All sorts of stuff on Bees, honey, and beeswax

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The beauty recipes are near the top. And tons more info follows on beeswax, honey, and other bee products!

 

 

 

basic cleanser14g beeswax25g lanolin75ml avocado oil2Tbs Herbal water (infusion)2 drops essential oil for scentMelt bees wax and lanolin in double boiler gently. When completely liquidstir in oil. remove from heat and add essential oil and herbal water. Stiruntil completely cool. seal in a jar.to this you can add puree of comfrey, for comfrey ointment or calendula bothgood for minor scrapes and drawing splinters

 

 

Moisturizer50g Beeswax25g Cocoa batter5 Tbs avocado oil4 tbs distilled water1 1/2 tbs wheat germ oil3/4 tsp boraxMelt bees wax,cocoa butter and avocado oil in a double boiler gently andwhen it is liquid add distilled water wheatgerm oil and borax. whip thismix until it cools.the art in this is to not let granules form ? I have trouble there cos imnot patient enough, though if it is a little grainy don't worry it is stillok to use. Place in a jar and seal.Soak cotton balls in a cold herbal infusion and place this on tired eyeseyebright is best but infusions of chamomile, fennel, parsley, elderflowersand cornflowers are pretty good.

 

HIVE COSMETICS Most beekeepers have noticed that honey softens their skin, especiallywhen they are extracting honey from the frames. This may well be how it first became known that honey and bee pollen soften and moisture the skin. The first recorded use of beeswax for cosmetics we know of was by the ancient Egyptians and Romans who used it as a hair dressing by adding plantperfume to the wax, shaping it into tiny balls and placing them in the hair during styling; then as the day grew warmer the wax melted and conditioned the hair. Hive cosmetics have become widely popular in Europe in the past several years. We first noticed this growing interest in Romania in 1979 Honey is used to soften and moisturize the skin; and also as a cleanser.It is also believed by some people that honey has a healing effect on skin infections, such as blackheads and pimples. It can be used to treat theseby applying to the spot, allowing it to set for several minutes, and then rinsing off with witch-hazel or alcohol. Bee pollen is also believed toplay a role in the healing of skin infections and blemishes. It has beenclaimed that the use of bee pollen and honey on the hair and scalp may actually promote the growth of new, healthy hair. Honey contains a number of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are beneficial to the skin and hair; bee pollen also contains these same nutrients but in different quantities and ratios. Although pure honey is sticky by itself, it loses this quality when it is mixed with other ingredients. As these hive cosmetics do not contain preservatives they will often needto be refrigerated just as you would any other perishable natural substance. Beeswax is flammable so be careful when melting it over a double boiler, using the same caution as when melting paraffin wax for jelly making. By making your own hive cosmetics you can eliminate any ingredientspresent in the commercial ones which you are allergic too, and use only natural materials. They make wonderful gifts, and are relatively inexpensive. Honey Hand Lotion ? cup Vaseline petroleum jelly 2 tablespoons honey 3 tablespoons glycerin 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin Melt the petroleum jelly over a double boiler. Add the remainingIngredients and heat for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and well mixed, Makes about ? cup. Honey-Rosewater Hand Lotion 1 tablespoon Irish moss ? cup rosewater ? cup honey ? cup water 1/3 cup glycerin Combine the water and Irish moss, and simmer over low heat until themixture is thick about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove the Irish moss. Combine the strained liquid with the remaining ingredients. Makes aboutone cup. Beeswax Hand Cream ? cup beeswax ? cup almond oil ? cup honey 1 tablespoon bee pollen ? cup Vaseline petroleum jelly ? cup glycerin 2 tablespoons liquid lecithin Melt the beeswax and petroleum jelly together over a double boiler. Addthe remaining ingredients and heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and heated. Pour into a container while still hot since it will harden as it cools. Makes about 1? cups. Beeswax Coconut Hand Cream ? cup beeswax 3 tablespoons baby oil ? cup coconut oil 1/3 cup glycerin Melt the beeswax. and coconut oil over a double boiler. Add the remaining ingredients and heat until mixture is smooth, for about 4 to 5 minutes.Pour into a container while still hot since it will harden as it cools. Makes about 1 cup. Bee Pollen Hand Cream 1/2 cup petroleum Jelly 1/2 Cup glycerin 1/3 cup beeswax 2 tablespoons bee pollen Melt the petroleum jelly and beeswax over a double boiler.Add the glycerin and heat for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and well heated. Add the bee pollen and pour into a container while still hot since the mixture does harden as it cools. Makes about 1? cups. Materials needed, other than hive products, are readily available at drug stores and health stores. Beeswax Cold Cream 1/3 cup beeswax ? cup glycerin 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin ? cup baby oil ? cup almond oil 1 tablespoon bee pollen Melt the beeswax over a double boiler. Add the remaining ingredients and heat for several minutes until well mixed. Pour into containers whilestill hot since it will harden as it cools. Makes about 1? cups. Honey Cold Cream for Dry Skin 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup vegetable shortening 1 tablespoon ground almonds 1 teaspoon liquid lecithin 2 tablespoons bee pollen 1 egg yolk, at room temperature 1 teaspoon rosewater or cologne water Combine all ingredients and mix well. This cream has a slightly grainy and