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BEE Prepared For HAY FEVER- Build up Your Natural Defences

Monday, May 7th, 2012

* Extreme hay fever measure

One of the best ways to help minimise the effects of hayfever and allergies is to make sure your immune system is in top working order, according to nutritionists. Eating healthily & supplementing your diet with nutrients that boost the bodies natural defences helps minimise symptoms.

BEE Prepared immune support is ideal not only for helping boost immunity BUT it’s ingredients are bursting with natural anti-histamine properties. Elderberry, for instance, is loaded with quercetin, a top natural remedy for hay fever.

Here’s an interesting article by nutritionist Erin McCann (published in Natural Pharmacy Magazine Feb 2012):

Treating and Managing Hay Fever With Natural Products

Seasonal allergies affect millions of people in the UK each year with aggravating symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, running nose, and itchy skin. These hay fever symptoms are the result of the immune system’s reaction to harmless pollen particles in the same way it would respond to harmful antigens. In this immune response, immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) detect the pollen ‘antigens’ and activate mast cells and T helper cells (specifically type 2 or Th2 cells). The increase of Th2 cells and the mast cell histamine release in the mucosa and peripheral blood result in inflammation, hay fever symptoms and atopic conditions.

Conventionally, hay fever is managed by using anti-histamine drugs to reduce symptoms. However, a more holistic and curative approach to treating hay fever is to modulate the immune system, reduce the histamine response and to focus on reducing inflammation. Certain nutrients and natural remedies can be helpful in achieving these therapeutic goals and in creating a long term, effective treatment for hay fever and other atopic conditions.

Elderberry has been used medicinally for centuries in the UK and in Europe. Elderberry is widely known for its effective use in treating viral infections. Elderberry is also rich in Vitamin C and the bioflavonoid quercetin, both of which are powerful antioxidant and anti-histamine nutrients. These actions can help to reduce mast cell histamine response and reduce mucosa inflammation. Recent clinical studies have found elderberry effective at treating allergic sinusitis and rhinitis.

Reishi mushroom has been used historically as an immune tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Scientific researchers in the western world are now beginning to understand the active constituents that are responsible for the mushroom’s immune supporting actions. Reishi contains the bioflavonoid triterpene which inhibits histamine release. It also contains oleic acid and cyclooctasulphur compound which have antihistamine actions. In addition to these anti-allergic actions, reishi contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients which may be helpful in reducing hay fever symptoms.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid found naturally in algae. Studies have shown that astaxanthin is effective in modulating the immune system, specifically siting its role in balancing the Th1 and Th2 cells. By rebalancing these T helper cells, astaxanthin aids in reducing the hypersensitivity to pollen allergens. Astaxanthin is also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient. These actions may help to reduce the symptoms related to the inflammation of the mucosa.

Bee propolis contains a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Bee propolis also has significant immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory actions. Propolis is one of nature’s most potent anti-oxidant substances, exceeding Vitamin E in anti-oxidant actions. Propolis also has been found to effectively modulate the immune system without over stimulating it. The combination of these actions may be helpful in creating a long term treatment for hay fever.

When treating hay fever naturally, it is best to start supporting the individual’s immune system a few months before allergy season. By starting natural therapies in advance, it enables the remedies to aid in modulating the immune system and to regulate histamine responses before the reactions are acute and heightened with pollen exposure. For best results, try to begin natural therapies for hay fever during the winter months leading up to the spring allergy season.

A great natural product range for your shelves, which combines all of the above ingredients & more is BEE Prepared immune support which was voted ‘Best Supplement 2011’ in the Your Healthy Living Awards. www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk

Erin McCann NT mBANT

Nutritional Consultant

Being-Balanced.com

Gwyneth Paltrow Gives BEES (& BEE Prepared) thumbs up!

Friday, March 30th, 2012

We are grateful to Gwyneth Paltrow for doing an entire newsletter about bees & bee products & recommending our BEE Prepared immune support! AWESOME.

