When we were told there was nothing more that could be done for her, I turned to herbs, honey and her incredible will to live. These two photographs were taken just 96 days apart.

For many people, a bee sting is something to avoid. While no one enjoys being stung, it's important to understand that honey bees are not naturally aggressive. In fact, a honey bee's first instinct is usually to continue gathering nectar and pollen—not to sting. A sting is a defensive response, used only when a bee believes the colony or herself is threatened. By understanding why honey bees sting and what happens afterward, we can better appreciate these remarkable insects a

When most people think about honey bees, they think of honey. While honey is certainly one of the hive's most well-known products, it's only part of the story. Honey bees also produce propolis, beeswax, and royal jelly—each serving a unique purpose within the colony. These remarkable substances aren't created for people. They are produced to help the colony survive, grow, and thrive. Understanding why bees make them gives us a greater appreciation for the incredible complexit

Bee venom therapy (BVT), also known as apitherapy involving bee venom, has gained attention in recent years through personal testimonials, online discussions, and growing public interest in natural wellness practices. Along with that attention has come a number of misconceptions. Whether you're simply curious or considering learning more, it's important to separate myths from facts and understand what bee venom therapy is—and what it isn't. Myth #1: Bee Venom Therapy Is a New

For thousands of years, people around the world have looked to the honey bee not only as a source of honey, but also for the remarkable substances produced within the hive. Honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, pollen, and even bee venom have all been used in various traditional practices throughout history. Today, the use of bee-derived products is commonly referred to as apitherapy. While modern scientific research continues to explore these natural substances, many of the

Pollinators play a vital role in our environment, supporting the reproduction of countless flowering plants and many of the crops that provide the foods we enjoy. While they face challenges such as habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and changing landscapes, the good news is that everyone can make a positive difference. Whether you have a large property, a small backyard, or even a few pots on a balcony, simple actions can help create a healthier environment for honey bees, nat

One of the best ways to support pollinators is by providing a reliable source of food throughout the growing season. Many gardens produce beautiful blooms for a few weeks, but pollinators need nectar and pollen from early spring until late fall. By selecting a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year, you can create a landscape that benefits honey bees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and many other beneficial insects. Whether you have a large yard,

Pollinators are essential to healthy ecosystems, productive farms, and thriving gardens. Yet many pollinator populations face increasing challenges from habitat loss, disease, climate change, and exposure to pesticides. While pesticides are often used to manage unwanted insects, weeds, and plant diseases, they can also affect beneficial species that play an important role in pollination. Understanding these impacts is an important step toward making informed decisions that he

When people think about pollinators, honey bees are often the first insects that come to mind. While honey bees play an important role in agriculture and food production, they are only one part of Indiana's diverse pollinator community. Our state is home to hundreds of native pollinator species, each contributing to the reproduction of wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and many of the plants that support wildlife and healthy ecosystems. Learning about Indiana's native pollinators h

A pollinator-friendly garden is about much more than creating a beautiful landscape. It's about providing food, shelter, and habitat for the insects that help keep our ecosystems healthy. While honey bees often receive the most attention, they are just one of many important pollinators. Native bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects all play a role in pollinating flowers, fruits, vegetables, and wild plants. Whether you have a larg

Among the many remarkable products created inside a honey bee hive, few are as fascinating as royal jelly. This nutrient-rich substance is produced by young worker bees and plays a vital role in the development of every honey bee colony. Although all honey bee larvae receive royal jelly during the first few days of life, only future queens continue receiving it throughout their development. This unique difference in diet is one of the reasons a queen bee develops so different

Bee pollen is one of the most well-known products associated with honey bees, yet it's often misunderstood. Many people assume bee pollen is made by bees, but that's only part of the story. The pollen itself comes from flowering plants, while honey bees carefully gather, transport, and store it as an essential food source for the colony. Without pollen, a honey bee colony could not raise healthy young bees or continue to grow. What Is Bee Pollen? Pollen is a fine powder produ

When most people think of beeswax, they picture candles. While beeswax has been used for candle making for centuries, its story begins long before it ever reaches our homes. Inside a honey bee colony, beeswax is one of the most important building materials in nature. Worker bees carefully produce it to construct the intricate honeycomb that supports nearly every aspect of life inside the hive. From raising young bees to storing honey, beeswax plays an essential role in the su

When people think of a honey bee colony, the queen is often imagined as the ruler who directs the activities of thousands of worker bees. While she is undoubtedly the heart of the colony, her role is quite different from what many people expect. The queen doesn't issue orders or make decisions for the hive. Instead, her primary responsibilities are laying eggs and producing pheromones that help keep the colony organized and functioning as a unified community. Understanding th

A honey bee colony is much more than a collection of individual bees—it's a highly organized community where thousands of insects work together for the survival of the hive. Every bee has a role to play, from caring for developing brood to gathering nectar and defending the colony. As the seasons change, so do the needs of the hive, creating a remarkable cycle that repeats year after year. Understanding the life of a honey bee colony offers a fascinating glimpse into one of n

When most people see a beekeeper opening a hive, it may seem like they're simply checking on the bees. In reality, every hive inspection has a purpose. Regular hive inspections help beekeepers monitor colony health, identify potential concerns early, and ensure the bees have the resources they need to thrive throughout the season. At Hi Vibe Honey Bees & Apothecary, every inspection is performed with care and respect for the colony, minimizing disturbance while gathering valu

For many people, seeing thousands of honey bees clustered on a tree branch or fence post can be alarming. In reality, a honey bee swarm is one of nature's most remarkable events—and in most cases, it's a sign of a healthy, thriving colony. Swarming is how honey bee colonies naturally reproduce. Rather than creating new individual bees, an established colony divides, allowing one group to establish a new home while the remaining bees continue life in the original hive. Underst

When most people think about forests, they picture towering trees, wildflowers, birds, and wildlife. Yet beneath every healthy forest lies an incredible network working quietly behind the scenes—fungi. Often overlooked, fungi are among the most important organisms in nature. They recycle nutrients, support plant growth, form partnerships with trees, and help maintain the balance of entire ecosystems. Without fungi, forests as we know them simply could not exist. Nature's Mast

The world of fungi is incredibly diverse, with thousands of mushroom species growing across forests, fields, and woodlands. While many mushrooms are edible or have a long history of traditional use, others can cause serious illness—or even be fatal if consumed. Learning to properly identify mushrooms is one of the most important skills any mushroom enthusiast can develop. Whether you're exploring the woods with a camera, learning about fungi, or considering wild foraging, acc

Mushrooms have been enjoyed as food and used in traditional wellness practices for centuries. Today, terms such as “functional mushroom,” “culinary mushroom,” and “medicinal mushroom” appear frequently on product labels, wellness websites, and social media. These descriptions can make mushrooms seem as though they belong to completely separate groups. In reality, the distinction is not always so clear. Many mushrooms valued for their traditional uses are also nutritious foods