oily texture, and in addition to using as a cold cream, it can be used for sunburn and for applying as a conditioner to the hands before doingoutside work, such as gardening. Makes about ? cup. Beeswax-Almond Hand Cream ? cup beeswax ? cup almond oil ? cup coconut oil ? cup rosewater Melt the beeswax and coconut oil over a double boiler. Add the remaining ingredients and heat until well mixed, several minutes. Pour into a container while still hot since it does harden as it cools. Makes about 1? cups. Honey Cleansing Cream ? cup honey 1 tablespoon liquid soap ? cup glycerin Place the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well. Makesabout 3/4 cup. Honey Cleansing Lotion ? cup hot water 1 tablespoon bee pollen 1? teaspoons unflavored gelatin ? cup honey Soften the gelatin in the water for several minutes. Then dissolve the gelatin mixture over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until the mixture is clear.. Add the remaining ingredients. Makes about 1 cup. Honey-Rosewater Cleansing Lotion 1/4 cup honey 1 tablespoon bee pollen ? cup rosewater 2 teaspoons liquid soap Combine the ingredients in a screw top jar. Cover and shake well. Makes about ? cup. Honey-Oatmeal Face Mask 3 tablespoons honey ? cup oatmeal, ground fine 1 tablespoon bee pollen 1 tablespoon beaten egg, buttermilk, heavy cream or sour cream, optional Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth. Apply to the freshly washed face, and let set on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off. Makesenough for 1 application. Honey-Avocado Face Mask 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder ? avocado, medium size, mashed Combine the ingredients and stir until smooth. Cucumber puree may be substituted for the avocado, using ? cup puree. Avocado is good for dry skin, while cucumber is better for oily skin. Makes enough for 1 application. Honey Protein Face Mask 1 tablespoon honey ? teaspoon lemon juice or cider vinegar 1 tablespoon bee pollen ? teaspoon wheat germ oil or glycerin 1 egg white, at room temperature (1 small whole egg may be substituted) Combine the honey, pollen, and lemon juice. Mix well until the honey softens. Add the remaining ingredients. Makes enough for 1 application. Honey Face Mask for Oily Skin 4 tablespoons honey ? cup finely chopped parsley Combine the ingredients and stir until smooth. Makes enough for 1 application. Honey Face Scrub 2 tablespoons bee pollen 1/2 cup honey 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin ? cup each of almonds, walnuts, oatmeal, whole wheat flour, corn meal 1 tablespoon rose water ? cup water Combine all the dry ingredients. Add the honey, rose water, and liquid lecithin. Stir until smooth, and add in enough of the water to make asmooth paste. Makes about 2 cups. Honey Hand Cleanser 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon liquid soap 1/4 cup almond or walnut oil Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth. Makes about 1/3 cup. Soapless Hand Cleanser 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon oatmeal or ground almonds 1 tablespoon glycerin 2 tablespoons witch hazel Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth. This may be used to remove dirt from the hands and fingernails, and is less drying on the skin than soap and water. Makes enough for 1 application. Beeswax Lip Balm 2 tablespoons beeswax 1 tablespoon coconut oil Melt the ingredients over a double boiler. Pour into a container whilestill hot since it will harden as it cools. Makes about 1/4 cup. Honey Egg Shampoo 1/4 cup honey 2 tablespoons liquid soap 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon witch hazel 1 large egg, at room temperature 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil or almond oil 1 tablespoon rosewater or cologne Place all the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well. Makes about 2/3 cup Honey-Pollen Shampoo 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup glycerin. 1 tablespoon witch hazel 1/4 cup orange flower water or cologne 2 tablespoons bee pollen 1 teaspoon liquid soap 1 tablespoon alcohol Place the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well. Makesabout 1? cups. Honey-Milk Conditioner For Oily Hair 1/3 cup hot water ? cup glycerin 2 tablespoons liquid lecithin 1/4 cup Sage 1/4 cup honey 2 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder Combine the hot water and sage, and let set for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid, and discard the sage. Add the remaining Ingredients to thestrained liquid, and mix well. Apply to freshly shampooed hair, let set on hair for about 2 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Makes about 1/2 cup. Honey Herbal Hair Conditioner 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup glycerin 1/4 cup sage, and 1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers OR 1/2 cup nettle leaves and 1/4 cup rosemary leaves 1/2 cup witch hazel 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin Place all the ingredients in a screw top jar. Shake well and let set for 1 hour. Strain to remove herbs, discard the herbs and pour the liquid back into the jar. Makes about 1/2 cup. Honey Treatment for Very Dry Damaged Hair 3 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon olive oil Stir for a minute or so until the mixture is smooth. Apply to freshly shampooed hair, and let soak in for 10-12 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Makes enough for 1 application. Blond Hair Highlighter 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup honey 1 tablespoon Irish moss 1/4 Cup molasses Soak the Irish moss in the water for 5 minutes. Then simmer for severalminutes over low heat until the mixture is thick. Add the remainingingredients. Apply to freshly shampooed hair and let soak for 3-5 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water. Makes about 1 cup, enough for two applications.

