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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.




BEE POLLEN
Also see: Bee Pollen Info

Although not common, pollen collected by bees can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Do not take if you have high blood pressure.

CONTAINS: (Per 100 gm): 55% water when fresh, 4% water when dried, 20% sugar, 18% starch, 30% protein, 50+% carbohydrates, essential oils and waxes; trace mg amount of aluminum, 3.4% ash, 44.8 mg calcium, 0.80 gm calories, 0.32 mg chromium, 1.45 mg cobalt, 3% crude fiber, 13% dietary fiber, 1.8% fat, trace mg of iron, 59.0 mg magnesium, 0.12 mg manganese, 7.20 mg niacin, 25 mg phosphorus, 555 mg potassium, 0.10 mg riboflavin, 0.07 mg selenium, trace mg silicon, 3.70 mg sodium, 0.29 mg thiamine, 1.2 mg tin, 7012 I.U. vitamin A, 23.5 mg vitamin C, 0.13 mg zinc.

A great many claims have been made for this substance, but not enough definitive studies to back them up. And the pollen you purchased has not necessarily been collected by bees. Commercial collectors are widely used. Available as granules, liquid, and capsules.

Pollen contains the male plant gametes necessary for reproduction. Worker bees gather plant pollens and combine them with nectar and saliva. This combined substance is then packed into a granule and stuck to its back leg where it is carried back to the hive and fed to the male drones. Pollen grains have a protective coat. Two-hundred year-old grains have been discovered intact in rock samples. Bee saliva dissolves this coat with enzymes.

The nutritional supplement industry places high regard on pollen gathered from desert regions. The theory is that desert climates are hypoallergenic, thus this pollen is more effective for allergy therapy. It's a theory without much sense to back it up. Give a desert water, then sit back and watch it bloom. The pollen doesn't make you sneeze any less.

MEDICINAL USES:
Has been used to treat allergies, improve stamina, stimulate the endocrine system, and add longevity; said to be a tonic, increasing energy and of benefit to people who do taxing mental work; has also been used as part of wound healing therapy. Affects digestive and immune systems.
Has been used as a tonic for high energy needs such as those required by athletes and those recovering from illness.
Has been used for low blood pressure.
Studies in Sweden and Japan seem to indicate that it may be useful in treating chronic prostratism; one report from Austria indicated that bee pollen was useful in alleviating symptoms of radiation treatment in patients treated for cervical cancer.

DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY
!All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully!
DRIED GRANULES = 1 to 2 tsp daily





©2002 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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