Purified propolis ready to make an alcoholic solution by Ivan EsenkoBeekeeping Museum in Radovljica
Apitherapy
Apitherapy is the science of strengthening an maintaining health with the help of bee products and stings. The beginnings of apitherapy date back to the time of Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, Babylonian and other civilisations.
The originator of modern apitherapy was a Maribor doctor and beekeeper of Czech descent, Dr. Filip Terč (1844-1917). He was involved in use of bee sting as a remedy for rheumatism. His birthday, 30 March, was declared World Apitherapy Day by Apimondia, the International Federation of Beekeepers's Associations.
Pollen, collected by honeybees by Ivan EsenkoBeekeeping Museum in Radovljica
Bees collect pollen with the hairs on their bodies and bring it to the hive in the pollen baskets on their hind legs. Its main ingredients are proteins, vitamins and minerals.
It can be extracted from honeycomb cells or with the help of pollen traps.
A glass of royal jelly by Ivan EsenkoBeekeeping Museum in Radovljica
Royal jelly is food for the bee brood and queen. It is formed in the pharyngeal glands of bees. Jelly is off-white to yellow-white in color and has a sour-sharp smell and a pungent, bitter-sour and sharp taste.
Larvae of a queen, swimming in royal jelly by Ivan EsenkoBeekeeping Museum in Radovljica
In apitherapy, royal jelly is used to inhibit the ageing process, regulate the functioning of glands, accelerate metabolism, mitigate the signs of ageing and eliminate the effect of arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Propolis coated inner walls of the beehive by Ivan EsenkoBeekeeping Museum in Radovljica
Propolis is an aromatic resinous substance that bees collect on the buds and bark of some trees (birch, poplar, chesnut) and to which they add ferment from their saliva.
Besides coating and clogging up the the hive bees also use it to fight off microorganisms in their hive. Propolis is a natural antibiotic, used widely in apitherapy.
📖 This story is based on the book 'Living Together. About Bees and Mankind' by Dr. Petra Bole.
🔎 Learn more about Radovljica Municipality Museums' Museum of Apiculture on our website.
🖋 Text: Dr. Petra Bole | 📸 Photography: Ivan Esenko
