Okanagan Natural Allergy Defence
 

Called the "life giving dust" in ancient times, bee pollen consists of the fine powder which constitutes the male seed of a flowering blossom. Pollen is collected by honeybees in little "baskets" on their rear legs and brought back to the hive as food for the young developing bees and for meeting the ongoing protein requirements for adult worker bees.

Developing an actual "immunity" against allergies is exactly what many experts believe Bee Pollen can accomplish. When we encounter an allergen, our immune system produces more histamine which causes an inflammatory response, (ie. Itchy, watery eyes, red, swollen nose, etc.). Laboratory tests have found that taking Bee Pollen can inhibit this response, thereby decreasing the miserable symptoms which usually accompany an allergic reaction. Quercitin, a bioflavonoid, is in Bee Pollen and significantly inhibits the production and release of histamine. Clearly it contributes to the ability of Bee Pollen to decrease allergic responses.

Note. Bee Pollen should not be confused with the type of pollen carried by the wind in the spring. It is this wind-born pollen (anemophiles) which can cause terrific allergic responses in some people. Bee Pollen is much thicker and tackier than this other form of pollen. While it may cause an allergic reaction in some in dividuals, allergy symptoms which originate from Bee Pollen are relatively rare.

Many individuals who suffer from pollen allergies and hay fever can safely take bee pollen. Consider the following data:

• 73 percent of patients with hay fever averaged a 75 percent improvement when given Bee Pollen orally.
• 78 percent of asthma patients averaged a 75 percent improvement after taking bee pollen.
• 17.8 percent of hay fever sufferers and 33.3 percent of asthmatics experienced a complete improvement on oral Bee Pollen supplements.

The earlier Bee Pollen supplementation was begun prior to allergy season, the greater rate of its success.

Spring has sprung in British Columbia and so has allergy season, our body's reaction to air borne pollens. Consumption of insect collected pollen, especially bee pollen collected in the area in which you live, can be very effective to counter this reaction and can provide major relief from stuffy nose, itchy watering eyes and a feeling of low energy.

• Health & Healing with Bee Products, C. Leigh Broadhurst PhD Alive Books
• Healing from the Hive Bee Pollen Royal Jelly propolis and Honey, Rita Elkins M.H

Please note that bee products may cause allergic reactions in some people. Always begin intake with very small amounts and consult the advise of an apitherapist or natural health practitioner.

To purchase visit our Vernon location.

Beekeeper Olymbeean Competitions:

 

Ed Nowek, owner of Planet Bee Honey Farm in Vernon participated in the Beekeeper Olymbeean competitions held as part of the Honeybee Festival in Surrey B. C. on June 17 & 18.
The annual festivities at the Honeybee Centre included six different events such as a Bee Beard Contest, hive assembly, queen marking, hive loading, and honey testing.

Ed claimed first prize money overall of $500.00 and donated half back to the Clover Valley Family Resource Centre.

The prizes are awarded for the longest beard which was 84 inches on day one, groomed by Ed on a fellow contestant. Although Ed's was not the longest it certainly was the fullest and he was obviously enjoying his dear little critters up close!

Planet Bee in Vernon is open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily with a full tour program running on the hour all through the summer.