Bee pollen is an integral part of Chinese herbal medicine and is often referred to as "the perfect food," because it contains every single nutrient needed to sustain human life, according to Nutritional-Supplements-Health-Guide.com. It can be purchased at a health foods or supplement store, or it can be harvested from your own bees.
What is Bee Pollen?
Bee pollen is flower pollen that bees collect for food. The pollen is the male reproductive element of a flowering plant, and it provides the genetic material to develop seeds. Bees travel from flower to flower collecting the pollen in special "pollen baskets" on their hind legs, according to New South Wales Agriculture, or NWSA. It provides a wealth of nutrition for bees, and satisfies their need for protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and sterols.
Collecting Bee Pollen
Bees collect pollen from flowers and plants, and you collect pollen from the bees. There are different types of pollen traps, but they operate in essentially the same way; as a bee enters the hive, the pollen is scraped off its hind legs and falls into a collecting tray placed below. You should collect the pollen from the tray every two to three days, according to NSWA.
How to Dry Bee Pollen
Drying bee pollen is a three-stage process: drying, cleaning and storing. Spread the pollen about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch deep on baking trays and cover with a fine screen lid so that the warm air can circulate through the individual pollen pellets, according to NSWA. Place the tray in an oven heated to about 120 degrees and leave the door open slightly so that moisture can escape. Test to see if your pollen is dry enough by pinching it between your fingers; if it is difficult to break and doesn't crumble, it's dry, according to NSWA. Run the dried pollen pellets through a small hand-sieve to weed out any foreign materials, then pack it in a clean, airtight container. Make sure to store the dried pollen out of direct sunlight, according to NSWA.
Benefits of Bee Pollen
Bee pollen has moe than 96 nutrients and is nearly 40 percent protein. It contains all of the known major antioxidants, as well as a number of vital trace elements, including iron, zinc, and calcium, according to Nutritional-Supplements-Health-Guide.com. Some of the most noted benefits of taking bee pollen include developing a resistance to allergies; boosting your immune system; helping you regulate your mood and cope more easily with stress; and increasing your endurance and energy level, according to Nutritional-Supplements-Health-Guide.com.
Cautions and Side Effects
You should consult your doctor before you begin taking bee pollen to determine if it's right for you. Bee pollen has few side effects, but it can cause nausea. People who are allergic to bee stings should avoid bee pollen, because it can produce similar reactions, including fever, rash, itching, swelling, and trouble breathing, according to Nutritional-Supplements-Health-Guide.com.
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