"The fruit of the bees is desired of all and is equally sweet to kings and beggars," St Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (AD 340-397.)

The foods made by bees in the form of honey, pollen and propolis have played an important role in sustaining animals and mankind. These foods have provided complete nourishment to maintain life on the planet.

As diligent workers, the bees gather nectar and provide mankind with about one third of our food supply by pollinating our crops. Science has discovered that bee pollen - the male cells of flowering plants - contains a concentrate of nearly all the known nutrients and is a potent healer to regenerate and rejuvenate the body.

Plant pollen is carried, by the bees, to their hives to be stored as food. The existence of the bee colony or community is something to behold, and one can't help but be fascinated by their mobilisation with mankind. In fact, from primitive times, bees would migrate with people, wherever they settled to grow crops, and build their hives.

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Since antiquity honey has been used medicinally for healing and as a disinfectant. Several tablespoonfuls of the pollen, taken daily, is used for internal cleansing.

South American Indians used honey and pollen as a dressing to open wounds, and watched the healing takes place. ( Not for diabetic ulcers).

It is also believed to help, heal respiratory problems such as bronchial ailments.

Many opera singers add honey and pollen to a glass of warm milk.

It has been taken as a natural sleep tonic; four tablespoonfuls honey combined with three teaspoonfuls of apple cider and two teaspoonfuls of pollen mixed in a cup of freshly boiled water.

Honey has been known as an oriental youth elixir for the elderly; combine two tablespoonfuls of honey, two teaspoons of pollen, half-teaspoon of chopped ginseng and a bit of dried orange peel.

It had been discovered in the USSR, many years ago, that the scraps of the pollen in the hive provides the longevity of its residents; they lived to over 100 years old.

It has been noticed by scientists that bee pollen can help to build the immune system when taken orally and can rid one of allergies that are usually airborne and affect the respiratory system. It has been noted that raw honeycomb helps to build up the immune system and resistance to prevent allergies.

When you ingest bee pollen it is thought to increase energy levels and stamina.

Bee venom is believed to have anti-inflammatory qualities and has been used to treat arthritis and other pains.

Honey for rejuvenation

Did you know that your skin could become younger and smoother looking with the use of bee pollen? It has been reported that bee pollen smoothes away wrinkles and skin creases.

Beat an egg yolk until it is light and frothy, add half cup of milk, half-mashed ripe peeled avocado and a teaspoon of bee pollen grains; this mixture should look like a creamy lotion. Apply with cotton swabs as a cleanser. Keep refrigerated for three days.

As a moisturising bath for the elderly, follow this procedure - in a tub of warm water, add two tablespoons bee pollen grains, two teaspoons glycerin, two teaspoons pure peppermint essence, blend and soak for 45 minutes.

For energy and well-being, take one teaspoonful of bee pollen and sprinkle in fruit cocktails, yoghurt, salads and beverages.

Dr Diane Robertson is a pharmacist and recipient of an honorary doctorate in complementary medicine for her work in herbs; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.