her inspiration
Association Executive promoting bee health on a political level, and promoting bee-friendly planting through her company, Wild Forage. In collaboration with Wildflowerworld.com, Maureen has developed a wildflower seed rescue remedy for bees that provides a lifesaving source of nectar and pollen. All proceeds from the sale of these seeds go to the National Beekeepers' Association of New Zealand to help New Zealand bees. If Maureen could change one thing worldwide about the way
bees are farmed she would implore beekeepers to respect the bee's natural environment. "A lot of countries have commercialised beekeeping and
horticulture to such a degree that it has become as much like factory farming as with hens or pigs. We need to respect that bees are helping us. "It goes back to only taking the surplus honey from the hive and
leaving the bees with sufficient natural honey to survive over the winter months. We need to go forward with the modern knowledge we have, but also respect the traditional beekeeping techniques and the needs of the bees." Nakita Ardern www.wildforage.co.nz
Honey how to...
Let food be your medicine. Having a good diet is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Honey is not just for toast and glazing hams. Use it in marinades, salad dressings, sauces, custards, and in cooked and fresh fruit salads.
Honey will promote healing in sore throats, cuts, burns and acne.
Honey is great to assist recovery after heavy physical work or sport. Try a little in your water bottle with lemon or fresh mint and put some on your face before a workout to keep skin looking young and radiant.
Granulated honey works as a great natural exfoliant.
A few drops of honey with some water makes a great face cleanser.
Use as a natural sweetener in your teas and coffee or wherever you use sugar, as it has a low GI, antioxidants, antibacterial benefits and natural minerals.
Warm milk, honey and fresh nutmeg can aid a sleepless night.
Enhance the natural sweetness of fruits and vegetables with a small amount of honey.
34 | February/March 2012 | HER MAGAZINE
