Let's talk about everything you never knew about bees. All honey aside, the relationship between bees and humankind reaches back to prehistory- that's right. Before people were even writing about history, we had a relationship with bees but, not just because of their tasty golden honey. Bee venom therapy and bee shamanism have barely managed to make it to the present day but, luckily they have if you seek the information out, you will be really shocked by how intimate our connection is with the honeybee and the variety of ways in which, we benefit directly from them. Bee cave drawings display a special kind of reverence and rightly so. Whether you know it or not, we have a lot to thank bees for.

First of all, let us begin by restating a common fact- 80% of all food consumed by humans is because of the honeybee. That's a pretty big number. Without the gift of their pollination- we would all starve to death in no time and no we wouldn't just live off of meat because grazing animals depend on plant life as well. At this time, in the year 2010, over 70% of commercial beehives are being compromised by death and disease. Some of the reasons are mysterious and unknown, others we do know. Microscopic mites, strains of bacteria, pesticides sprayed on crops and trees, contaminated water sources, again from commercial non-organic farming and the use of herbicides and pesticides, and also because of the unnatural treatment of bees by large scale apiaries. Beehives naturally go into hibernation in the winter and eat flower pollen. In the spirit of greed alone, most commercial beekeepers ship their beehives around the coast of California to keep the bees working through the winter and feed them cakes of white sugar to keep them going. Anytime humankind goes against nature's way- there has been a major backfire. This is yet another example- but, one that is already devastating our ability to grow our food. For more facts, check out the http://usda.gov website and click on the bees section.

In order to save the bees, which are disappearing at a startling rate- everyone needs to be involved with the promotion of organic agriculture. Vote with your dollars. It's the only language people understand these days. Buy only organic produce and buy organic honey. Honey, is literally, a perfect food source. Even better, if you buy organic raw honey- you will benefit from the most perfect food on the planet. It is packed with pollen, royal jelly, propolis, nutrients, and is a huge source of energy. Royal jelly is widely known to make women more fertile and is the only food the queen bee eats while birthing hundreds of baby bees a day. Seek out local sources of honey and you will benefit from no allergies in the spring, beautiful skin, and an emboldened immune system. Honey is low in calories and high in benefits to your health.

But, back to what you never knew about bees. Have you ever heard of bee venom therapy? Bee venom therapy is a preferred treatment for people with multiple sclerosis, skin disorders, chronic pain, and fibro-myalgia. It is basically the application of a live bee to your skin which, then stings you. A bee venom therapist will apply bees, one at a time, to your body in various locations, much like an acupuncturist would apply acupuncture needles. The difference is that the venom contains melittin, a powerful anti-inflammatory substance said to be 100 times more potent than hydrocortisone which, also activates the body's adrenal glands and one's own natural healing response. Another component of bee venom is adolapin, known for its painkilling properties. These two compounds greatly improve vision, coordination, mobility, resulting in a decrease pain and increase of overall well-being and energy levels.

The use of bees as therapy can be attributed to a relationship with bees in a more ancient time, in a more primitive setting. The term shaman should immediately bring to mind the image of a healer or seer- a kind of medicine man or woman at the center of a society that lives closely and in harmony with the earth. Bee shamanism is an earth based tradition associated with the druids in Britain, African culture, and ancient South American societies. Life inside a beehive is highly organized and in many respects, is to be greatly admired by the general chaos that is human nature. Bee shamans walk the Path of Pollen and attempt to meld with the hive mind of the bee archetype. Bee shamans seek to heal and gain wisdom through this hive mindset, connecting with a spirit that is not singular but, collective. In some respects, bee shamans meld with the spirit of the bees but, more so seek to be in touch with the great collective, a spirit that is timeless, selfless and all knowing. Bee society is a perfect model of selfless community.

There are several wonderful books on bees out there ranging from the practical aspects of bee society and beekeeping to the arcane mysteries of bee shamanism and the Path of Pollen. All are fascinating. Two of my favorites are: Letters from the Hive: An Intimate History of Bees, Honey, and Humankind by Stephen Buchman and The Shamanic Way of the Bee: Ancient Wisdom and Healing Practices of the Bee Masters by Simon Buxton. Even if you have never thought much about bees, these books are great reads and very educational on a little insect we have a lot to thank for and have been in close relationship with since time, as we know it, began.