We recently highlighted local beekeepers in this post, so I want to continue the conversation and highlight the importance of the bees as their population dwindles around the world.
A fatal virus has swept through much of the bee population, leaving them sick and unprotected.
According to an article by Bee Culture, researchers call this “colony collapse disorder” and attribute much of it to the deformed wing virus, so-named because of how it disfigures bees’ wings.
This virus infects bees through a parasitic mite called the varroa destructor which is a small creature that attaches itself to the bee and feeds off of their tissue.
A lot of people let this go unnoticed because they don’t understand the vital role that bees play in our environment.
How important can the bees really be?
Because of the bees, our crops stay pollinated, allowing us to eat and allowing the world to go around.
Without the bees, we would have to learn a whole new way of living which is why their endangerment is a big issue.
Bees are one of the most important pollinators that our world has today, which is why I love to support my local apiaries too.
According to Bee Culture, honey bees are worth about $20 billion to American agriculture.
Without the existence of bees, there would be a major threat to honey production and crop pollination.
From 2018 – 2019, U.S. beekeepers lost 40% of their colonies.” Scary, right?
From 2018 – 2019, U.S. beekeepers lost 40% of their colonies.” Scary, right?
What’s the solution?
A recent study at Washington State University has shown that a mushroom extract could help to serve as a protection for the bees against this virus.
A type of mushroom known as Reishi has been proven to help the bees self-medicate which can help to protect them from this parasite.
This discovery can help the bees protect themselves and possibly help to save their population.
A world without bees is not one in which we could thrive.
According to researcher Walter Steven Sheppard, this possible cure has the potential to be commercial soon which is excellent news for beekeepers!
What does this mean for Andi Lynn’s?
Our Bee Propolis Drops are handcrafted with ethically-harvested resin from beehives.
This product is traditionally known for its high polyphenol properties that act to bind harmful pathogens and foreign microbes and shield the body (of humans and bees) from coming in contact.
Bee Propolis supports oral health and can be used internally or topically when mixed with honey.
The composition of propolis can vary depending on the location of the bees and what trees and flowers they have access to.
Researchers have identified more than 300 compounds in propolis, making it the perfect product to support your health.
Shop our Bee Propolis Drops here.