Start your day off right with honey products

When temperatures drop and our throats start to feel scratchy, our grandmothers used to bring out the jar of honey. Today, beehives offer much more: propolis, royal jelly, and pollen. Here’s how to choose and use them safely.

Honey, propolis, royal jelly, pollen: What do they do?

They all come from the hive, but each has its own role.

• The honey : nectar or honeydew processed by bees. It soothes the throat and is available in jars, as herbal tea, or as syrup.
• Propolis: a resin collected by bees to protect the hive, composed of nearly 400 substances. It is primarily used for winter prevention, to soothe the throat and respiratory tract.
• Royal jelly: a substance reserved for the queen and the larvae, rich in proteins, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. It is taken as a course of treatment when feeling fatigued.
• Pollen: harvested from flowers, rich in protein and vitamins, including vitamin B6. It is traditionally used to treat temporary fatigue or stress.

Propolis: The Star of Winter Throat Care

Bees make propolis from plant resins to protect their hive. It tastes similar to honey, but with a stronger flavor. Today, people are particularly interested in it as soon as the air starts to cool, to prepare the body for the cold season and relieve minor throat discomfort.

Choose the format that best suits your needs:

• Oral or nasal spray: targeted relief that’s easy to slip into your bag.
• Tablets or erasers : Great for everyday use, at the office, or on the go.
• Syrup: a smooth texture, often enjoyed by the whole family (always check the minimum age listed).
• Mother tincture: just a few drops in a glass of water. It contains alcohol, since it is an alcoholic macerate.
• Capsules : for a continuous treatment regimen, without the taste.

As for duration, the general recommendation is a 3-week course of treatment, followed by a break. There’s no need to continue it throughout the winter without professional advice. And if symptoms persist, you should consult a doctor.

Honey, the simplest ally

It's the oldest and simplest remedy: a spoonful of honey in a cup of hot herbal tea. Honey soothes the throat and is a seasonal staple.

• Choose organic produce, preferably in a container, and make sure you know where it comes from.
• Vary your choices depending on the season: thyme, eucalyptus, fir, or linden are types of honey that are often found in winter.
• Let the beverage cool slightly before adding it: it is generally recommended not to pour it into boiling water, to preserve its qualities.

An idea for an evening herbal tea: Steep one teaspoon of thyme in hot water for 10 minutes, strain it, and once the tea has cooled to lukewarm, add the juice of half a lemon and one teaspoon of honey.

Royal jelly: a treatment to restore vitality

Royal jelly is the exclusive food source for the queen and the larvae. Rich in protein, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, it is traditionally used as a treatment when fatigue sets in as the days grow shorter.

• When to take it: as a course of treatment lasting a few weeks, often in the morning, to help set the tone for the day.
• What form: capsules, chewable tablets, or jelly.
• How to store it: The liquid or fresh form should be kept in the refrigerator.

It goes hand in hand with a varied diet and regular sleep, which remain the foundation of winter energy.

Precautions to Be Aware of Before You Begin

Natural does not mean risk-free. Bee products are well tolerated by most people, but there are a few rules to follow.

• Allergy: This is the main contraindication. It can cause skin or respiratory reactions. ANSES has reported cases of severe allergic reactions linked to supplements containing royal jelly, propolis, honey, or pollen, and notes that pollen allergy is a risk factor.
• First try: Start with a small amount and stop at the first sign of a reaction.
• Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women: Consult a pharmacist or doctor.
• Duration: Avoid undergoing multiple treatment courses throughout the year without consulting a healthcare professional.
• Label: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and report any adverse effects.

Our Advice from Santi-shop

To get through the winter comfortably, start simple: some good honey for your evening herbal teas, propolis for your throat, and—if you start to feel tired—a course of royal jelly. Find our entire selection in our Bee Products section, including our honeys, immune-boosting supplements, and winter care products.

Want to take it a step further? Check out our 5 essential oils to help you enjoy a peaceful fall*.

*This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional.