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Why would you rather buy city honey?

Land2


City Honey versus land Honey

We compare city honey versus country honey.

The idyll of country life is deceptive. It is true that we can cycle through picturesque landscapes in many places in Germany. We enjoy the sweeping views over fields and lush green pastures. This idyll is disturbed at harvest time at the latest, as huge machines are put to work. Nitrogen oxides and diesel exhaust pollute the air. Honey bees easily lose their bearings as a result. They find it harder to head for suitable flowers and often cannot find their way back to the hive.

We like to suppress how much fertilizer and liquid manure was previously applied to the fields. Pesticides such as glyphosate are extremely popular with German farmers. Many a German beekeeper has had to destroy his entire honey harvest because it was contaminated with glyphosate. We tend to ignore the fact that in the middle of idyllic farmland there are experimental fields where genetically modified plants are grown. The wind carries their pollen with it. However, such trial fields should actually be strictly separated from the fields of conventional and organic farmers.


Why are beekeepers increasingly using urban areas?


The fact is that many hobby and professional beekeepers are now deliberately settling in urban areas to produce excellent honey. In doing so, they are overcoming several problems at once.

On the one hand, such beekeepers ensure the preservation of honey bees. Their numbers have been decimated considerably in recent years. This is due to pests, but also to the excesses of intensive agriculture. Increasing monocultures, the increased use of pesticides and factory farming are resulting in less and less varied bee food. As a result, our honey bees are increasingly falling victim to diseases.

Secondly, the city beekeepers actively pollinate plants in the city through their beehives. Thirdly, the urban beehives also produce wonderfully tasting mixed honeys. These are characterized by a low pollutant content and a round taste. City honey is currently even the best quality that honey lovers can buy in Germany. This fact is sure to surprise some honey lovers. For some people, it requires more explanation than their beloved varietal honey

Glyphosate and pesticide in city honey?

Are glyphosate and pesticides found in urban honey?

City honey versus country honey part 2

Informed honey lovers deliberately do not choose zero-eight-fifteen honey from the supermarket. Most of these honeys are inferior because they have too high a water content and have not matured long enough in the hive. Their taste is adapted to the mainstream. Typical characteristics of single-variety honeys are neutralized. Imported honeys also consist of mixtures of several types of honey. They are no longer natural.

Honey connoisseurs who demand quality and aroma often bring back tasty honey specialties from small beekeepers in Greece. Some buy their honey directly from the beekeeper. Others trust a reliable stall holder at a weekly market. Delicatessen stores or the internet are also good sources for buying uncontaminated and delicious-tasting honey specialties.

The belief that country honey is fundamentally better than city honey is no longer tenable. The quality characteristics have shifted in favor of city honey in recent years. Our city honey can compete with almost any competitor from the countryside.

Contaminated honey often comes from the countryside

City honey versus country honey part 3

see also here: more of this

Landscape

We don’t like to believe that blossom or country honey from Germany increasingly contains unpleasant substances such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, but it doesn’t fit in with our view of honey production. Bee honey is considered one of the most natural spreads.

However, glyphosate or pyrrolizidine alkaloid residues are actually found in an alarming number of European honey samples. These are also found in bee pollen. Harmful ingredients in honey should be just as rare as honey adulterated with cheap honey. For honey lovers, it has long been clear that no one should be fooled by supposedly idyllic images. It is not only the bee mortality of recent years that has led to more and more hobby and small beekeepers moving their hives to urban areas and thus producing honey in the city.

On the one hand, bees are urgently needed here as pollinators. On the other hand, city honey has long been better than its reputation. For example, it has often been proven to contain less nitrogen oxides than country honey. Beekeepers in the city pay close attention to the location of their beehives. Thanks to the lack of factory farming and intensive agriculture with all its excesses, only road traffic is a burden here. However, no urban beekeeper would place his hives next to a highway.

Less contaminated honey comes from the urban area

Soil contamination with pesticides, herbicides or fungicides is significantly lower in urban areas. Many local authorities have also banned the application of glyphosate in urban areas. These are good prospects for beekeepers to produce less contaminated honey.

