Most of us know that sugar is not our friend – and that white sugar is a deadly poison. So is it any wonder that beekeepers feeding bees sugar water can cause weakened immune systems in bees? The genetic structure of domesticated bees has been severely compromised. Many bees now suffer from varroa mites and diseases that do not impact feral bees.
Feeding bees organic herbal teas (preferably home or locally grown) can be a tremendous boost to the immune systems of domesticated bees, helping them to naturally repel mites. Herbal teas such as peppermint, lemon balm, basil, lemongrass, rosemary and thyme, have natural essential oils that help to keep bees strong and productive.
Commercial beekeepers: Please consider feeding bees herbal teas, as it will improve the honey you produce. Much of the honey sold in stores doesn’t taste like honey should, even the raw varieties. It is too thin, and overly sweet and sticky, whereas honey from feral bees isn’t sticky and can be massaged into the skin without causing skin to be tacky.
While many recommend a 1:1 or 2:1 sugar solution, others feed bees a weaker sugar mix and/or add essential oils such as lemongrass. An improvement on this is to feed them herbal tea that contains cane sugar, raw honey (store bought or from personal hives), and sometimes agave. As long as it is sweet it does the trick and doesn’t overwhelm them. ( I personally don’t believe the hype that store-bought honey can have germs that hurt the bees, as mine were not negatively affected whatsoever.)
The bees love this stuff and it makes them happy, they do the happy-dance fly. And happy, relaxed bees don’t sting ya!
Do your own research but use discernment, as many ‘experts’ and ‘educators’ are using outdated or harmful methodologies and will persuade you their way is tried and true. But why then is there a danger of us losing the bees?
Here is a suggestion for Bee Tea.
Bee Tea
- herbal tea – steeped in water that is close to boiling. (organic -lemon balm, lemongrass, rosemary, basil, thyme, mint, etc.). Let it steep but do not bring to a boil. Use a lot of leaves if fresh; the tea should have a nice strong color.
- pink himalayan salt – a sprinkle
- organic apple cider vinegar (or homemade herbal tea vinegar) – a dash
- essential oils (optional or every third feeding, just a drop or two per bottle of bee tea)
- Optional – colloidal copper or silver (gives them a super boost and stamina)
Yes, my friends, sugar is bad. But if you must eat it, a shot of apple cider vinegar (raw is best) can greatly assist the body in managing its toxic effects. This also apples to carbs such as breads, cakes, cookies, etc. Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the vinegar shot and you may feel your arteries plunging and clearing. It’s great for the heart also.