health
what’s all the
buzz
bees?
about
and how it needs to be maintained, we often tend to focus on the human footprint and the roles played by other animals and birds. Consequently, we overlook the roles insects play in making the world a livable place. They are, however, quietly— and sometimes not-so-quietly—doing their jobs, and some are making quite the buzz about it. Let’s take a look, for example, at our friend the honey bee: W h e n w e talk a b o u t t h e e ar t h ’ s e c o s y s t e m
Sweet as honey.
Honey has so many uses besides being delicious and healthy. It never spoils and is extremely resistant to bacteria. Ancient Egyptians used honey as a natural bandage to protect cuts and burns from infection. Today, honey is still used as a natural treatment for dandruff, stomach ulcers, sore throat, and cough.
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Light a candle. Spread the love.
Bees are critical to the process of pollination. While some plants can pollinate themselves, others rely on insects, birds, the wind, and animals to spread the pollen.
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The other product from bees that has found widespread use is wax. Besides candles, beeswax is also used in a variety of cosmetic products such as cold creams, moisturizers, lotions, lipsticks, and salves.
A delicate ecosystem.
Bees are doing their job to ensure that the soil remains cultivable, the air breathable, and the food edible. They play a vital role in our very delicate ecosystem. Today, these wonderful insects are at risk of becoming endangered, and it is imperative that we do all we can to prevent their extinction.
For more information about bees and preserving our planet, visit www.onegreenplanet.org.