A striking example of this is our Wanuka Premium city honey. This comes from Wanne-Eickel. It presents itself as a beekeeping masterpiece in the field of city honey. Our city honey is proof that honey not only tastes delicious. In fact, our Wanuka Premium City Honey also suggests that the more diverse urban habitats are more suitable for “Apis mellifera” honey bees. Even experts confirm this.

In North Rhine-Westphalia – for example in the Wanne-Eickel area – there are ideal conditions for our honey bees. They benefit from lush, diverse and varied vegetation. In contrast, there are intensively farmed monocultures that lack field flowers and wild herbs. Our honey bees of the species “Apis mellifera carnic” collect less polluted pollen in the urban area. Our Wanuka premium honey is another example of how urban honey can be offered to people with a clear conscience.

Our premium honey has a convincing taste anyway. It also benefits from a variety of urban flavor impulses that are no longer available in the countryside. This city honey is therefore an aromatic-sweet tasting mixed honey, because a city beekeeper cannot guarantee varietal purity.

City honey is not a trend by chance

Many large German cities have long since recognized the trend. They produce and market urban honey. In doing so, they also ensure the preservation of honey bees and the pollination of flowers and fruit tree blossoms. We also market the city honey “Honey from Herne”.

The belief that urban honey must contain more nitrogen oxides and more glyphosate cannot be confirmed. On the contrary: on intensively farmed land, far more pollutants are introduced into bee honey than is assumed. It is not only the massive use of pesticides by conventional farmers that leaves its fatal traces in honey. Honey bees cannot tell the difference between an organic farmer cultivating a field and a farmer who has to massively increase his yields with agricultural poisons in order to survive.

It has been proven that none of the 300 pesticides tested, no residues from exhaust gases and no heavy metal inputs exceeding the limit value were found in tests involving urban honey. Our Wanuka premium honey is therefore also pleasingly low in pesticides and glyphosate. Our city honey from Wanne Eickel was awarded the top grade “GOLD” by the “Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Ges18ellschaft” (DLG) in 2017. In general, the honey products produced in our country are significantly lower in harmful substances than most types of honey produced abroad.

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Herne honey – amazingly real

Herner honey 500g Holthausen front


Stadthonig – Honey from Herne

one label – 11 beekeepers from one town.

City honey such as Herne honey is becoming increasingly well-known – and increasingly popular. It is now available from major cities such as Hamburg, Berlin and Munich, but also from many smaller towns, such as Herne. Beekeeping in urban areas has been around for a long time. But urban honey was only discovered and marketed as a quality product in its own right a few years ago.


Herne honey is a top-quality honey. It is proof that it is also possible to produce wonderful, first-class honey in a city. Honey from Herne is a top-quality honey brand.


Busy bees – even in the city?


There are nine species of honey bee worldwide. Eight are native to Asia, the ninth honey bee species is the Western honey bee, Apis Mellifera, which is native to our country. Its subspecies are used in beekeeping worldwide. When we talk about honey from Herne, we are talking about honey from honey bees. In contrast, there are 2500 species of wild bees in Europe alone, of which around 560 are native to Germany. While honey bees live exclusively in hives in colonies of up to 50,000 bees, most wild bee species are solitary bees

Wild bee species now need nesting aids such as bee hotels to survive. There is a lack of dead wood or sand and clay areas into which the wild bees can bore, hibernate and reproduce. That’s why it makes sense to set up bee hotels. These nesting aids help wild bees to survive.


When foraging, wild bees only travel up to 500 meters from their nest. Honey bees, on the other hand, have a radius of up to seven kilometers. Wild bees do not produce honey, as they consume the nectar they collect directly. The pollen and nectar processed into honey, on the other hand, is used in the beehives as food and supplies for the winter. By the way, a honey man, i.e. a beekeeper, speaks of a honey crop when he means everything that a busy bee collects during the day and brings into the hive. A crop means the pollen, the honeydew and the nectar. The honey in spring is therefore composed differently from the honey in summer. Honey from Herne can of course never be honey from wild bees. There is no such honey.