 

Old Honey Based RemediesHome Remedies and Beauty SecretsIn olden times, man used honey for almost every illness of the body andmind. Honey was good for the stomach and intestinal disorders. It was usedas a gentle laxative. Honey was also used as a sedative. Modern research hasfound that honey increases blood calcium and has the same effect as a glassof milk before bedtime. Honey is good for the skin. Its' antibacterialproperties make honey a good natural remedy for open wounds, skin rashes,and burns. It was the base for many home remedies such as cough syrup,diarrhea cures and even a cure for bedwetting:Burn CureMix one egg yolk, one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of olive oil.Spread onto surgical gauze and place on the burned area. When the dressingdries, repeat the treatment until the healing is complete. The pain shouldsubside and disappear completely in a short time.Diarrhea CureMix one teaspoon of honey in eight ounces of barley water in a glass anddrink. This will stop summer diarrhea.Bedwetting CureBefore a child goes to bed, make sure he has no liquid refreshment. Justbefore he goes to sleep, give him at least 3 to 4 teaspoons of honey.TranquilizerBefore going to bed, steep one cup of chamomile tea, fresh or dry mintleaves, and one teaspoon of honey for three minutes.Cough Syrup 1For a simple cough syrup, mix equal parts of honey and lemon juice and useas needed.Cough Syrup 2Blend well 1/4 cup of glycerin and a 1/4 cup of honey and a tablespoon offresh lime or lemon juice. Keep in a jar tightly covered and take a teaspoonevery two hours, or as needed.Cough Syrup 3Mix equal parts of honey, bourbon whiskey, and lemon juice for a trulyexceptional cough syrup. Take as needed.TonicTwo teaspoons of honey and two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar taken in aglass of water one or more times a daily, will replenish the body'sminerals. Take as needed when doing mental or physical work.You may enjoy these beauty secrets some date back to the time of Cleopatra!Honey FacialStarting with a perfectly clean face, pat on enough honey to cover. Lie downfor 30 minutes and relax. Clean the face with warm water and a cleanwashcloth. If your face is oily, add a little apple cider vinegar or lemonjuice to the rinse water.Oatmeal FacialMix 1/3 cup of finely ground oatmeal with enough honey two or threeteaspoons) to make a smooth paste. Spread the mixture over the face but notaround the eyes and let it remain for thirty minutes. Rinse face and patdry.Facial for AcneMix 1/3 cup of honey with 2/3 cups of water. Pat gently all over the face oraffected areas. Let this mixture remain for 20 or 30 minutes, rinse well andpat dry.For Dry SkinMix 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil with 2 tablespoons of honey. Blend andspread over a clean face and neck and allow to remain for 15 minutes ormore. Rinse face with lukewarm water and pat dry.For Oily SkinMix one tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 2-3 drops ofmilk. Mix into a smooth paste and spread over face and neck. Allow to remainfor 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Do not usemore than once every 2 weeks or once a month if your skin dries up to much.Honey Hand ScrubMix three tablespoons of finely ground cornmeal, two tablespoons of honeyand one tablespoon of cornstarch in a small, unbreakable container. Leavenear the sink and use as you would any hand soap. Softens, cleans andsoothes the hands, and should always be rinsed with cold water.Hand Cream8 egg yolks2 cups of honey2 cups almond oil1/2 pound bitter almonds, finely minced1/2 teaspoon oil of orangeBeat egg yolks with honey, add almond oil gradually, and then almonds andoil of orange. Apply small amount to hands to maintain a youthfulappearance.Sources:Cooking With Honey by Judy PowersGleanings in Bee Culture by Connie KrochmalBeeswax Elegance by Dr. Arnold Krochmal