Bees are crucial to human survival. Many people don’t know that bees pollinate 1/3 of the food we eat plus grasses that cows & other animals eat. Due to pesticide use & other reasons bees are on the decline. We all know how gorgeous they help make our planet by pollinating flowers, plants & trees but did you know that thanks to bees we can enjoy coffee, chocolate & cotton?

GP’s newsletter: http://www.goop.com/newsletter/170/en

Urban legend has it that Einstein noted ”if the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live”. That’s a little extreme & it is doubtful that they would ever disappear completely but bees are facing some serious issues & there are ways that we all can help. See how here: http://www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk/bee-info

Many thanks to Gwyneth & her glorious & aptly named assistant Eliza Honey (!!) for putting together such a lovely & informative newsletter about bees & giving our BEE Prepared immune support thumbs up. They even included some of our fave recipes using honey & bee pollen. GP & Miss Honey are the bees knees.

Source Natural’s WELLNESS FORMULA taken off the Shelves. NOW What?

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Thanks to the EU Herbal Directive, most medicinal herbs & herbs used in nutritional supplements now require a license. In addition, food supplements which might have contained one or herbs in their formulas have now been banned. Many of our favourite products have now been taken off the shelves in the EU sadly.

One was Source Natural’s WELLNESS FORMULA, which in the days before our own immune boosting products were created, was a medicine cabinet immune support staple of ours to help fight off colds and flu.

In the meantime if you were a fan of Source Natural’s WELLNESS FORMULA, why not consider our BEE Prepared immune support DAILY DEFENCE wellness formula which combines Bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf & beta glucans or Bee Prepared immune support MAX STRENGTH which is more concentrated and also contains astaxanthin (the most powerful antioxidant known to exist) as well as reishi mushroom extract. Both pack a serious punch and contain only the highest quality, naturally sourced ingredients.

All these tight restrictions on natural & herbal remedies is all a bit mad & unfair we feel. If you want to learn more about it click here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1382135/Herbal-medicines-banned-EU-directive-comes-force.html

This is also a brilliant article by our pal Soroya at Optibac Probiotics with all the basic info of what is happening with these EU regulations restricting claims on natural health products!

http://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/blog/289-take-action-stand-up-for-natural-health.html

If you want to get involved somehow to help ensure regular old vitamins & food supplements aren’t next, click here to learn what The Alliance for Natural Health Europe are up to:

http://www.anh-europe.org/about-us

Don’t Pick Up More Than Your Luggage on Your Next Trip!

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

Cabin air, yikes....

We all know how easy it is to pick up nasty lurgies when traveling, what with the crowded airports & train stations, the recycled airplane air seething with germs… you know the drill. Who wants to arrive at their destination, be it for business or pleasure, feeling poorly?

BEE Prepared immune support fans have been writing to us that BEE Prepared immune support wellness formula is a travel MUST have (see testimonials tab).

Make sure to help boost up your immune system & support your body’s natural defences before & during travel by eating healthy & considering supplementing your diet with some of mother nature’s natural remedies. BP’s natural immune boosting heros; bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf & beta glucans work wonders. New MAX strength Bee Prepared also contains reishi mushroom & astaxanthin along with more concentrated amounts of the four original ingredients when you need an extra boost. Both products are bursting with anti oxidants as well.

Keep your immune system in top flight shape!

ALSO:

Drink plenty of water before & after your trip.
DON’T booze it up! Alcohol can weaken your defences & intensify jetlag.
Eat healthily. Avoid the temptation to eat airport fast food. Make sure you have nuts or healthy snacks at hand.
Avoid sweets! Bacteria & viruses replicate faster when there is an abundance of sugar in the system.
Get plenty of rest, which of course we all know, but sometimes don’t do whilst traveling. Crucial!

BEE Prepared immune support Recommended by Janey Lee Grace

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Janey Lee Grace, TV & Radio personality & best selling writer on natural products & health knows the natural alternative to everything. Janey has made it her life’s passion to source, seek, test and recommend the best natural eco and organic products and services in the market place.