Forest

We all know how dramatic the situation is for insects in general. But nobody really notices it in everyday life. The gradual disappearance of insects is not really noticeable, as they generally do not want to come into direct contact with humans. In our opinion, a longer journey by car is the most visible for everyone. Anyone who remembers traveling by car 5 to 8 years ago may know what the windscreen or radiator grille of the car looked like when you arrived at your destination. Today, this is much less the case. The decline of all species means that the pollination of flowers and fruit tree blossoms is no longer guaranteed. Where pollination is lacking, the fruit, the harvest and also the reproduction of all plants on our planet is lacking. The death of our small flying insects has incalculable consequences for us all. It is not without reason that the honeybee in particular is one of the most important beneficial animals for organic and plant diversity! We beekeepers in Herne take care of our beehives, we look after and nurture them. We make sure that the animals reproduce. When you buy our honey from Herne, you are directly supporting our work for sustainable cities and communities for the city.

What types of honey are available from Herne?

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Herne city honey is the result of a cooperation between beekeepers from the Herne Beekeepers’ Association and Herne City Marketing. The city honey jars are labeled with a so-called guarantee strip. It bears the brand logo of the city of Herne. An undamaged warranty strip on the honey jar guarantees that it is unopened. With our city honey, we Herne beekeepers want to draw attention to the value and importance of honeybees for the city’s flora. They pollinate flowers throughout the city, including fruit tree blossoms. These animals are valuable.

Herne honey is liquid. It can change its consistency slightly during storage and become solid. However, this is not a bad thing, but a completely natural process. We do not add any artificial substances to our honey to artificially prevent this. Our honey can simply be made liquid again in a water bath, with the lid open and water at a maximum temperature of 40 degrees. The aroma and all the healthy ingredients are retained.

We also have different types of Herner honey in our range. Because Herne honey differs according to its origin. Honey from Herne comes from different parts of the city. It comes freshly harvested from the Herne district of Unser Fritz. A jar of honey like this contains the work of bees during the months of May, June and July. It couldn’t be fresher, better or more direct. You will also find honey from the Herne district of Wanne Süd with this spring and summer’s harvest. We even offer two different types of honey from the Horsthausen district with the harvest from this spring and summer, as they are produced by two different beekeepers. We hope to have all beekeepers on board soon. So if anyone is interested, please feel free to contact us.

The variety of flowers in the city also results in different honey colors. Naturally, purity of variety cannot be guaranteed in the urban area. All the flowers that grow in the city are flown to and processed into honey. The flavor of the honey therefore changes depending on the location. There are also differences in taste between the spring and summer honey. The taste spectrum is therefore broad. Dark honey tends to be spicier and light honey milder in taste. The wide variety of flavors in honey ensures intense enjoyment, so you are sure to discover your future favorite honey from Herne.

Beekeepers in Herne

A beekeeper, sometimes also called a honey man, looks after his hives. Separating female bees from male bees, the so-called drones, is one of the tasks of a beekeeper. Drones do not collect pollen or nectar. They also do not participate in work on the hive. Instead, they are fed by the females. They are dependent on the social exchange of food in the bee colony. After they reach sexual maturity, they fly out and look for a queen bee that is ready to mate. Later in the year, they are no longer allowed into the hive. They starve and die outside. The males of a bee colony only appear in the reproduction phase, during the so-called swarming period from April to August. Incidentally, drones do not have a bee stinger. Female bees in beekeeping and male bees therefore have completely different lives.

There are currently over 500 bee colonies in Herne. More than four bee colonies per square kilometer. That is an above-average number nationwide. One bee colony produces 20 to 30 kilograms of honey per year. That is the equivalent of 20,000 to 30,000 500g jars filled with high-quality honey from Herne. Incidentally, the city honey is not heated during the bottling process, as is usual with industrially bottled honey. Herne honey is a high-quality foodstuff that is completely natural and pure.