 

Cooking With HoneyCooking With HoneyHere are some rules that must be followed when cooking with honey that canassure success and pleasure:Rule 1. When baking, set your oven at 25 degrees less than the recipe callsfor on a recipe that does not contain honey. Baked goods brown faster whenflavored with honey, so by baking breads and muffins longer at a lowertemperature you get good results. When cooking on top of the stove, turn theheat down and stir a little more often because dishes made with honey sticka little sooner and burn a little quicker.Rule 2. Honey adds liquid to a recipe (about three tablespoons of extrafluid per cup of sweetening, or one-quarter cup per pound). There is a good"rule of thumb" when honey is substituted for sugar in a recipe: you mustreduce the amount of liquid by * cup for each cup of honey used to replace acup of sugar.Rule 3. Honey is slightly acid, so add a little baking soda (usuallyOne-eighth to one quarter teaspoonful per cup of sweetening) to most battersand dough's. This addition is unnecessary with yeast breads because thebread leavening thrives in the mildly acid environment of honey.Rule 4. The sugar in a recipe can usually be replaced with an equal weightof honey-a rule that works out to about two-thirds of a cup of liquid honeyto one cup of dry sugar. Honey is largely fructose and is therefore muchsweeter than refined sugarPure honey will granulate (crystallize) if it becomes too cool, or has beenstored for a while. This does not alter the flavor or the content or honeybut many cooks think that their honey has "spoiled." This is a naturalprocess of honey, and many counties prefer their honey in this granulatedform. It is very simple to liquefy your honey if you prefer it in thatslate: place the opened jar of honey in a pan of warm water for a while andit will become liquid again, or place your jar of honey in a microwave ovenfor about 30 seconds. Before you do this. you might try the honeygranulated. It's lovely. Be careful as honey does scorch and looses itdelicate flavor if over heated.The flavor of a particular honey will also make quite a difference in yourrecipe. In small amounts, honey heightens flavor without itself beingdistinguishable. In greater proportion, it quickly tends to dominate amixture. Light colored honeys tend to have a less pronounced effect inflavor combinations, so they should be chosen when an unidentifiablesweetness is desired. Dark mellow honeys, such as buckwheat, contributeflavor and are excellent in spicy pastries. Occasionally honeys, such aseucalyptus, are so strongly flavored that they are not recommended forcooking. Appreciate them on toast or in tea. A dish in which honey disguisesor obliterates the natural flavors of the other ingredients is adisappointment even to a confirmed honey eater.Honey is like wine, To an educated palate, one honey is as distinguishablefrom another as is a burgundy or a Riesling. Different nectars and differentregions with different climates determine the differences in the flavors ofhoney. Sample different honeys. You will soon discover your favorite flavorsand find that some honeys are better than others for substitutions in yourfavorite recipes.Sources:Cooking With Honey by Judy PowersGleanings in Bee Culture by Connie KrochmalBeeswax Elegance by Dr. Arnold Krochmal

