article:

Tinnitus is a symptom that can be caused by ear infections, foreign objects or wax in the ear, nose allergies that prevent fluid drain, aging, as a side effect of  medications, excessive noise exposure, or injury.

Bee propolis oil or tincture can be used orally, starting with a few drops and increasing each day to 25.  A mixture of garlic, alcohol, propolis and honey can be made and is said to be an effective home remedy to treat tinnitus. Put 200 grams by weight of alcohol (vodka) and ground garlic  into a lidded container (mason jar works well), cover tightly, shake and put it in a cool dark place.  Shake daily.   After 2 weeks, add 30 grams of propolis tincture and 2 tbs. of honey, to the garlic tincture and leave it for a few more days. Now the mixture is ready to treat tinnitus; drink few drops before having meal. Increase the number of drops with number of days.

I am not sure if any of this will work!  But it certainly can’t hurt.  Propolis has components that are shown to kill bacteria, viruses and molds, and it is also anti-inflammatory – which means it will reduce swelling and inflammation.  Besides trying it orally, I would suggest trying a few drops of propolis oil in the ears, once or twice a day.  If the tinnitus is related to any germ or inflammation, this might help.  It’s worth a try!

The second question we had from someone at the conference, was whether BEEpothecary’s Propolis Salve was safe for use with cloth diapers.  Being well beyond the child rearing years, I was not aware that some diaper creams can ruin the absorbancy of cloth diapers and not wash out in the laundry!   Who knew?!  I researched this on the web and found several blogs and forums on this subject!  According to what I read, from experienced cloth-diaper-using-moms – the ingredients in BEEpothecary Propolis Salve are all safe to use with cloth diapers.  The main  ingredients include olive oil, shea butter,  and beeswax.  These are all listed as safe for cloth diapers.

There was one other question asked in one of our sessions, that I can not for the life of me, remember!  If you were at one of our sessions, and asked a question not answered here, comment and let us know what it was.  I know a woman asked about the use of propolis for some disorder I had not researched, but I can’t remember what it was.  I would love to find our the information, if someone could jog my memory!

Job 5

“But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him.
⁹ He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.
¹⁰ He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside.

Propolis Success? – Case Closed!

Psalms from the Hive

by Jeannie Saum

The proof is in the pudding

So they say

Take a look at these results

When nothing else could,

Propolis saved the day!

Clover, Bee, and Revery

Reverie (revery) –(n.) state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing; a fantastic, visionary, or impractical idea

 

Surgical incision open for 2 months

We continue to be amazed at the amazing effects of propolis!  An old friend of the Dotsons and recent BEEpothecary customer has had phenomenal help getting his two month old wound to close up, using propolis salve.  We want to share this success with you.

Several months ago, Thom, from Michigan, had surgery on his elbow.  After the surgery, the incision just would not heal and the doctors could not find anything that worked to close this wound.  When we heard of his plight, the surgical incision had been open for two months and he had missed two months of work because of this.
We sent him some propolis salve right away.  Thom started using it as soon as he received it and took pictures to document the wound’s progress.

Within five days, his wound had closed significantly, as seen in the next photo.

Wound healing progress after 5 days of treatment with propolis salve

Needless to say, he and we, were thrilled with this progress!  Thom continued to use the propolis salve and recently sent us a picture of his wound after a month of treatment.  This is what his wound looks like now!

Complete healing after one month of propolis salve treatment

 

Imagine what propolis can do for other kinds of skin ailments!  Acne, psoriasis, rosacea, shingles, eczema, bug bites, burns, rashes, etc.  There is clinical research to confirm the success of propolis treatment on these types of skin conditions.  You can find references to these studies in previous posts on this blog, or look up the research yourself at the National Institute of Health website, http://www.nlm.nih.gov or

Green Medicine’s Website at http://www.greenmedinfo.com.

Research is great, but personal experience is even better, as far as we are concerned!  Nothing thrills us more than our personal success  or the success of friends and customers, using the amazing BEE propolis!  Does propolis really work  – absolutely  YES! – CASED CLOSED!

For Propolis Products

BEE- Powered Health!

 

Psalm 147

¹ Praise the Lord.How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

² The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel.

