The Sweet Science of Bee Products

Brought to You by Nature's Tiny Pharmacists Because sometimes the best medicine comes in hexagonal packages.

Bees on the Honeycomb

Every year, on the third Saturday in August, we celebrate World Honey Bee Day. And it’s only right that we tip our hats to these industrious little workers. Bees clock in for a 12-hour shift between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. with an inexplicable enthusiasm for work that would make your most motivated colleague look like a sloth.  I’m reminded of the beehive we had at home when I was little. It was a delight when the “honey man” came around to extract the honey for us—fresh golden delight from the marvelous honeycomb. He wore no protection, was as fit as a fiddle even though he was advanced in years, and performed his duties undistractedly, with all his buzzing friends all over him.    So, let’s appreciate bees and honey and other good things bees produce. And let's take steps to safeguard our bees. See my blog post: Let's Revive the Hives; Please Our Bees! But let’s also recognize the beekeepers who tend the hives with the patience of saints and the courage of lion tamers.   Fun Fact: Honey is the only food that does not spoil if stored under the right conditions. Moisture can cause honey to ferment. So, close your honey jar tightly, especially in humid conditions. Always use a dry, stainless steel spoon or a wooden dripper to dispense your honey. I prefer not to store honey in plastic containers. See my blog post on microplastics. The Ancient Sweet Spot 

Honey is not just a health food trend—it's been nature's original superfood since Biblical times. In Genesis 43:11, honey was considered such a precious gift that Israel (Jacob) instructed his sons to take it as a present alongside other "choice fruits of the land."  

When God provided food for the Israelites on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, He let manna fall from heaven. Now, we don’t know what special ingredients God used, but this we know from Exodus 16:31: The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. And imagine—it was their only means of sustenance for all those 40 long years!   

In ancient times, honey was so valuable it was practically currency. Today, we're rediscovering what our ancestors knew all along: this thick, sticky liquid is edible gold. 

The Science Behind the Sweetness 

Raw honey isn't just delicious—it's a natural powerhouse that would make a pharmacy jealous. Here's what makes this marvel of nature so special: 

Antiseptic, Antibacterial, and Antiviral Properties Bees have been producing the original antimicrobial agent for millions of years. Honey is nature's triple-threat sanitizer. Step aside, hand sanitizers with unpronounceable chemicals! Of course, you can’t spray it on your hands unless you want a break from work. However, your excuse can be, “My hands are glued.” But you can take it orally for the same effects. Anti-Inflammatory Effects Raw honey helps reduce inflammation and soothes irritated tissues. 

Immune System Support Honey helps strengthen your body's natural defenses, giving your immune system the equivalent of a healthy meal and a motivational pep talk. Local honey can help you combat those pesky allergies! 

Safety First: Sweet Precautions 

Before you start on a honey fiesta, here are some important safety considerations: 

Infants Under 12 Months Never give honey to babies under one year old. Their immune systems aren't mature enough to handle the naturally occurring spores of botulism-causing bacteria that can be present in honey.  

Allergies If you're allergic to bees or pollen, approach honey with caution. Start with small amounts and monitor for reactions. It's better to be safe than sorry. 

Diabetic Considerations While honey is natural, it's still sugar. So, if you have diabetes, you might be wondering if this sweet elixir is off limits. Surprisingly, no! Let me explain... Even though honey has a high glycemic index, which is what they usually pay attention to, to infer if a food will raise your blood glucose levels or not, it actually has a wonderful saving grace—it is very anti-inflammatory and is chockful of antioxidants. Studies done about six years ago concluded that antioxidants blunted the effect of high glycemic foods. So, honey, even though it is not brimming with antioxidants like blueberries, does not raise blood glucose levels significantly. So, yes, it is safe to consume in moderation. Even so, l would advise monitoring your blood glucose levels. Everyone’s body behaves differently.  

Quality Matters Not all honey is created equal. Look for raw, unprocessed honey from reputable local sources. 

Manuka Honey Manuka honey is a unique type of honey with higher antibacterial properties. New Zealand and Australia are the primary producers of this unique honey, made by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush. Manuka honey is typically darker and less sweet than standard honey and is often used for its medicinal benefits.

Sinus Relief: Honey Gets the Stuff Out 

When sinus infections strike, raw honey is ready for battle like a knight in amber armor. Here are some tried-and-true remedies that work:   Honey-Lemon-Ginger Combo  Honey and lemon are a dynamic duo that help expel mucus and treat sinusitis. Ginger has effective compounds that clear away excess mucus to relieve congestion. The combination of all three creates a potent remedy. 

1. Boil a cup of water 

2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of peeled, minced ginger root.  

3. Let it steep for 15 minutes.  

4. Strain and let it cool down till lukewarm.  

5. Stir in 1 tablespoon each of fresh lemon juice and raw honey.  Drink twice a day. 
   

Honey-Cinnamon Power Paste  Combine one tablespoon of honey with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.  Take this mixture once daily to help clear mucus.  

