Welcome to Our 50th BRMI E-Journal and Happy May!

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Spring Welcomes Two New Advisors!

We are excited to welcome two new advisors who have worked closely with BRMI to advance our mission and strengthen our community. Their extensive collaboration and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow and promote our vision.

 

Mary Coyle DIHom is a seasoned homeopath specializing in Homotoxicology, a detoxification-focused healing model developed by Dr. Reckeweg in 1952, which views disease as the body’s defense against toxins and aims to restore equilibrium through targeted homeopathic remedies. With over 25 years of experience supporting families managing autism and chronic neurological conditions, she empowers parents with this safe, non-invasive approach, emphasizing toxin removal and cellular balance.
 
Mike Broadwell is an electrical engineer-turned-health innovator, creator of the SolaraGem Crystal Fusion Light device, which modernizes ancient Ayurvedic practices by combining full-spectrum light, crystals, and brainwave frequencies for holistic well-being. A seasoned educator, he collaborates with integrative health practitioners and hosts summits on energy psychology and meta-healing strategies, bridging technical expertise with alternative wellness.

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In the Merry Month of May, we celebrate many national and international events. The one most dear to my heart is May 20th World Bee Day. Honeybees do so much for our world, it's only fitting they be honored on a special day. As you may know, honeybee populations have been declining globally over recent decades due to habitat loss, intensive toxic farming practices, cell towers and non-ionizing radiation, climate geoengineering, and the excessive use of agrochemicals – particularly insecticides such as nicotinoids. This in turn poses a serious threat to a variety of plants critical to human well-being and livelihoods. We depend on bees for pollination and agriculture. About 90% of the flowering plants in our ecosystem require pollinators to help with reproduction. Simply put, without bees, agriculture would collapse, and we would be without numerous fruits, vegetables, nuts, oils, and many other food sources.

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Honeybees’ pollination efforts benefit more than just farmers and their crops. This work is also crucial to the bees’ local environments. Through pollination, honeybees help plants reproduce, grow, and thrive. These plants serve a crucial purpose in their environments. Fruits, nuts, and seeds become food sources for insects, wildlife, and humans.  Trees and bushes become shelters for many insects, critters, and animals living in the wild. Bees truly have a hand in everything related to our ecosystem’s balance and functionality—and that’s why we’re so passionate about saving them!

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Pollination promotes biodiversity, which creates a strong and complex ecosystem that houses a diverse range of species. Without the hard work of every bee species, the natural world would look much less colorful for humans and wildlife.

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Many beekeepers start their careers because they understand why bees are so important for flowering plants in native environments and the success of pollinator-dependent crops.

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Beekeepers want to help the ecosystem improve and sustain, and they are well aware of what bees contribute to the diversity of our world.

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Not only are bees necessary for pollination and agriculture, but they provide six valuable products. The six hive products created or collected by bees, include honey, pollen, propolis, venom, beeswax, and royal jelly, and all have unique and valuable nutritional and medicinal benefits.

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Royal jelly is often used for wound healing and aging, while propolis offers many health benefits related to treating allergies and gastrointestinal disorders. Bee venom has anti-inflammatory benefits and can provide relief for chronic pain and arthritis.

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These are just a few of the valuable ways bees contribute to our world. They improve the lives of humans and animals in many ways, from providing us with healthy food to eat to natural products to treat ailments and illnesses.

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I hope this post inspires you to take action and do your part to help keep bees as an integral part of our ecosystem. Here are a few ways you can help save the bees from extinction:

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Here are 10 plants to plant in your garden that feed bees. What to plant in your garden to feed the bees!

1. Pansies are lifesavers for bees because they bloom in the early spring.

2. Cornflowers are rich in nectar which is necessary for bee survival. In fact, one study ranked wild cornflowers among the highest for nectar, compared to other types of flowers.

3. Calendula does it all: Attracts pollinators, repels pests, and withstands poor conditions. Calendulas are in the top 10 flowers for bees because they’re a staple. Bees love its easy landing petals and rich pollen and nectar sources

4.  Cosmos are a valuable source of food for bees. Their flowers open nicely, which allows the bees to access their pollen and nectar easily. Cosmos will grow well in the hot sun and poor soil conditions. Plus, they’re generous re-seeders.

5. Zinnias are gifts to both gardeners and bees. They’re easy to grow and bloom heavily with stunning festive colors. Not only that, but many types of bees flock to zinnia flowers. This includes honeybees, bumblebees, and other types of solitary bees.

6. Phlox are known for attracting honeybees and bumblebees. Their vibrant flowers and strong aroma make them one of the best flowers for bees and butterflies. And even better: They bloom for several weeks, so they’ll attract bees for a good part of spring and summer.

7. Black-eyed Susans are honeybees and bumblebee favorites. This plant produces plenty of nectar and pollen, and bees are drawn to bright yellow flowers.

8. Bees love bee balm. If you plant bee balm in your flower beds, you’ll be a hit amongst not only bees – but hummingbirds and butterflies will love it too.

9. This plant has gorgeous, long-lasting spikes that appeal to honeybees. But, given catmint’s long blooming period, you’ll see various types of bees buzzing around its blossoms.

10. Oregano is a fragrant herb that’s irresistible to bees. If you take a walk through any oregano garden, you’ll find plenty of bees and other pollinators buzzing around the blooms. Of course, this plant doubles as a wonderful seasoning for cooking.

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Other Tips To Help Bees 

Bees are insects, so using broad-spectrum insecticides on your lawn and garden will kill them. Exposure to insecticides is one reason that many bee populations are on a serious decline. Don’t use them. One particular group of insecticides that are a growing cause for concern is called neonicotinoids. This link is a list of products containing neonicotinoids.

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​These systemic insecticides are absorbed by plants and cannot be washed off. They are present in all parts of the plant, including the nectar and pollen fed on by bees.

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Create a safe space for a bee bath in your garden or yard. Insects need liquid but can’t drink from deep water for fear of falling in and drowning. Provide this vital habitat resource for bees by filling a birdbath with large pebbles and filling halfway with water. The pebbles will provide landing places for bees to safely get a drink and places to quickly crawl out should they fall in. A bonus is that birds, butterflies, and other wildlife will also be able to use this kind of water feature. Dump the water every few days and replace it with fresh to eliminate any mosquito larvae in the water.

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Lastly, buy local honey to support local beekeepers and if possible donate to Save The Bee USA

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​For more information on the use of bee products visit the following links on the BRMI website:

https://www.brmi.online/post/have-you-tried-medicines-from-the-hive

https://www.brmi.online/articles-honeybee-venom-therapy

https://www.brmi.online/post/honey-a-miraculous-medicine

https://www.brmi.online/post/2019/04/11/honey-bee-propolis

https://www.brmi.online/post/propolis-medicine-from-the-hive