 

Propolis / Bee GumPropolis is a resinous substance gathered by the bees from the leaf buds orthe bark of poplars, chestnuts and other common trees. The bees then use thepropolis as a 'cement' that lines the walls of the hive in which theyprepare honey, pollen, royal jelly and other related by-products. Naturehas provided bees with this sub-stance to keep them and their hives free ofgerms in spite of 40,000 to 50,000 bees being crammed into close quarters inthe hive. Bees use propolis to glue anything loose down. If a mouse enters ahive it will be stung to death and due to its' large size cannot be removed.The bees will seal the carcass in propolis to prevent contamination of theirhive.Researchers around the world are hailing its powers. So far they say it hashelped:Cancer. Dr. Mitja Vosnjak, former deputy minister of foreign affairsin Yugoslavia, reported at a medical conference that a friend dyingof stomach cancer was told to take 10-15 drops of propolis three timesa day.Within a few days, the patient had "no pains, no cramps and no bleeding."After six weeks he was gaining weight and the cancer seemed to be inremission.Ulcers. Dr. Franz Klemens Feiks of Austria reported: "We gave adose of three drops before meals, three times a day. The group takingpropolis showed pain disappeared within three days in seven of 10cases.After 10 days no wounds could be detected in six of 10patients.Influenza. In Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Professor Izet Osmanagic testedvolunteers who were exposed to influenza. Eighty-eight patients tookpropolis 182 did not.Only seven percent on propolis got the flu, while 63 percent of the otherscontracted it.Along with the ailments listed above, propolis has also been known to help:Sore lips and gumsBlemishes or bruisesBurnsSore throatSkin blemishesNasal congestionRespiratory distressBroken bonesColds and related ailmentsSkin healingBetter physical strengthInfluenzaThe greenish to brownish glue-like material with an aromatic smell andslightly bitter taste is made up of 50 to 55 percent resin and balsam, 30percent wax and eight to 10 percent pollen.Some researchers think the therapeutic properties of propolis come fromchemical substances called flavonoids, found in the resin.It is rich in minerals, B-vitamins and antibiotics and works to raise thebody's natural resistance by stimulating it to produce its own diseasefighting defenses.References: Ross, R. The Globe, March 25th, 1980 Pg. 5Wade, C. Propolis: Nature's Energizer 1983 Keats PublishingPropolis is used in some tooth paste.It was also found in the finish of violins made by Stradivarius."The bees have relied on it for 46 million years." Says Dr. Kupsinel, aFlorida physician. "A bee hive is more sterile than hospitals."

 

