Bees are essential pollinators for many plants. They collect nectar and pollen, which contains essential sugars and proteins needed to sustain plants in optimal health.
Bumblebees live in colonies and collaborate to keep their home stable. To stay healthy and strong, they eat a variety of foods to fuel their activity.
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Nectar
Nectar is a sweet liquid produced by plants to attract pollinators such as bees. It resides in glands called nectaries, located either inside flowers or on leaves of plants.
Bees and other insects use their mouthparts to collect nectar. They possess a long tongue that acts like a straw, known as the proboscis. Bees and other insects can choose to consume this nectar on-the-spot or take it back to their hive for others to enjoy.
They also eat pollen. The sugar found in pollen helps them make honey and provides them with essential proteins for their eggs.
It is essential that flowers produce nectar year-round, as this ensures bees and other wild pollinators remain well nourished. Unfortunately, adverse weather such as rain or cold can disrupt this process.
Pollen
Bumblebees forage to find flowers that produce pollen and nectar, which they consume to stay healthy and energized.
Bumble bees collect their food from flowers, sipping nectar and collecting pollen in special “pollen baskets” on their hind legs. After gathering this pollen they store it away in their hive for later consumption.
One study has discovered that bee pollen contains anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants which help reduce swelling and inflammation, possibly even improving heart health.
Bee pollen not only contains natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, but it is also rich in protein and amino acids – essential nutrients for good health. Not only that, but bee pollen can also boost immunity levels and reduce allergies.
Honey
Honey is an integral component of a bumblebee’s nutrition. Not only does it give energy to the queen and her developing brood, but it also contains essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Honey has antiseptic and preservative properties that make it a powerful natural remedy for sore throats, among other health issues. Comb honey, the purest form of honey available, can be strained to produce.
Bees create honey by mixing nectar with an enzyme in their stomachs. They then deposit this mixture in hexagonal cells, where other bees flap their wings to evaporate the water.
Bumblebees feed on flowers year-round, but they particularly enjoy summer blossoming flowers such as Indian balsam, phacalia, viper’s bugloss, geraniums and lupins. They gather pollen from these blossoms and then take it back to their nest to nourish themselves, their queen and larvae.
Beeswax
Beeswax is an organic substance produced by honey bees. When cold, it becomes hard and breakable; however, when heated it softens and becomes malleable.
Bumblebees use this wax for their foundation and honeycomb hexagonal cells used for raising brood. Additionally, they construct combs to store pollen and honey.
Beeswax has many uses around the home, as well as cosmetic applications and natural lubricants. You can find it in products like lip balms, hand creams, lotions and eye makeup.
Vaporizing with beeswax pastilles can help relieve congestion and coughing. To do so, mix two teaspoons of beeswax pastilles with 1/2 cup preferred carrier oil and 60 drops essential oils with cooling, warming or expectorant properties.
Keep your chopping board and other wooden surfaces in optimal condition by melting half a teaspoon of beeswax with half a cup of mineral oil, then applying it each time you use them. This will shield them from fading or tarnish while also moisturizing the wood.
