Winter is coming!

At this time of year our bees have already taken shelter in the hive and the workers have surrounded the queen to make sure she’s kept warm in the midst of the winter cluster. Although the temperature outside may be freezing, the centre of the winter cluster remains at a steady temperature as bees generate heat by “shivering” their wing muscles. Amazing right?

Winter brings the season of coughs and colds and in our house we get the occasional tickly cough or runny nose. However rather than reach for the medicine cupboard we grab a jar of raw honey and some propolis – we have cupboards full of the stuff.

If you’d rather opt for natural alternatives to ease the symptoms of coughs and colds, then raw honey could be great for you!

Why honey? 

The guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England (PHE) have been developed after looking at the best available scientific evidence.

The evidence showed that honey could be effective at reducing the symptoms of acute coughs due to upper respiratory tract infections (infections of the airways), including how often people coughed and how bad their cough was. The guidance applies to adults and children over 5 years of age. It’s important to note that honey is not safe for children under the age of 12 months old.

For more information about the study and its findings please visit https://www.nhs.uk/news/heart-and-lungs/honey-not-antibiotics-recommended-coughs/

What type of honey is best for coughs and colds?

Whilst we’re not medical experts our ‘go to’ raw honey to reduce the symptoms of a tickly cough and cold is Linden Honey.  It has higher natural antibacterial properties, which can actively contribute to fighting off inflammation and respiratory infections. There are two ways in which you can consume honey to fight off infections. The first is the classic honey lemon tea and the second is a honey propolis combination.

Honey lemon tea

Step 1: prepare a mug of boiled water and squeeze in half a lemon

Step 2: allow to cool slightly (the benefits of honey are significantly reduced when heated over 45 c.) then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Linden honey

Step 3: drink while still warm (be careful if you’re using this method to small children to avoid burning)

Honey and propolis

Step 1: take a dry tablespoon of honey (you always want to avoid a wet spoon in honey as this can speed up the crystallisation process!)

Step 2: add between 5-10 droplets of propolis

Step 3: consume as it is

We’ve used these remedies for years to reduce the symptoms of a cough or cold and we’d love for you to benefit too! Linden honey is our raw honey of choice, but other varieties also have antibacterial properties and all are delicious in a warm drink so can be enjoyed all year round!

BEE healthy everyone!

Thanks,

Sarah & Marek

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