³ He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

⁴ He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
⁵ Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

 

 

Stan Scheller: The Forerunner of Clinical Studies on Using Propolis for Poor and Chronic Nonhealing Wounds

Psalms from the Hive

by Jeannie Saum

So many years, the word’s been hidden

Across the ocean, curtains closed.

Propolis’ power kept unbidden.

Bees’ best kept secret,

Should no longer be forbidden,

Clover, Bee, and Revery

Reverie (revery) –(n.) state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing; a fantastic, visionary, or impractical idea

 

I am continuously amazed at the research I find about propolis.  My latest discovery is an article on the National Institute of Health Website, entitled, ” Stan Scheller: The Forerunner of Clinical Studies on Using Propolis for Poor and Chronic Nonhealing Wounds”.   This study was done back in the 1960’s and 70’s by a researcher in Poland, Stan Scheller.  He collected his own propolis and made extracts the same way we do.  He soaked propolis in alcohol, shaking it occasionally, for 4 days, then filtered it. He then used it to treat poor and chronic nonhealing

wounds.

In 1975, poor and chronic non-healing wounds, in 100 patients, were treated between 1972 and 1974.  The target group, consisted of 12 patients with burns, 30 with venous crural ulceration, 10 with local sacral bone pressure ulcers, 23 with suppurative osteitis and arthritis, 15 with suppurative postoperative local wound complications, and 10 with infected traumatic wounds. All the 100 patients, described in the research had been unsuccessfully treated in the previous hospitals. Some people had suffered with the wounds for months and years.  All the patients were treated with 3% ethanol propolis solution. The patients with osteitis and fistulas underwent wound rinsing every day, whereas on the rest of the patients the propolis extract dressings were applied, which were changed every day.

The use of propolis on many kinds of serious burns and wounds showed incredible healing results and this report shows amazing before-and-after pictures.  What amazes me is that nothing seems to have ever come of this!  Propolis showed 80-100% healing of the serious burns and wounds, except for bone infection, which I understand is one
of the most difficult to get rid of.   Just more proof of the amazing power of propolis.

To see this report and the incredible pictures and documentation, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3655617/

Psalm 91

⁹ If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰ no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
¹² they will lift you up in their hands,  so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

Bee Powered Beautiful Skin

Psalms from the Hive, by Jeannie Saum

Propolis to help our skin! Another great use, we find.

From eczema and psoriasis, Herpes 1 and 2,

To wounds and burns, Even wrinkles, too.

Pass this on, If you’d be so kind!

Clover, Bee, and Revery

Reverie (revery) –(n.) state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing; a fantastic, visionary, or impractical idea

 

Whether your skin is unblemished and beautiful and you just want to keep it that way – or you have a bothersome skin condition, PROPOLIS could be the answer for you!  We’ve studied the research, tried it ourselves and want others to reap the benefits from this amazing substance made by the honeybees!

In  our first years as beekeepers, we found that honey was becoming more widely known for its antimicrobial properties and its benefit for a healing dressing on wounds and burns.  It was also being used more readily in treatment of skin conditions like pityriasis, tinea, seborrhea, dandruff, diaper dermatitis, psoriasis, and  hemorrhoids.  In cosmetics  it was known for moisturizing, softening, soothing, and hair conditioning effects,  helping keep the skin young-looking and slowing wrinkle formation, regulating pH and preventing infections.  All this had been known for decades, but honey had not been used widely in the US until recently.

We were excited to learn about these benefits of the honey our bees make.   But, we have found that honey is hard to keep in-solution in all natural cosmetic products without adding a chemical emulsifier to keep it mixed with the oils (honey is water based).  It tends to separate out of balms and ointments, and we just didn’t want to add artificial chemicals to our products.

Fortunately, we quickly found a solution!  We discovered something just as effective, or maybe even better that the bee’s honey – PROPOLIS, the sticky tree resin-based goo the bees make to seal and sterilize their hive.  It can be used to help with many conditions and health ailments, both inside and out, in ourselves and our animals.  And we find it  easier to keep it mixed in our skin care products.  We’ve used it ourselves for three years, and are truly amazed at what it can do!