Beeswax IntroductionBeeswax uses have been recorded in all of mans past history. The biblerefers to it frequently. The ancient Greek legend of the Athenian,Daedalus, is remembered because he and his son Icarus, on the island Crete,made themselves wings of bird feathers, which they fastened to their bodieswith beeswax.Flying too high, Icarus had the wax witch held it's wings to his body, melt,and he plunged into the Aegean Sea, drowning. His father flew at a lowerheight and made it safely to Italy, where he built a temple to honor Apollo.The ancient god, Pan, guardian of bees, invented a musical instrument, Pan'sPipes, by joining reeds together with beeswax, and blowing through them tomake music.The ancient Roman Pliny my noted differences in beeswax coming fromdifferent parts of the then known world. The great Greek physician,Discorides, wrote of rolling beeswax into sheets which was then used to makeartificial flowers. The ancient Greeks also made toy dolls of wax forchildren. Tablets of wax were used by the Greeks and Romans for writing.In the fourth century, during Easter observances, a large column of waxresembling a candle, but lacking a wick, (phallus) was set up on the altar,and on it was inscribed the religious observances to come.The ancient Greeks knew of the solubility of wax in fats and oils, and usedthis technique for painting on wax.Wax as a candle material and light source has been used for eons. In thebeginning in the ancient world, a plant, the rush, or the seed stalk of thecommon mullein, were dipped in wax, and carried as torches in religiousobservances.The early pagans worshipped Zoroaster with lit wax candles, as did some ofthe Greeks worshipping Ceres, the goddess of grains. Bacchus and Saturnwere similarly honored.Beeswax has been used to mans advantage and benefit for thousands of years.The following recipes continue that beautiful and historic tradition.How To Do ItFor small scale production no sophisticated or expensive equipment isneeded. Two old pots, one to sit inside of the other to make a doubleboiler, and an electric hot plate are the main items needed. Wide mouth jarsof different capacities, and a few wooden spatulas pretty well are the basicnecessities. One or two measuring cups are helpful.Warmth is necessary to prevent the settling out of the wax pieces duringmixing. At all times low heat is recommend, to avoid any danger of fire. Ifsettling occurs, we simply put the container into the pot of hot water andstir with the wooden spatula.For a little different touch, a few drops of lemon oil provide a mostpleasant odor which will mask the turpentine when used. If used, it shouldbe added when the mixture is still warm.Be sure to have labels ready for each batch produced. The recipes given arethose we have worked out at home in our garage workshop, but the relativequantities can be varied, and increased to meet personal preferences. It isa good idea to begin on a small scale to get the feel of the procedures.Work in a well ventilated area, particularly if using lemon oil. Be sure tokeep an eye on heating mixtures, and use low to medium heat, and the doubleboiler system.Famous Three in One Solid Furniture PolishEqual portions of linseed oil, warmed beeswax and turpentineThis, like some of the other recipes, can be experimented with for bestresults. Here it is good to begin with small quantities, about a cup of eachingredient. The warmed materials should be carefully and thoroughly mixedtogether with a wooden stick, then pour into the usual wide mouthed storagejar. The final color is usually a rich gold.Furniture Oil1 pint linseed oil6 oz. beeswaxMelt the two ingredients together over low heat and store in closed bottle.Leather Waterproofing4 oz. beeswax4 oz. resin or rosin (music stores carry)1 pint vegetable oilMelt the solids in the oil, and apply while warm.Floor PolishMelt equal portions of beeswax and turpentine together for use on woodenfloors.Holiday Floor Polish4 oz. beeswax1/2 cup liquid soap1/2 pint water1/4 cup linseed oil1/4 cup turpentineMelt the wax in the warm water, then mix in the soap. When cooled, add theturpentine and linseed oil. Store in covered container.Liquid Beeswax Furniture Polish1/4 cup liquid soap1/4 pound beeswax1/2 cup water1 cup turpentineWarm the water and dissolve the soap in it. Then put the shaved beeswax intothe turpentine in another pan and warm gently until the wax is completelymelted.Then pour the soap mixture into the turpentine mix, stir-ring with a woodenstick until completely mixed. Then pour into storage jars.Furniture Cream Polish #11 pint linseed oil4 oz. beeswaxMelt together, mix thoroughly, and put into container.Beeswax Special furniture Cream Polish4 oz. beeswax1/4 cup liquid soap2 cups turpentine1 cup very warm water1/4 cup pine oilDissolve the soap well in the warm water, and let cool. Using the doubleboiler technique, melt the beeswax shavings in the turpentine, remove andcool. When both mixes are cool , mix gently and thoroughly with a woodenstick. If, as happens, the mix cools too quickly and hardens again, re-heatgently while stirring.Furniture Paste PolishEqual parts of beeswax, turpentine and linseed oil, gently melted together.

