Herbal bee-tea
No, this time it’s not a beverage for me or you!
I feel like a lot of what I’m sharing on Instagram and at workshops is the delicious drinks I’ve been creating! And I’m quite serious about a herbal beverages cafe (with plants, books, treatment space, remedies and curios)… if anyone is interested…?
This time, it’s a tea for the bees. I don’t know who needs to know about this, but in any case I’m blogging it for my reference and any other natural beekeepers out there interested in alternative (natural) self-treatment options too.
This recipe is derived from Gunther Hauk’s work, who has been using and teaching the value of healing teas for honeybee colonies in support of today's weakened metabolic and immune system. The feeding of bee tea is now used widely by natural and sustainable beekeepers throughout the country.
My approach to moving towards treatment-free beekeeping is based on the belief that bees are resilient creatures capable of managing their own health when given the right conditions. Instead of relying on chemical treatments for pests and diseases, treatment-free beekeepers prioritise creating a natural environment that supports the bees' immune systems and natural behaviours.
Bee-Tea is a careful blend of herbs chosen for their beneficial properties in supporting bee health. It offers a colony a natural tonic, which they choose to use or not - they know best. The recipe I’m using is written by the wonderful Titanilla of Beewitching Embassy (@beewitchingembassy), and combines:
Chamomile: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial to boost bees' immune systems and protect against infections.
Yarrow: known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Stinging nettle: rich in vitamins and minerals, offered to enhance the nutritional profile of the bee tea.
Peppermint: natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help protect bees from pathogens and improve gut health.
Dandelion flowers: a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, supporting bees' immune systems and overall vitality.
Sage: offers antimicrobial properties that protect beesfrom infections and support their immune health.
Hyssop: has antiseptic properties help prevent infectionsand maintain bee health.
Thyme: strongly antibacterial and antifungal, can help protect bees from harmful pathogens and support respiratory health.
Lemon Balm: is calming and has antiviral properties, reducing stress and protecting bees from viruses
Titanilla’s recipe included Echinacea and a pinch of Rue, but I don’t have any locally sourced supplies of these herbs, so they’ll be added in next year’s batch. Pure water is gently boiled in a ceramic or stainless steel pot before being infused with the selected herbs. After steeping, the mixture is strained, cooled, and sweetened with high-quality honey to create a nourishing elixir ready for the bees.
Ingredients:
500 ml of good water (avoid tap water)
1.5 grams each of dried Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), and Dandelion flowers (Taraxacum officinale) if available
0.6 grams each of sage (Salvia officinalis), hyssop (Hyssopusofficinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lemon balm (Melissaofficinalis), and echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)A pinch of rue (Ruta graveolens)
340 grams of good honey
This quantity is suitable for one treatment or one hive. If you have only one hive, store the excess in the refrigerator until used, but warm it up to room temperature before giving it to the bees. This can be given from early spring until late summer, every 1-2 months. Extend feeding duration during unfavourable weather conditions, and shorten it if the bees have sufficient natural forage. Regular observation is crucial: if the tea remains untouched for days, it suggests the bees either don't require it or the tea has soured.