As we have noted many times in our blog, over 50 years of research has proven that propolis contains flavonoids and plant esters that have  antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (see previous blogs about propolis for additional research we have reported on.)   One study from 2011  found that poplar bud extract significantly regulated genes involved in antioxidant defenses, inflammatory response and cell renewal, processes involved in skin aging. Poplar bud resin is the main component of bee propolis. The  antioxidant properties  suggest potential anti-aging properties in propolis which could be utilized in cosmetic and nutraceutical formulations. (Stéphanie Dudonné, Pascal Poupard, Philippe Coutière, Marion Woillez, Tristan Richard, Jean-Michel Mérillon, Xavier Vitrac)

Beyond just the daily use of propolis in normal skin care routine, research has shown that propolis can be effective in treating many bothersome skin conditions.  In a 2013 study, propolis was used as a topical treatment for psoriasis.  While testing was done on mice, the conclusion was that propolis extract could possibly  treat psoriatic lesions by reducing the inflammatory cells without any

toxic effect.  (Fitoterapia)

From livestrong.com, in a 2013 article by Carol Sarao,  it was reported that propolis is being used by naturopathic healers and herbalists to treat eczema.  Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition which causes inflammation and itching. Symptoms include red or grayish patches, thickened, scaly skin and small raised bumps which may ooze and then crust over.   Eczema is usually treated with steroids, antihistamines and antibiotics, which often have undesirable side effects.  Propolis treats the infection and inflammation without these bothersome side effects. Our daughter, Sarah, who has had eczema all her life, has found skin balm, with propolis, helps her eczema outbreaks.

A clinical study published in 1993, in an issue of the journal “Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research,”  propolis was reported to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent.  It suppressed production of histamines and prostaglandins in animal tissue. Drugs.com states that both oral and topical applications of propolis can improve wound healing.   The University of Maryland Medical Center says that propolis is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, which help enhance the immune system, and notes that it may heal lesions from the HSV-1 virus more effectively than Zovirax, an antiviral ointment.

Propolis has shown to be an effective antimicrobial agent against many microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus strains and Candida tropicalis, even those resistant to antibiotics!  (A Ugur, M Barlas, N Ceyhan, V Turkmen, 2000) This study can be found at greenmedinfo.com (see Blog Roll for link)  In a study on humans, propolis was found to be an effective treatment for cutaneous warts. In patients with plane and common warts treated

with Propolis, cure was achieved in 75% and 73% of patients, respectively.  (Hatem Zedan, Eman R M Hofny, Sahar A Ismail, 2009, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.) Found at greenmedinfo.com

A study reported in 2009 showed that Propolis extracts might be suitable for topical application against herpes infection.  (Paul Schnitzler, Annett Neuner, Silke Nolkemper, Christine Zundel, Hans Nowack, Karl Heinz Sensch, Jürgen Reichling) greenmedinfo.com  Another study reported in 2009 showed its effectiveness against HSV-2, the genital herpes virus that causes recurring outbreaks. It stated that propolis extracts might be suitable for topical therapy in recurrent herpetic infection.  (Silke Nolkemper, Jürgen Reichling, Karl Heinz Sensch, Paul Schnitzler)

A study reported in 1988 reported that propolis was an effective treatment for Herpes Zoster, the virus that causes Shingles.  (Silke Nolkemper, Jürgen Reichling, Karl Heinz Sench, Paul Schnitzler)  In a more recent study, Propolis  Ointment was applied topically to the Shingles blisters  of study patients, 4 times a day.  Those in the propolis test group showed faster healing than the other medication tested, and the placebo group. (Vynograd et al., 2000).

Propolis continues to amaze us, as a nature-made, God-Inspired substance that borders on the miraculous.  Nowhere have we ever seen one substance that can do so many things.  For healthy skin and bothersome skin conditions, it can have positive and safe results!  We encourage you to see for yourself.

We include  propolis for these possible benefits, in all our skin care products.  We use skin benefitting oils and butters that soften and moisturize and infuse them with herbs known for beneficial skin effects.

