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Alternative Treatments

Drone Brood Removal
I decided from the outset that I was going to use alternative treatments.
The first method I tried was removing entire sections of sealed Drone brood which of course the mites prefer due to a few more days 'free accomodation' and a longer breeding period.
These 'sections' once removed were then placed in the 'sealed' Solar Wax extractor in the garden. The intense heat effectively killed all the 'unhatched' mites and an extra bonus of course was some more melted beeswax.
Important
Whatever you do however, do not under any circumstances allow the flying bees access to the sealed drone brood which you have removed. These industrious insects will clean up any surplus food and in doing so will release the trapped mites which can live for at least a few days outside the hive. I would be interested to know if anyone has monitored the life expectancy of the Varroa mite once it has been removed from its 'host'.
Even though I did at first find the above method to be effective, it proved to be very laborious, messy, and time consuming. There is the added danger of course that once you start this method, unless you are very methodical in removing the sealed drone cells, you could end up with far too many drones, thus making things very much worse than before.
I therefore set about trying other methods.
At about this time, I became aware of an article on the Net detailing the use of
Essential Oils
to combat Varroa. This very much appealed to me and I first of all did some research into the oils used:


Wintergreen Oil


Origins of Wintergreen Oil
Description

Aromatic low-lying shrub growing to 15cm (6"). Has leathery, oval leaves, small white or pale pink bell-shaped flowers followed by brilliant red fruit.
Habitat and Cultivation
This plant is native to North America and is found in woodland and exposed mountainous areas. The leaves and fruit are gathered in summer.
Parts used
Leaves, fruit and essential oil.
Constituents
Wintergreen contains phenols including gaultherin and salicylic acid, 0.8% volatile oil (up to 98% methyl salicylate), mucilage, resin and tannins.
History and Folklore
Wintergreen was popular with Native Americans, who used it for treating back pain, rheumatism, fever, headaches, sore throats and many other conditions. The leaves have even been used as a substitute for tea for example during the American War of Independence (1776-1784).
NB:
Tea is useful in the treatment of infections of the digestive tract. In Ayurvedic medicine, tea is considered astringent, sweat-inducing, digestive, and a nerve tonic, and is used for eye problems, haemorrhoids, fever and tiredness. Tea leaves may be used externally to soothe insect stings, swellings and sunburn.
Research
Research in China suggests that green tea can help hepatitis. Research in Japan in 1990 shows that tea contains constituents that inhibit tooth decay.
Medicinal Actions and Uses
Wintergreen is strongly anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing to the digestive system. It is an effective remedy for rheumatic and arthritic problems, and colic. The essential oil, in the form of a liniment or ointment, brings relief to inflamed, swollen or sore muscles, ligaments and joints, and can also prove valuable in treating neurological conditions such as sciatica (pain resulting from pressure on a nerve in the lower spine) and neuralgia (pain affecting a facial nerve). The oil is sometimes used to treat cellulitis, a bacterial infection causing the skin to become inflamed.
The Inuit of Labrador and other native peoples eat the berries raw, and use the leaves to treat headaches, aching muscles and sore throat.
Caution
People who are sensitive to aspirin should not take wintergreen internally.
Oil of wintergreen should never be taken internally, nor applied (even well diluted) to the skin of children under 12 unless under professional supervision.
Interestingly enough, Wintergreen oil is also one of the ingredients of Olbas Oil mentioned below.


Olbas Oil

The Wonders of Olbas Oil !

Olbas Oil, a nasal Inhalant/Decongestant contains a mixture of essential plant oils originated in Switzerland for relief of bronchial and nasal congestion, hayfever by inhalation and for symptomatic relief of muscular pain by application to the skin. It is non greasy and non staining.

Active ingredients include:
Cajeput Oil BPC 18.50%
Clove Oil BP 0.10%
Eucalyptus Oil BP 35.45%
Juniper Berry Oil BPC'49 2.70%
Menthol BP 4. 10%
Dementholised Mint Oil BP 35.45%
Wintergreen Oil BPC'49 3.70%

Other uses:
I have found it to be very efficient for treating bee stings, application to the 'stung' area preferably within a minute or two of being stung has an immediate cooling effect. It also stops the itching, reduces, and in some cases also stops any swelling.
I have done some research into the ingredients of Olbas Oil, details as follows:-

Cajeput oil :
This oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and buds of the tree Melaleuca leucadendra. The oil is a greenish yellow colour and has a camphorous, strong, clear smell. It can be uplifting and purifying.
Cajeput is a powerful antiseptic and acts on the respiratory system and digestive system and benefits the pulmonary, intestinal and urinary tracts.
Properties:
Antiseptic
Anti-infectious
Tonic
Decongestant-useful for respiratory system
Antirheumatic
Contraindications
Cajeput is a powerful stimulant and is not helpful to use before bedtime unless mixed with a sedative oil.
Use sparingly on the skin as it can act as an irritant
During pregnancy use half the usual stated amount, this also applies for young children.
Uses
This oil is excellent as an inhalation for chronic pulmonary diseases such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, asthma, and also for the common cold and sinus trouble.
It is also very effective as a mouthwash and in the event of toothache or tooth decay, one drop of the essence on the trouble some area brings relief.
For earache, a piece of absorbent cotton soaked in the essence and placed gently in the ear will bring relief.
It is a healer for open wounds, acne, sores, and psoriasis and used in a bath assists aching limbs and rheumatic conditions and helps to relieve nervous tension, neuralgia and general fatigue.
Clove Oil

T he Clove Tree is a small evergreen related to the Myrtle, with pale grey leaves and a smooth bark. It is found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Malaysia.
Cloves, the unexpanded dried flower buds, and their oil are used therapeutically. Clove oil is water-distilled from the clove buds and is a pale yellowy colour. It has a strong, pungent, spicy aroma.

Properties

Stimulant
Antispasmodic
Antineuralgic
Antiseptic
Anticancer
Vermifuge (infestations)

Contraindications

Dilute clove oil well because it can irritate the skin.

Aromatherapy uses

Clove, when used as a massage oil, is excellent for rheumatism, arthritis, and sprains.
Massaged over the stomach, it aids dyspepsia, flatulence, and stomach problems. Massaged over lower back during childbirth, it eases labour pains.
Dotted on absorbent cotton, it acts very effectively on abscesses and toothache.
As an antiseptic oil, it will help heal and prevent infection in wounds and ulcers.
Clove is often used in the treatment of scabies and has been known to be used in treating cancer.
Used in a vaporizer or burned in a room, it enhances concentration and acts as an aphrodisiac
Clove also acts as an effective insect repellant and has action against parasitic conditions.
It combines well with other antiseptic oils including lavender, thyme and bergamot.

Food uses

Clove is a warming, aromatic herb much used to flavour savory and sweet dishes.
Clove tea is a warming, stimulating drink that causes sweating. It is useful for fevers, vomiting and nausea.


(To be continued...)

Stings
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