For thousands of years, bees have provided us with much more than honey. They produce an impressive array of therapeutic substances: propolis, royal jelly, pollen, wax and even venom. Apitherapy, from the Latin apis (bee), refers to the whole range of treatments using these products of the hive. At a time when more and more people are looking for natural, preventive solutions that respect living organisms, apitherapy is establishing itself as a valuable form of integrative health care.
In this article, we invite you to discover what apitherapy is all about, its main products, their scientifically recognized benefits, and how to integrate them safely into a natural wellness approach.
What is apitherapy?
Apitherapy has its origins in ancient Egypt, traditional Chinese medicine and Indian ayurveda. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, already prescribed honey for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Today, it is the subject of growing scientific research and is integrated into holistic health approaches. Apitherapy can be used for prevention, immunity support, healing, respiratory ailments, joint disorders and revitalizing the body.
The 6 main apitherapy products and their benefits
Honey: an age-old medicinal nectar
Honey is undoubtedly the best-known beekeeping product. Obtained by processing flower nectar, it consists mainly of simple carbohydrates (glucose and fructose), but also contains enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Its therapeutic properties :
Antibacterial: Honey is naturally antiseptic. Manuka honey (New Zealand) is particularly renowned for its high antibacterial power, thanks to the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO).
Healing: Used on wounds and burns, it promotes tissue regeneration.
Soothing: In case of cough or throat irritation, honey soothes and moisturizes.
Natural energizer: Thanks to its simple sugars, it provides quick energy, useful for athletes or when tired.
Good to know: Honey should never be given to children under one year of age, due to the risk of infantile botulism.
Propolis: bees' natural antibiotic
Propolis is a plant resin that bees collect from the buds of certain trees (poplar, birch, etc.) and mix with their saliva to create a protective substance. In the hive, it is used to sterilize the environment.
Its therapeutic properties :
Antibacterial and antiviral: Helps prevent and relieve ENT infections (colds, sinusitis, strep throat, etc.).
Antifungal: useful against fungal infections, especially of the mouth and skin.
Immunostimulant: Supports the immune system, especially during seasonal changes.
Anti-inflammatory: Used topically, it soothes inflammation of the skin or mouth.
Available in alcoholic extracts, sprays, lozenges, capsules or ointments.
Royal jelly: the queen's superfood
Produced by young nurse bees, royal jelly is the queen's exclusive food throughout her life, which explains her exceptional longevity (up to 5 years, compared with a few weeks for workers).
Its benefits:
General stimulant: tones the body, improves resistance to stress and fatigue.
Immune support: Increases natural defenses.
Hormonal balance: It can relieve certain disorders associated with menopause or menstruation.
Mild nootropic effect: improved memory and concentration.
Recommended use: consume as a 3-6 week course of treatment, ideally at the change of season or during convalescence.
Pollen: a nutritional bomb
Pollen is collected by bees from flowers, agglomerated with nectar and transported to the hive in pellets. It's an exceptional source of plant proteins, vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants.
Health benefits:
Fortifying: restores vitality, particularly in cases of anemia or chronic fatigue.
Intestinal balance: Thanks to its fiber and enzymes, it supports intestinal flora.
Seasonal allergies: Taken in micro-doses several weeks before spring, it can act as a natural desensitizer.
Tip: eat fresh (frozen at harvest) to preserve its properties, or dry.
Beeswax: more than just cosmetics
Wax is used by bees to build their honeycombs. It has numerous applications in cosmetics, in particular for its film-forming and protective properties.
Uses :
Skin care: Wax creams and balms soothe dry or irritated skin.
Therapeutic aids: It is used in certain traditional plasters or poultices to relieve joint or muscle pain.
Bee venom (apitoxin)
Apipuncture, a specialized branch of apitherapy, uses bee venom to treat certain chronic inflammatory conditions (arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.). It contains powerful peptides such as melittin, with anti-inflammatory properties.
Caution: This practice is strictly supervised by trained professionals and must never be carried out without medical supervision.
How can you incorporate apitherapy into your natural health routine?
Apitherapy can be easily integrated into a healthy lifestyle:
Prevention: A cure of royal jelly or pollen at each change of season.
To support immunity: Spray propolis at the first signs of a cold.
For digestive support or revitalization: Fresh pollen for breakfast, mixed into a yoghurt or smoothie.
For the skin: Wax and honey balm for dry or damaged areas.
Precautions and contraindications
Beehive products can provoke allergic reactions, particularly in people sensitive to bee stings or certain pollens.
People with asthma, allergies or immunodeficiency should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Bee venom is a highly active product, to be handled only in a safe medical setting.
Honey should be avoided by infants under one year of age because of the risk of botulism.
Apitherapy, by harnessing the treasures of the hive, offers a natural, holistic approach that respects the body. Honey, propolis, royal jelly and pollen are not just tasty or cosmetic products: they are genuine allies in strengthening our immune system, preventing imbalances and supporting natural healing processes.
At Natflowwe believe in integrative health that values natural resources, prevention and listening to the body. Apitherapy is fully in line with this vision. If you'd like to go further, follow our advice on the app to integrate beehive products into your well-being routine.
This article does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, consult a health professional trained in natural medicine.