Neveda State Beekeepers

I just spent a fun and informative two days in Yerington, NV at The Nevada State Beekeepers Conference (Yes that is right Yerington -- there is no other city in the world with that name and it is the center of all things beekeeping in Nevada!) I was lucky and got to teach a workshop on "Natural Beauty Products from the Hive" where we made honey shampoo, beeswax lip balm, bath bombs with lavender and bee pollen and toners, propolis tincture and salve ...... Bees really are the best cosmetologists! Here are a few recipes from the weekend. Enjoy and Bee Happy!

Beeswax Healing Salve

Natural beeswax helps calm, comfort and protect your skin. This simple healing salve that can be used as a treatment for dry, rough skin or insect bites.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup grated beeswax

1 /2 cup cocoa butter or shea butter

1 /2 cup sunflower oil or light sesame oil

5-6 drops essential oil of lavender

5-6 drops essential oil of peppermint

Directions:

In a heat resistant container or pan combine all of the ingredients except the essential oils. Heat gently until the mixture just begins to melt. Remove from the heat and stir well until all melted. Stir in the essential oils and pour into a clean container. To use: Spread a small amount into your skin.

Yield: 8 ounces

Honey Oatmeal Cleanser

This is a gentle cleanser that all skin types can use in place of soap.

Ingredeints:

1 tablespoon raw honey

2 tablespoons ground oatmeal (simply place whole oats in a a food processor or coffee grinder)

1 /2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Mix together all ingredients and place in a clean container. To use: Massage into damp skin and rinse well.

Yield: 2 ounces

Oh also if you have not hear of Dr. Samuel Ramsey, you will! -- he is a dynamic young Scientist that is fighting the battle against Varroa mites and his ground breaking discovery is that they are not feeding on bee blood but the fat body. Through this discovery he is getting closer to finding treatments that hopefully will rid honeybees of these destructive mites!

Thank you Debbie and Andy Gilmore and all the Mason Valley Beekeepers for a great conference!

xoxo Janice