5 Reasons to Appreciate Bees This Thanksgiving

Every family has its own Thanksgiving tradition. Perhaps there is a favorite dish passed on for generations and savored every year. There may be some pre-feast exercise like tossing a football in the cool autumn air. Or maybe your family looks forward to watching the annual Macy’s Parade that airs each Turkey Day. No matter what your family tradition may be, giving thanks is one tradition we should all participate in. At the top of our list ranks the many benefits we can reap from nature. On a day defined by full stomachs and plentiful food, the importance of bees really can’t be overstated. Here’s 5 reasons we should all appreciate bees on Thanksgiving (and year round).

1. Honeybees Didn’t Always Live in the Americas
   That’s right. Early colonists were actually the first to bring honeybees from Europe to North America in the 1600s. In fact, honey may have been present during the first Thanksgiving celebration in 1621 in the form of a pumpkin dessert. So, not only does honey hold a place in the history of Thanksgiving, but the existence of honey in North America should be cause enough for gratitude. Sourcing local honey ensures the purity of the product and can even help relieve allergies.
2. A Feast from the Bees
   It’s likely that bees pollinated one of every three bites of your Thanksgiving dinner. Additionally, bees pollinate 75% of all crops in the U.S. So, while you’re indulging in the grandest feast of the year, consider the honeybee’s role in producing your meal. They pollinated that tender, buttery asparagus and the produce in that refreshing fruit salad you may be having. They even pollinated the sweet, tart cranberry sauce and, of course, the blanched almonds that top your favorite casserole.
3. Honey
   Honey has many applications for human health. It is truly a gift from the bees. It is a sweet and healthy alternative to refined sugar that can be used in all kinds of recipes. It’s also beneficial in treating many health ailments. It helps to heal wounds and burns, soothe coughs, and fight the flu. It has been such an important commodity throughout human history that it was used to pay off taxes in ancient times. Plus, it was an offering to the gods in Egyptian and Greek cultures.
4. Beeswax
   Another honeybee product, beeswax is used in health and beauty products, and has many uses for the skin. Unlike many synthetic ingredients, beeswax is natural and non-irritating. When applied topically, it can be beneficial in healing rosacea and ezcema. It is also a natural remedy for improving cholesterol and treating diarrhea.
5. Industrious Little Bees
   Honeybees are hard-working little insects that are always buzzing to pollinate our crops and produce healthy products like honey. According to American Bee Journal, they “fly around 90,000 miles—three times around the globe—to make one pound of honey.” Simply put, they’re incredible.

From everyone here at Nature’s Relief, we wish you a happy holiday filled with family, fun, and plenty of delicious food. Don’t forget to appreciate the bees this Thanksgiving!