For Propolis Products go to :     mkt.com/beepothecary

PROPOLIS FOR HEALTHY SKIN – POWERED BY BEES

Song of Songs 4

9 You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes,   with one jewel of your necklace.
¹⁰ How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!  How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume     more than any spice!
¹¹ Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride;  milk and honey are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments  is like the fragrance of Lebanon.
¹² You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain.
¹³ Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates  with choice fruits, with henna and nard,
¹⁴ nard and saffron,  calamus and cinnamon,   with every kind of incense tree,  with myrrh and aloes  and all the finest spices.
¹⁵ You are^[b] a garden fountain,   a well of flowing water     streaming down from Lebanon.

BEE-Power – Propolis for Our Pets and Livestock

Psalms from the Hive

by Jeannie Saum

Our four legged pets and livestock, too

Can benefit from the sticky goo

That honeybees make inside their hive.

Propolis can heal them many ways

Inside and out.

Healthy pets, happy days.

Clover, Bee, and Revery

Reverie (revery) –(n.) state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing; a fantastic, visionary, or impractical idea

PROPOLIS has been used for thousands of years to fight infection and improve health and is still used all over the world as a natural antibiotic.  Yet it remains unknown to most Americans.  Made from tree resin by honeybees,  it is used to sterilize and seal up the hive.  This propolis coating inside the hive makes it one of the most antiseptic and sanitary environments found.  Propolis kills harmful bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and  viruses  without harming beneficial bacteria.  It is also anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, helps prevent allergies, and speeds healing.  Amazing isn’t it?  God has created this little creature to make this amazing substance that can do so much for us.  AND TO MAKE IT EVEN BETTER, IT CAN BE USED TO TREAT AND HELP OUR ANIMALS, TOO!

Propolis can be given orally, in tincture or infused oil form, to our four-legged pets and livestock  for ailments like  canine flu, kennel cough, and other infectious illnesses. It can be applied to cuts, wounds, burns, bites, stings, hot spots, and lick granulomas (its bitter taste helps deter licking).   Propolis oil or ointment is best for this.  A propolis ointment or cream  can also be used to moisturize dry skin, heal sores or sooth cracked paw pads.   It can be mixed with honey to help heal gum disorders.  In veterinary medicine, propolis has been used to treat wounds and in the treatment of many conditions, such as diarrheas, abscesses, burns, dermatosis, mastitis, coccidiosis and eimeria in rabbits.  These uses are all supported by research, which can be found on the National Institutes of Health’s website, nih.gov.

Got rid of Roxie’s ear mites with propolis oil!

As always, we are dedicated to backing up information with verifiable studies that have been carried out.  Research can be found as far back as the 1970’s on the documented success of propolis for animal treatment!    A report of research by Tzakoff,  in 1978,  noted the use of propolis against foot-and-mouth disease,  for pigs against enzootic pneumonia,   and as a health supplement for the growth of underdeveloped lambs, pigs and calves.   Propolis used for the health of the respiratory and immune systems, and specific ailments where  antibacterial properties are needed were  reported in a study by Glinnik and Gapanovich in 1981 .

Application of propolis liniment  to treat mastitis in animals was reported by several researchers starting in the 1980’s. ( Mirolyubov and Barskov 1980; Meresta et al, 1989; Kegl et al ,1995; Dudko & Kurpisz , 1996 and Teterev ,1998.)  In 1998, Teterev reported  several veterinarian uses for propolis at .5% – 2% solution including  internal use against gastroenterology diseases, and as a preventative treatment.  It was shown to improve weight gain and reduce diarrhea in milk-fed calves with 20% propolis extract(Gubicza and Molnar 1987).  More recently, propolis had gained popularity  in veterinary applications such as treatment of young cattle for  dermatophytosis

Nate treats Bella’s hot spots with propolis oil or salve.

(Cametal, 2009).

Propolis has been studied as supportive treatment for mammals, poultry and fish. When paired with vaccines or other treatments, propolis seems to increase the treatment success and survival rate.  Propolis has high stability, slowly release in the body and long storage stage ( Chu, 2006) and (Shen et al,2002).

Propolis  has been shown to stimulate an increased immune response  and increased protection against the herpes virus , SuHV-1, which causes an infectious disease in swine.   Many studies showed that propolis and/or one of its active components reduced blood sugar level in experimental diabetic animals.

