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This Earth Day we should all take a moment and focus on the wonders of bees and their ability to connect to nature more proficiently than high speed cable. Bees are the leading contributors in pollination and have been for 65 million years. Many of our food and crops rely on bee pollination. We reap the benefits of this natural process and for Earth Day, The Apothecary would like to dedicate a post to celebrate these black and yellow miracles and the process of pollination.
Plants rely on bees in your yard. One of the many things you can do to help the bees is to hold off on mowing your lawn at least until you see blooms on the trees, or the spring flowers start filling in. You can also plant certain flowers to help them find food. Below is a list of some of the best, and easiest pollinators and their contribution to you in the world of herbalism. Honey isn’t the only benefit to catering to these bumbling little creatures.
PURPLE CORN FLOWER: (Otherwise known as Echinacea) this very popular plant grows about 2-4” tall. Purple Corn Flower has been used for centuries to improve immunity, inflammation, and skin health. Benefits may also include relief from anxiety and is said to lower blood sugar.
BLACK-EYED SUSAN: Member of the Aster family and known for its dark brown almost purple center, and reminiscence of a yellow daisy. The Black-Eyed Susan’s most notable qualities are combating viral infections and aiding in the remedy of the common cold, due to its antimicrobial properties.
MILKWEED: This plant is tall and can grow up to about 5 feet. Possibly best known for its relationship with Monarch Butterflies. Milkweed produces a milk-like nectar both bees and butterflies thrive from. Hummingbirds use the floss from milkweed to provide nesting.
COREOPSIS: (Otherwise known as Snow Chrysanthemum or Tickseed) The dried plant is used in a popular and sought-after tea called Pu’erh. The tea has been used to aid in a plethora of stomach ailments and may help boost metabolism.
ANISE HYSSOP: A perennial in the mint family and known for its ornamental flowers and fragrant foliage. The Anise Hyssop makes an excellent infusion to your tea with some benefits that may include the relief from congestion and the treatment of burns.
BEEBALM: (Otherwise known Horsemint) Beebalm is another plant in the mint family and its known for its Bergamot like fragrance. It has the characteristics of an antiseptic and may be very helpful in treating wounds.
There are many other ways to celebrate Earth Day 2021, and there are many other species of plants you can grow in your garden to attracts bees into your garden. The bond between you and Earth is what is most important. When you give nature something you get something back. Owning a garden helps bees and benefits you in so many ways from therapeutic to medicinal……Honey, let me tell ya😉.
Giveaway Alert : Come visit The Apothecary at 34 N Main St in Gloversville from Earth Day (April 22) to Arbor Day (April 30) for a free gift .... but only while supplies last. Every purchase will receive a pollinator seed packet with a reusable tea bag.