We are delighted to have had our wellness formula, BEE Prepared immune support selected as a ‘Janey Loves’ product. As far as immune boosters go, it doesn’t get more natural than BEE Prepared immune support’s combination of bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf & beta glucans. The new more concentrated MAX strength version also adds reishi mushroom & astaxanthin, one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants to the mix. The supplements are made in the UK from the highest quality food sourced ingredients.

BEE Prepared immune support products are great to help keep colds & flu at bay & are also helpful for hay fever symptoms. Many swear by it before & during travel as well so as not to pick up more than luggage!

Janey Lee Grace is also a big fan of bees so we really look forward to working with her & her team on continuing to help raise awareness about how important bees are & how we can all help halt their decline. Check out Janey’s site:

http://www.imperfectlynatural.com/Janey_Loves/supplements.htm

http://www.imperfectlynatural.com/Home.htm

Who IS UnBEElievable Health & What are They All About?

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

by Erin McCann NT ND mBANT

Nutritional Therapist

Unbeelievable Health is an environmentally conscious company committed to making it easier for busy people to be healthier, naturally. In an attempt to reduce our carbon foot print, we take special care to source our ingredients in the EU while manufacturing our products in the UK. Our passion for bees drives our dedication to raising awareness about the important role bees play in our world and to educating individuals on how they can support the sustainability of bees. Multi award winning Bee Prepared Immune Support has been approved by the Vegetarian Society and provides quality natural ingredients in an ‘all in one’ potent formula.

Bee Prepared Immune Support products combine high quality, naturally sourced extracts of bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf and beta glucans. The Max Strength version has the added benefit of reishi mushroom, an immune tonic used medicinally for centuries, and astaxathin, one of nature’s strongest antioxidants. The combination of ingredients provides a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients which contribute to overall health.

Each ingredient has unique antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant actions to support immune function; a few of which are highlighted:

Bee propolis has potent antimicrobial actions and supports immune cells to combat bacterial and viral infections.
Black elderberry contains high levels of vitamin C and phytonutrients, such as quercitin, which have clinically proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistamine and antiviral actions in the body.
Olive leaf enhances the body’s immune cell function against fungal, viral, bacterial and paracitic infections.
Beta glucans support the body in creating antibodies against microbial infection and have been found to 9x’s more effective than Echinacea in enhancing immune response.
Astaxanthin is one of nature’s most potent carotenoid antioxidants which reduce inflammation, support immune response, and encourage recovery.
Reishi has potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antihistamine and antioxidant actions in the body.

Bee Prepared Immune Support can be taken year round for immune support or at specific times when additional support may be needed. Bee Prepared is recommended for support during the following:

Daily maintenance
Cold and flu season
Hay Fever season (Max Strength best)
Before and during travelling
When feeling run down
Periods of high stress (Max Strength best)
Detox programs for immune support and antioxidant actions
Athletic training and increased physical activity (Max Strength)

Bolstering our products, Bee Prepared was recently voted ‘Best Supplement 2011’ in the ‘Your Healthy Living Awards’ and has won two other awards. Customer testimonials also endorse the effectiveness of Bee Prepared.

Bee Prepared Immune Support is the ideal wellness formula and should be a staple in everyone’s medicine chest.

www.unbeelievablehealth.co.uk

Facebook: UnBEElievable Health

Twitter: @UnBEElievable

Erin McCann NT ND mBANT

Nutrition Consultant to Unbeelievable Health Ltd.

www.being-balanced.com

erin@being-balanced.com

0787 264 5270

A Plea For Bees. A Great TED Talks Video with Dennis van Engelsdorp.

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

’Bees are dying in droves. Why? Leading apiarist Dennis vanEngelsdorp looks at the gentle, misunderstood creature’s important place in nature and the mystery behind its alarming disappearance.