So, to summarize, propolis can be used to treat and heal your animals for many conditions, inside and out.   It has been shown to be effective for many of the same kinds of conditions it helps in us humans!

Just one thing to keep in mind – the size of the animal you are treating.  I have noticed that the propolis tincture percentages used in these studies  have been less than the 10% solution we use.  In the reading I have done, the percentages have been in the 1%-4% range, and even smaller with birds. (see my Propolis for Pet Birds and Poultry blog)  This makes sense, since  most pets, small animals and birds weigh  quite a bit less than an adult human.  While I have read it is almost impossible to overdose on propolis, since it is mostly nutrients and it does not seem to have harmful effects on “good” tissue or organisms, it still makes sense to me to give animals a dose proportionate to their weight.

For Propolis Products, go to:    mkt.com/beepothecary

HERE’S TO PROPOLIS FOR OUR PETS AND LIVESTOCK !

THEIR HEALTH –  POWERED BY BEES!

Genesis 1

²⁴ And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so.

²⁵ God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

²⁶ Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

²⁷ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

²⁸ God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Winter Renewing – Working with the Creator’s Gifts

New batch of propolis tincture “brewing”

Psalms from the Hive

by Jeannie Saum

Holidays are over and  a new year’s coming on

Enough of rest and relaxation.  Jump in again, strong.

Re-branding and revising, making products new.

Get out that new propolis! Let’s start our new brew!

Clover, Bee, and Revery

Reverie (revery) –(n.) state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing; a fantastic, visionary, or impractical idea

With hustle and bustle of the holidays behind us, the Saums and Dotsons are anxious to use these next few cold months of winter to reflect on and refocus our efforts to bring amazing bee products to the public.  We have decided we want to re-brand our company to focus more on the bees and the “BEE POWER” they can provide to our  health.  We also want to re-formulate some of our products to improve them,  evaluate  the demand for individual products, review customer feedback and decide on products to add, change or drop.  We also  will be  looking for new stores to carry our product and new venues to attend in the spring, summer and fall.

But most importantly, because of our success of the last few months, we desperately need to mix up some new batches of our proprietary

treasured box of golden propolis

ingredients, so we can make products to replenish our supply!  We spent a night in December, processing our dried, home-grown herbs used in our soothing and healing oils.  We sat on tarps in the Dotson’s living room and  rubbed bags full of herbs through screens to crush into little pieces and then put each kind into big mason jars.   And now that we have lots of golden, healing propolis, we can get down to business, mixing up our brews.

Cooking propolis in oil on an induction burner

Laurie and Jeannie got together on New Year’s Eve day to start  brewing.  (Jeannie had already started 3 big jars of propolis in vodka last week, which must be soaked and shaken every day for at least 2 weeks, to make our propolis tincture.)  We started the day infusing propolis in olive oil using our induction cooking burner, which keeps the oil at a constant temperature.  We mix propolis and oil in a ratio, by weight and heat to 120 degrees farenheit for 20 minutes.  Then we pour through organza to strain.  Now we have 2 big jars of wonderful propolis oil.

Freshly made propolis olive oil

Next, we started our herbal oil infusions, by measuring our dried herbs by weight and pouring (measured) olive oil over them in the mason jars, to cover.  We set these herb-oil mixtures on a shelf and will shake them every day.  We’ll let them sit for a month or two and add more plant material as it becomes available, if we decide it is needed.  Then we will mix these herbal oils together to make our special soothing and healing oils to use in our skin care products.

Starting our herb infused oils

A big batch of lemon balm in olive oil

Rosemary in olive oil

Making herb infused oils

~  ~  ~

It’s fun and rather awe-inspiring to work with the Creator’s gifts!

Deuteronomy 33

¹³ About Joseph he said: “May the Lord bless his land  with the precious dew from heaven above  and with the deep waters that lie below;

¹⁴ with the best the sun brings forth  and the finest the moon can yield;

¹⁵ with the choicest gifts of the ancient mountains  and the fruitfulness of the everlasting hills;

¹⁶ with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness  and the favor of him who dwelt in the burning bush. Let all these rest on the head of Joseph,  on the brow of the prince among his brothers.