 

HONEY:Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners of all time. Not only used as asweetener but also a wine (mead).It was used in ancient Roman times as a bandage, when honey is exposed toair it reacts to produce hydrogen peroxide, when used on wounds it caneasily be washed off and reapplied.Composition:The composition of honey varies according to environmental conditions:relative humidity, floral source, ripeness when extracted from the comb,methods used in processing and conditions of storage. There are hundreds ofvarieties of honey in the US alone, and if you consider the world, thevarieties of honey number in the thousands.The following chart, prepared by the American Honey Institute, shows theaverage chemical composition of honey.Water...............................17.7%Levulose (fruit sugar).........40.5%Dextrose (grape sugar)......34.0%Sucrose (cane sugar)..........1.9%Dextrins and Gums.............1.5%Ash (silicon, iron, copper, manganese, chlorine,calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus,sulfur, aluminum, magnesium) 0.18%Total 95.78%This leaves an undetermined factor of 4.22%.There are minute amounts of enzymes, minerals, yeast, acidsand other trace elements. It should be noted that one teaspoonof extracted honey contains about 21 calories.When a honey bee leaves its' hive it collects along with other products,nectar. It has been calculated that bees have to visit at least one millionflowers to obtain one finished pound of honey and that 150,000 bees areinvolved in the process of producing that pound. It takes a honey bees lifeof 4 to 6 weeks to produce one teaspoon of nectar. The flying distanceinvolved in gathering the nectar for one pound is equal to flying threetimes around the Earth.On returning to the hive the field honey bee passes most of the nectar to ahouse bee who adds enzymes to the nectar then places it into a cell to beevaporated into honey. It is the enzymes added by he house bee that produceshydrogen peroxide.Most honey found in stores has been heated and passed through filters and insome cases diatomaceous earth. In doing so the honey is ultra cleansed,removing pollen and other foreign materials. By filtering honey it extendsits' shelf life.When purchasing honey it is best to buy from your local bee keeper, thesesources do not usually over heat if any heat is used at all. Heating honeydarkens it and changes it delicate flavor, heating is cumulative, (the moreit is heated the more damage is done). Plus there are other benefits frombuying local. When local sources are used there are small amounts of pollenin the honey it can assist with building up tolerances to allergies to localplants.Do Not Consume Pollen Directly! If you are allergic to a certain plant itcould cause very serious problems.When honey has crystallized or sugared it is not spoiled, it can beliquefied by placing the jar in a pan of water and slowly heating it untilall of the crystals are melted. Honey has been found in ancient tombs inEgypt, once liquefied it was as it originally stored. Some flower sourceswill crystallize sooner than others. Two that come to mind are Golden Rodand Aster, Wildflower and Clover as well as Buckwheat are fairly stable.Honey is hygroscopic, (draws moisture) Honey can ferment when the moisturecontent is to high. If ferment honey is consumed it can cause diarrhea.The color of honey is some what of an indicator of flavor, light holds adelicate flavor and darker a stronger flavor.Some common honey types listed from mild to strong flavor.1. Tupelo, 2. Clover (Alfalfa), 3. Sage, 4. Palmetto, 5. Sunflower6. Gallberry, 7. Goldenrod, 8. Poplar, 9. Buckwheat.The following flavors are best used as they are and not for cooking just toenjoy.1. Orange, 2. Basswood, 3. Sourwood.One of my favorites is Tupelo Honey. Tupelo is a tree in the Southern US.The beekeeper takes his hives on boats into the watery areas where the treegrows and places them on high stands.Comb honeyComb Honey is the purest way to get honey, when you purchase honey in thecomb you can be assured that it is unadulterated. However with honey'sproperties for drawing moisture it should be eaten fairly soon a it can drawmoisture through the wax. Comb honey is harder to find due to the fact thatit is labor intense for the beekeeper, and depending on the form itsometimes requires crowding of the bees to have them fill in the corners ofthe sections. This crowding may lead to swarming, when a hive swarms 70% ofthe work force as well as the queen leaves. When this happens it is unlikelythat a crop will be obtained, in some cases it can be difficult in the northto over winter a colony that has swarmed due to lack of bees and honey.

 

 

 

Dew Drop Blessings,Soseneda Si hoc legere scis ninium eruditionis habes.ICQ# 47264444MSN Messenger: SosenedaAIM: SosenedaA"Knowledge is power. Unless you forget where you put the adapter."