Dennis vanEngelsdorp is Acting State Apiarist for Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture, studying colony collapse disorder — the alarming, worldwide disappearance of worker bees and Western honey bees’.

Why you should listen to him:

“Imagine if one of every three cows died. The National Guard would be out.” It’s a grim premise, but a favorite of Dennis vanEngelsdorp, who in 2008 watched the same percentage of bees vanish in North America. A leading apiarist, vanEngelsdorp knows the disturbing consequences of the bee die-off. Colony collapse disorder (its official name) is complex and mysterious, driven by pesticides, toxins and disease, and threatens not only the existence of the insect but also the food they pollinate — a third of what we eat.

But vanEngelsdorp is not a pessimist, however worrisome the situation. Since finding his love for bees in an undergraduate beekeeping course, he’s steadily chewed through new degree programs, becoming an outspoken bee crusader, generating global buzz – sorry — for the fascinating critters: their workers’ dance, their convenient chronic case of static cling …

To fight recent losses, he’s now advocating urban beekeeping and honeymaking (sadly, illegal in some cities), drive-by-night repopulation programs, and emergency queen bee delivery by express mail (legal — really).

“VanEngelsdorp says “pollinators are canaries in the coal mine,” and their disappearance is a referendum on the state of our environment — a reminder of the brilliant and frightening interdependence of our ecosystem.”

Salon.com

http://www.ted.com/talks/dennis_vanengelsdorp_a_plea_for_bees.html

BEE Prepared immune support now sold in Whole Foods Market UK

Monday, February 6th, 2012

One of our fave stores, Whole Foods Market, is now selling our BEE Prepared immune support wellness formula in its UK Stores. Whole Foods Market UK is simply fab & if you haven’t been; run, do not walk to check them out. Oh the glories of the fresh nut butter machines (even pistachio!), the make-your-own-museli bar, the schtonkingly fresh produce & fish. Please, do not get us going about the honey selection. And of course, the natural health section is excellent.

We look forward to doing in-store sampling & telling Whole Foods Market customers about our new versions of our wellness formula BEE Prepared immune support (Bee prepared was voted Best Supplement 2011). New BP Daily Defence & MAX Strength are not only great for colds & flu but also for hay fever & for helping keep your system functioning well during stressful times, dieting & detoxing & before & during travel. A blend of bee propolis, black elderberry, olive leaf & beta glucans, BP daily defence will help keep you fighting fit. The MAX Strength is more concentrated & also contains astaxanthin, natures most powerful anti-oxidant & reishi mushroom, an amazing immune tonic. BEE well this season.

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/uk/

Why BEE Propolis is FANTASTIC for Colds, Flu & Hay Fever

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

By Colin Platt

A little known cure for flu, Propolis, nature’s wellness formula, also known as “the Defender of the Hive”, which is a natural product given to us by the bees, and used centuries ago by the ancient Egyptians in one of their most sacred rites, mummification, has now found its way back as an immune stimulant to fight colds and flu.

This more or less unknown substance has amazed modern scientists and researchers over the last decade. They have found that this bye product from the bees is not only an immune stimulant, but has proven to be a natural antibiotic, having antibacterial, antifungal AND antiviral properties.

Although bee-product remedies were largely discarded in the West in favor of synthetic medicine in the latter part of the 20th Century, their resurgence is burgeoning, particularly as modern antibiotics are proving increasingly ineffective against mutating strains of flu viruses and bacteria.

Bacteria and viruses have learned to survive on this earth longer than man or beast. In fact bacteria were the first forms of life on earth and have been around for four billion years. Like all living organisms they have their own innate intelligence and ability to evolve in a way that guarantees their survival.

Bees, it seems have found a way to beat bacteria at the survival game with a miraculous substance in Propolis created from plant resins. If we want to protect ourselves from constantly evolving cold and flu pathogens, we can take a lesson from the bees and turn again to Propolis to safeguard our most precious possession, our health,

So, what is Propolis? Known as bee glue or bee putty is a mixture of tree resins and bee secretions used in the construction and maintenance of the hive.