Propolis Has Arrived!

Psalms from the Hive

by Jeannie Saum

Eagerly anticipated, Our box of golden propolis

Purchased from a fellow beekeeper, Can not wait to open it!

We cherish every golden nugget Like the miners on TV’s “Gold Rush”.

It’s value is unmeasurable. We’ll make some tincture of it.

Clover, Bee, and Revery

Reverie (revery) –(n.) state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing; a fantastic, visionary, or impractical idea

 

We found an Ohio beekeeper who was collecting propolis, and were able to purchase 6 pounds of this wonderful, healing goo!  We had run out of the propolis we had collected from our hives, and needed more to keep up with the demands for propolis oil and tincture from our customers.

treasured box of golden propolis

A whole box of propolis, what a beautiful sight!  We cherish every bit of it, and go around picking up tiny stray morsels of it, as if it were nuggets of gold!  We won’t let any of it go to waste, as we process it into useful healing forms.  We are continually amazed at how it works to keep us healthy.

A month ago, husband Steve felt as if he was getting sick.  He had congestion and a tightness in his chest, that usually means 2-3 weeks of bronchitis and asthma flare-up in addition to antibiotics.  He started taking 1/3 a dropperful of propolis tincture 3 times a day for three days, and was fine!

Last week, I had a flare-up of carpel tunnel syndrome and my arm and hand hurt so that I could not sleep.  Ibuprofen was not helping the deep ache in my forearm.  When I got up in the morning, I tried ice and then heat – no  help.  Then I decided to try rubbing my arm down with propolis oil.   I had a tin of propolis coconut oil, a new item we had made.  I rubbed this in and in about 30 seconds, the deep aching was GONE!

I just tried the propolis coconut oil on my very dry and peeling feet last night.  When I got up this morning, they were so much better.  I did another treatment before I put my socks on this morning, and by afternoon, my feet are almost completely smooth!  Steve used our wound salve on his cracked and dry feet a few days ago and had similar success.

A few days ago, we were at son Nate’s house and noticed his dog Bella’s hot spot on her paw was back and she had licked it raw.  I got out my tube of propolis tip balm, took a hunk off, rubbed it into the sore, and left the tube with Nate.  He said, the next morning it looked so much better, all the redness was gone.

New batch of propolis tincture “brewing”

We are continually amazed at what  propolis can do for health and healing.  We encourage everyone to try this nature made substance to see for yourselves what it can do!

HEALTH  ~  POWERED BY BEES!

John 6

²⁸ Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”²⁹ Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

³⁰ So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? ³¹ Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

³² Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

³⁴ “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

³⁵ Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

³⁶ But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.

³⁷ All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.

³⁹ And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.

⁴⁰ For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

Stories from Propolis Users

Psalms from the Hive

by Jeannie Saum

Healing from the bees,

It warms our hearts

To share with others

What God has brought.

Clover, Bee, and Revery

Reverie (revery) –(n.) state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing; a fantastic, visionary, or impractical idea

We love it when we talk to people who have had improved health results by using propolis – our products or any others.  It affirms our amazement at the remedies God has given us in nature.  On the second day of the Lithopolis HoneyFest, we had two-day one customers come visit us again, to tell us how well the propolis product they had bought the day before had worked!  One gentleman said the propolis throat spray had gotten rid of his almost year-long irritated throat, overnight!  Another man named Jim came back Saturday to tell us he had used our Propolis Saline Nose Drops the evening before and for the first time in months, his sinuses were clear.  He came back to buy more!  We are thrilled when customers have the same successes we have had with honeybee propolis.

Last weekend, we had a booth at the Columbus Oktoberfest, where people come to pay $16 for a mug of beer and $8 for a brat!  Amazingly, despite the focus on beer and brats, we were able to turn people on to the wonders of propolis.  One family spent a long time learning about it from Laurie and Peter, but weren’t ready to buy.  Their preschool-age son with them wasn’t feeling well due to an ear ache.  Laurie offered to put prpolis oil in his ear and told them to go enjoy the festival for a while and see what happened.  An hour or so later, they were back, with a pain-free, happy child and bought their own supply of propolis products!  Another vendor purchased our rejuvenating skin balm (containing propolis) , used it on her sore, tired feet after day one of the festival and shared it with her business partner.  The next day, her business partner came by to get her own jar of rejuvenating cream, saying it really soothed their tired, worn-out feet!  (Now, we had originally designed this product for aging facial skin –  but whatever!  If it works, it works!)  One of the event organizers bought some Propolis Nose Drops, tried it and came back for more the next day.

