Honeybees don’t just make honey.
The insects also produce propolis, a resinous substance that they use in the construction and repair of their hives.
Propolis “has a lot of antimicrobial properties, and people can make a tincture out of it and use it for sore throats and other things like that,” Allen Johnson told the Rotary Club of Aiken on Monday at Newberry Hall.
Johnson is the CEO of Johnson’s Bees and Supplies in Williston. He also is active in local and state beekeepers organizations.
“Another product that bees produce that is starting to show more and more benefits is bee venom,” Johnson said.
The venom destroys cancer cells studies show, and physicians have reported good results when it has been used to treat the joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
Wax made by honeybees is popular as an ingredient, and it can be found in lotions, lip balms and soaps, Johnson said.
In addition, honeybees play an important role in nature and agriculture as pollinators.
“Close to 30% of what we eat on our plates each day is due to honeybee pollination,” Johnson said.
Robert Abshire, president of the Aiken Beekeepers Association, also spoke to the Rotary Club of Aiken on Monday.
He offered the following advice when someone asked how to avoid being stung by bees.
“What you do not want to do is wear red or black around honeybees,” Abshire said. “I’ve gone and worked with honeybees, and I’ve accidentally had black socks on. That was a bad day.
“The other thing you’ve got to be careful about is eating a banana,” he added. “It will attract some extra attention.”
The fruit contains the organic compound isopentyl acetate, which also is in the alarm pheromone released by honeybees.