Bees use the sticky substance to line the walls of the hive and stop up cracks when constructing their habitat. Virtually every surface in the hive is coated with a thin layer of the sterilizing substance. The hive needs to be sterile, as thousands of bees living in the hive have to establish an environment which is free from disease and fungal infections.

Interestingly, the bees encase the hive entrance with this ‘sticky’ substance, and in order to access the hive the bees must crawl through the entrance which cleanses them of any bacteria and keeps the hive safe for its inhabitants. If by chance any foreign body which they are unable to physically remove such as a spider or mouse enters the hive it is first immobilized and then swathed in a cocoon of Propolis, in effect mummifying them to ensure the continued sterility of the hive.

Healthcare providers are constantly seeking new ways to cure flu and fight off potential catastrophic epidemics which modern pharmaceuticals are finding it difficult to treat. The latest H1N1 swine flu virus is a case in point. Could it be that a centuries old product from the hive will re-emerge as the magic bullet they have been looking for?

Unlike antibiotics, we can take Propolis daily as a cure for flu, and as a preventative measure to strengthen our immunity to a vast array of illnesses. It is now available worldwide from good health stores.

Be Aware At the time of this article, clinical trials with Propolis on pregnant women has not been evaluated, so it would be wise to check with your health provider first.

If you are breastfeeding, then the same applies.

Also, if you are allergic to bee stings or honey then Propolis could induce a serious reaction. Other side effects similar to a sting are inflammation and redness of the skin.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Platt

What the Heck IS BEE Propolis and Why is it so Great?

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Bee propolis, one of nature’s most unique & exciting substances, is derived from resins collected from trees and plants by bees. The resin collected is then combined with wax to make propolis. The bees use the sticky propolis to seal the hive and to create a sterile environment, free from microbes and other invaders. It is said that a bee hive is one of the most sanitary places on earth.

Humans have been using propolis medicinally, both internally and externally, for health purposes, for centuries. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used propolis for wound healing. From the 12^th Century, propolis was used to aid in healing mouth ulcers and throat infections. In the first and second world war, propolis was used in first aid to reduce wound infection and to speed healing. Modern applications of propolis have expanded into skin care, dental care, digestive health, immune support, and cancer treatment.

With research and clinical trials, the medicinal applications and actions of propolis are being discovered and better understood. Propolis is rich in nutrients and other constituents, such as flavonoids, which are responsible for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor actions. One area of clinical focus is the immune supporting actions of propolis. Propolis supports the immune system by promoting the body’s natural defenses and resistance to bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It has been found to stimulate the production and action of macrophages, immune cells involved in the defense against microbial invaders in the development of antibodies. Propolis is nature’s wellness formula.

Propolis also disrupts the proliferation of bacteria cells by inhibiting cell division and by destroying their cell structure. These actions reduce the life and the spread of bacteria internally and externally. Laboratory studies have investigated propolis’ anti-inflammatory properties. Constituents in propolis prevent the production of prostaglandins, pro-inflammatory hormone-like substances which occur naturally in the body. By preventing prostaglandin production, propolis helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Recent studies have explored propolis’ application in cancer treatment. Researchers have found that propolis may aid in reducing growth factors which encourage cancer tumor growth. Propolis may also encourage cancer cell death through apoptosis.

Bees and their products have provided us with food, flowers and wellness for centuries. Out of all of the bee products, bee propolis is proving to be one of the most dynamic and useful in regards to long term health and well being. As discussed, it’s documented immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory actions in the body make propolis effective in treating acute and chronic conditions such as:

Colds and flu
Sore throat and chest infections
Skin infections and inflammation
Candida and intestinal conditions
Cancer

We are indebted to the bees for the magnificent products they provide for our enjoyment, health and survival. It is important to ensure their lives are sustained and protected.

References for are available upon request. The primary source of references is Pub Med published research.

Erin McCann NT, ND, Dip CNM

Nutrition Consultant for Unbeelievable Health