Our friend, Donny burned his tongue on piping hot food last week, and suffered with a blistered tongue for several days, before he remembered propolis!  He treated his still-sore tongue with propolis tincture, put up with the burn for a few seconds and then was pain free.  He treated the blister for 2 more days, was pain-free, and it cleared up.

We also listen to our customers and users and make changes to our products to improve them.  Our men customers of our beard and ‘stache wax have told us that it has hardened too much, so we will be reformulating our recipe to soften it up, and will replace their too-hard wax with a new, softer formula.  We also have had questions about why we are not putting  propolis in our skin balm and soap.  After thinking about it, and realizing that propolis is what we really are promoting, we have decided to rework our recipes and add it to our skin balms and soaps.  In this way, almost all of our products will carry the health benefits of propolis

We love these stories and suggestions, so keep them coming.  And we love that we get to harvest and share these natural health products with others.

1 Timothy 6

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Honey Facial and Body Scrubs

Land of Milk and Honey

Cooking with Honey by Laurie Dotson

This came to me while drinking my morning coffee. The perfect facial scrub! I know what honey and cinnamon do for the body. So, why not make a scrub, out of my favorite ingredients.  I fix my coffee with cinnamon and honey every morning.  The combination has so many amazing healing properties. Not only can it cure many conditions such as headaches, constipation, and fatigue, it also has strong preventative powers. It reduces muscle and joint inflammation. It helps the body properly regulate insulin production and lowers cholesterol and many more things.  So why not put them all together and make a cleanser, moisturizer, and exfoliates for my face.  Try it out!!!! Let me know what you think.

A Sweet Scrub:

Coffee Cinnamon & Honey Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of olive oil or coconut oil
• 2 cups of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds

Combine all of the ingredients together and stir. If the recipe being too runny, or too dry. This is really just personal preference, so if you find it’s too runny, add more sugar, and if it’s too dry, add a tad more coconut oil or honey. This scrub smells so good you  will  want to eat it:)

Scrub. With a moist hand, rub the facial into your skin in small circular motions. If the facial is too tight to move easily, add some warm water with your hands. Rinse. The facial is easiest to remove in the shower. Stand under the shower and let the warm water dissolve the facial from your face. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, especially near the hairline.

Apply Hive & Honey BEEpothecary Propolis oil,  coconut oil, or olive oil to your face as a moisturizer.

Now A Salty Scrub:

Honey and Salt Facial Scrub

Ingredients:

• Honey
• Kosher or sea salt

Honey will provide the base for your salt scrub. Make sure your honey is at room temperature because it will be easier to work with. Pour honey into your small bowl until it’s almost half full.  Add enough salt to the honey to thicken it; mix thoroughly. The mixture should be thick enough to stick to the back of the spoon without dripping. Continue adding salt by the teaspoon and mixing it with the spoon until it’s the right consistency.

Spread the facial scrub on your face, gently. Start with your forehead and work down, avoiding the eye area. If the facial is too thick to spread easily, moisten your hands with warm water. Be sure not to pull or stretch your facial skin when applying the scrub.  Allow the scrub to sit on your face for about five minutes. The weight of it will draw the blood to the surface of your skin. Your face should appear slightly red and feel warm.

Scrub. With a moist hand, rub the facial into your skin in small circular motions. If the facial is too tight to move easily, add some warm water with your hands.Rinse. The facial is easiest to remove in the shower. Stand under the shower and let the warm water dissolve the facial from your face. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, especially near the hairline.

Apply 2-4 drops of Hive & Honey BEEpothecary Propolis oil,  coconut oil, or olive oil to your face as a moisturizer.

You are going to be glowing and your face will feel vibrate!

Happy Scrubbing!

Colossians 4:6  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person