The Apple Cider Vinegar Elixir  Apple cider vinegar relieves stuffy nose and sinus pressure. It also kills the microbes that cause infection. 

1. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to one cup of water 

2. Bring to a boil and remove from heat 

3. Stir in one tablespoon of raw honey.  Drink this three times daily.  

Other Noteworthy Bee Products  

Propolis: The Bee's Secret Weapon 

While honey gets most of the spotlight, propolis is the unsung hero of the hive. It is a resinous, glue-like substance bees produce by combining their own saliva and beeswax with substances that they collect from tree buds, sap, and other plant sources. They use it to seal gaps in the hive, strengthen their home, and keep unwanted visitors like snakes and lizards out. But this physical safeguard for their home is also a safeguard for your health.   Here are some of the benefits of propolis:   A Natural Anti-Cancer Agent  A study from 2016 demonstrated pharmacological properties, both antioxidant and anticancer activities. From these findings, it is evident that propolis extracts can be considered as a naturally obtained agent extremely useful in cancer treatment.  Prevents and Treats Colds and Sore Throats Scientific studies have shown that propolis extracts may naturally prevent as well as shorten the duration of the common cold, which can often include a dreaded sore throat. Propolis sprays are very effective for sore throats as they fight the bacteria that cause sore throats. Besides, they are anti-inflammatory, soothing the swollen, tender tissues. They also help with collagen repair of the damaged throat tissue.    Reduces Blood Glucose Levels  There was a study in 2021 that demonstrated the beneficial effects of propolis on gold standard tests for glucose levels and insulin sensitivity.  

Bee Pollen—Food for the Bees; Nutrients for Us Too  Bee pollen is called “bee bread”. It is a natural substance created when bees collect the pollen grains from various flowers, and mix them with nectar or honey. It is the primary source of protein for the bees and serves as their main food source. It is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants.  

The benefits of bee pollen are many:  Staves off Chronic Diseases  Due to its antioxidant properties, it has the potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.   

Heart Health  Studies indicate that bee pollen can lower cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.   

Anti-Inflammatory Effects Bee pollen helps ease the pain of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Lowering inflammation is key to healing.   

Immune System Support  The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in bee pollen enable our immune systems to function at their peak.  

Hormonal Balance  Some studies show that bee pollen may help alleviate hormonal symptoms, especially in women undergoing hormonal treatments.    

Energy Boost  Bee pollen is an all-in-one food, and many are reaping its benefits as a natural energy booster.  

Royal Jelly   Royal jelly is a milky secretion produced by worker honey bees. It serves as the primary food source for the queen bee and developing larvae. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Its nutritional profile makes it useful as a dietary supplement. It is also used in cosmetic products for its anti-aging, moisturizing, healing, and soothing properties.  My Curated List of Bee Products I've put together a list of bee products for easy access. Shipping Restriction: Sorry, at the moment these products are only available for shipping to Canada.

The Pollinator Partnership: A Love Story 

Here's where the story gets super sweet: our relationship with bees is the ultimate example of mutual benefit. When we plant wildflowers, orchards, and other flowering plants, we're essentially rolling out the red carpet for pollinators. Bees depend on the nectar from a variety of plants for survival, and in return, they ensure that many of our nutritious plants can reproduce. 

Without bees' pollinating abilities, we might never get to savor our delicious fruits and vegetables. The economic value of bee pollination is estimated in the billions. In all truth, these tiny workers are running a global agricultural empire, one flower at a time.   

Let’s Make a Bee Line to the Hive (Or the Store) 

Bees make the most honey during the warmer months, particularly in late spring and early summer, with peak production hitting its stride in May and June. This bustling period continues into early fall as bees prepare for winter by stockpiling honey in their hives to benefit all inhabitants. 

Diminutive in stature but not diminutive in spirit, these remarkable creatures keep our world buzzing. We can learn so much from them—work diligently for the good of others! 

Let’s make use of this "bee bounty". Sometimes the sweetest solution is the one that's been around since Biblical times.  

Now let’s all buzz off and make sure our pantries are stocked with some good honey and bee pollen, and dare I propose—propolis? Our sinuses, our joints—indeed, our whole bodies (and the bees) will be ever-grateful.  

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DISCLAIMER: The content I share is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. If you purchase products linked from these blog posts, I may receive a percentage of the proceeds. These affiliations help to support my work. 

References:

1. Antioxidants protect against diabetes by improving glucose homeostasis in mouse models of inducible insulin resistance and obesity - PMC 

2. Propolis extracts from the northern region of Thailand suppress cancer cell growth through induction of apoptosis pathways - PubMed 

3. Effects of propolis supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profiles, inflammation and oxidative stress, liver enzymes, and body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials | Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders 

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