Herb honeys - what are they?

Herb honeys are not honey. Herb honeys are the result of successful cooperation between bees and the beekeeper. They will not behave like our traditional honeys. The source of herb honey is not (as in the case of traditional honey) flower nectar, but syrup produced from specific herbs. Unfortunately, not all herbs bloom (produce nectar)- thus bees are unable to produce nectar honey from them. Man, however, came to nature's aid by serving bees a nutritious and healthy herbal food during periods when nectar is scarce. The herbal syrup produced by the beekeeper is only processed by the bees, meaning the final product is created with the participation of these insects, but is not prepared by them from start to finish. Bees enrich the herbal infusion with their enzymes and additional nectar. Herb honey is usually created on the basis of plants that are not melliferous and could not naturally be used by bees for honey production. For this reason, among others, the name „herbal honey” is not used here, as it might suggest that it was created in exactly the same way as commonly known honeys.

This is exactly how herb honeys- combining the benefits of classic honey with the unique properties of individual medicinal herbs.

Herb honeys - strengthening not only for bees, but also for humans

Herb honeys can be classified as health food products. They are not medicine, but their consumption strengthens the body's natural defense mechanisms and supports the treatment of many diseases. There are many scientific sources and studies confirming the beneficial impact of herb honeys on our health. Herb honeys, as the result of successful cooperation between people and bees, provide benefits to both parties. Herb honeys are a boost not only for bees during the nectar-free period, but also for us during periods of reduced immunity and body weakness. 

How are herb honeys made?

Herb honeys are produced during nectar-free periods in the apiary. Sometimes certain apiaries (especially stationary ones) are exposed to shortages of nectar. This is influenced by geographical and weather conditions, as well as the variability of crops used by local farmers. Although there are many bee forages in the Lublin region thanks to its agricultural character, it is not always possible to produce the most desired types of honey, such as honeydew or heather honey. This is why beekeepers produce herb honeys, to be able to produce goods from the apiary with proven health effects for our bodies. The most common ones with proven health benefits are nettle syrup, pine syrup, or elderberry flower syrup.

Herb honeys are made from herbal syrup- syrop taki wytwarza się z ziół które nie nektarują, a zawierają cenne składniki zdrowotne poprzez przygotowanie wywaru z nich wraz z cukrem w proporcjach 1:3, aby uzyskać pożywkę którą kolejno poddaje się pszczołom. Pszczoły podbierają z podkarmiaczki taki syrop, dodają swoje enzymy i umieszczają ją w plastrach traktując go podobnie jak nektar czy spadź. Kiedy zostanie odparowany nadmiar wody z roztworu pszczoły zasklepiają go i wtedy ziołomiód jest gotowy do odebrania.

Are herb honeys actual honey?

Despite the similar name and the participation of bees in the production process of herb honeys, they cannot be called honeys because they are not made from nectar or honeydew. Honey is a legally protected name and is reserved only for products that are 100% created by bees without human intervention.

However, it should be noted that many sources confirm a high content of phenolic compounds in them, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and which could not be naturally obtained by bees from these plants due to their lack of nectar production.

Herb honeys - health properties

Herb honeys owe their properties to the type of plants they come from. Additionally, herb honeys owe their health properties to enzymes derived from bees as a result of their activity. Our offer includes the most popular types of herb honeys in Poland: pine herb honey, nettle herb honey, and elderberry flower herb honey. However, we can mention health properties of herb honeys characteristic of each of the available types: 

• Pine herb honey has anti-inflammatory, disinfecting, and expectorant effects. Recommended for colds. It can also be used in children.
  
  
• Nettle herb honey supports kidney function. It has a diuretic effect. It is beneficial in treating anaemia and strengthens the body.
  
  
• Elderberry flower herb honey has a diaphoretic effect for colds and flu, improves metabolism, detoxifies, acts as a diuretic and painkiller. Strengthens blood vessels.

In summary, herb honeys are a natural product, free from artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, or other unnecessary additives. It is worth consuming them regularly, not only during illness but also to prevent it. They are definitely more effective than popular dietary supplements and immunity boosters found in many advertisements.

Health properties of herb honeys are effective in cardiovascular, urinary, and digestive system diseases, as well as in inflammations of the upper respiratory tract.

Herb honeys - learn more in our video:

Bibliography/ Sources:

• Czaplicki J., A handful of information about herb honeys, „Pasieka”, 2003, no. 3.
• Aleksandra Wilczyńska, Marta Twork Gdynia Maritime University MARKET ANALYSIS OF HERB HONEYS – PRODUCTION AND SALES CONDITIONS
• Robert Socha, Lesław Juszczak, Sławomir Pietrzyk, Teresa Fortuna, Antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of herbhoneys, Food Chemistry, Volume 113, Issue 2, 2009
• Wcinaj Miód Portal
• www.gov.pl/web/rolnictwo/ziolomiod-pokrzywowy 
• www.academia.edu/13416453/Zio%C5%82omiody_cz_1