A loving memory of someone whether alive or deceased is important for all of us to continue on with our lives. I have many memories of family, children, and my partner who are all still alive and well. Anyone we love becomes a memory in our minds, and the memory becomes a treasure. We build countless treasures. Sometimes these treasures are years of memories of the past long long ago and the individual in the treasured memory is no longer with us. Recently a patient who was a friend and part of 'my family' through the years passed on. I treated him for a long time. He now is part of a treasured memory . I can remember him at Beth Israel Medical Center getting his pacemaker. I loved his nonchalant attitude and stern face. You couldn't help but love him. No individual with any disease must suffer. His suffering is done. I do believe he is in a better place. He reminded me so much of my dad.
I will miss him. Memories are true treasures.
Let's continue with bees. Who doesn't love honey? Honey has long been revered for its antimicrobial properties. At the University of Wales, Professor Rose Cooper is studying how Manuka honey can interfere with the growth of three (3) different bacteria that can infect wounds. They are Group A streptococci, MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Have you ever heard of Manuka honey? Probably not. I did but never paid too much attention to it until I started getting involved with honeybees. Manuka honey is derived from the nectar collected by honey bees foraging on the Manuka tree in New Zealand. Manuka honey is included in some licensed wound care products.
YOU GOT TO LOVE THE BEES... Every part of the hive is used by the bees. The beekeeper can use every part of the hive made by the bee as well. We have discussed the Honey. whether Manuka honey and all other honey it is made from nectar from plants foraged (gathered), modified and stored in the honeycomb by the bees. Honey will not rot or ferment. For those just learning about bees - a good beekeeper always respects his bees and doesn't take all the honey.
I honestly do not feel we as physicians, or rather herbalists, fully understand the potential benefits of honey. Studies show that Manuka honey hampers the attachment of bacteria to wounds. More studies need to be done. Let's face the facts. We are over using antibioitcs. We as physicians are causing resistance by always using 'big gun' antibioitcs. We need to find alternatives. Manuka honey, as well as other honeys are viable antibioitc substitutes. We also know there are herbal antibioitcs like berberine, goldenseal, yarrow and countless others.
After the honey is harvested, the Beeswax can be gathered to be used for various wax products like seals and candles. I bought wax last year for making herbal salves and ointments. Only worker bees of a certain age will secrete beeswax from a series of glands on their abdomen.
The Propolis is a resinous mixture that the honey bees collect from tree buds and other botanical sources. The propolis has been touted for many health benefits, but more studies need to be conducted. The same is true of the Royal Jelly
Until tomorrow...
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