Herne honey with an effect

Honey consists of up to 80 percent sugar and about 20 percent water. Honey contains 2 different types of sugar, known as monosaccharides. They are specifically called fructose and glucose. It also contains a further 180 substances that make honey not only a tasty delicacy, but also a high-quality remedy. The proven substances include vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and H, as well as enzymes, enzymes, minerals, flavorings, acids, trace elements such as calcium, iron, zinc and potassium, but also amino acids and antibacterial substances such as penicillin B. Honey also contains secondary plant substances such as inhibins, so-called inhibitors, as well as tannins and essential oils. These ingredients combat the aggressive and cancer-causing free radicals in the human body.

Herne honey provides energy thanks to its fruit and glucose content. When consumed, the sugar content is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolized. Honey has an antibacterial effect due to the enzymes it contains, such as glucose oxidase. This enzyme is considered a germ killer. This is why honey also has an antiseptic effect. Milk or herbal teas with honey are well-known household remedies, as honey has an anti-inflammatory effect. Colds and sore throats can be reduced or combated by taking honey. The potassium present supports the drainage of the body via the kidneys. The various acids such as acetic acid, citric acid and lactic acid support digestion, among other things.

Honey is not the only bee product with an effect. There is also propolis, a resinous mass found in the flight holes of beehives. Like honey, it has an antibacterial effect, has an anti-inflammatory effect like honey and has an antiseptic effect like honey. Propolis is used by the honey bees themselves as protection against germs, mites and fungi, including at the entrances to the hive. On the other hand, the bees sting with their stingers to protect themselves from honey predators and attackers of the hive.

Look forward to propolis products in the coming year, which you can then buy from us in the Wanuka online store.


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Oxymel: A traditional herbal medicine

Oxymel


Oxymel – What is that?

Today I would like to talk to you about a remedy that has been used for centuries – Oxymel. Oxymel is a mixture of honey and vinegar that was considered a universal remedy in ancient Greek medicine. In this detailed article, I will tell you more about the history, production and health benefits of Oxymel.

The history of Oxymel

Oxymel has a long history and was used as a remedy by the ancient Greeks more than 2,000 years ago. The term “oxymel” is derived from the Greek word “oxys”, which means sour, and “meli”, which means honey. It was used in ancient medicine to treat colds, coughs, digestive problems and other ailments. In traditional Chinese medicine, oxymel has also been used for centuries to treat colds, coughs and digestive problems.

The production of Oxymel

It can easily be made at home. To make Oxymel, you need apple or wine vinegar and honey. You can of course use our natural Wanuka honey. The ratio of vinegar and honey varies according to personal taste. A common mixture is a ratio of 1:2. The vinegar and honey are mixed in a sealable glass jar and shaken well. The glass jar is then stored in a cool, dark place and shaken occasionally. After about two weeks, the Oxymel is ready and can be consumed.

The health benefits of Oxymel

It offers numerous health benefits. The high antioxidant content in the honey and vinegar helps to reduce inflammation in the body and strengthen the immune system. Oxymel can also help with digestive problems such as heartburn, bloating and constipation. By combining sour vinegar and sweet honey, Oxymel can also help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes.

Oxymel can also help with colds and coughs. The anti-inflammatory properties of honey and vinegar can help to loosen mucus in the throat and airways. Oxymel can also be used as a gargle solution for sore throats and to prevent infections.

In addition to its health benefits, Oxymel can also be used for skin care. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey and vinegar can help to reduce acne and clear the skin.

Immune system and oxidative stress

One of the most important functions of the immune system is to protect the body from disease and infection. Our body is constantly under attack from free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress. This oxidative stress can weaken the immune system and thus increase the risk of infections.

Oxidative stress occurs when the balance between oxidative and antioxidative processes in the body is disturbed. Antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and thus reduce oxidative stress. Oxymel contains high levels of antioxidants, especially phenolic acids and flavonoids, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and strengthen the immune system.

Immune system and inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and infection. However, chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of disease. Oxymel contains acetate, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Acetate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by intestinal bacteria. One study found that taking vinegar increases the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut and can therefore reduce inflammation in the body.

Immune system and gut health

Our gut is an important part of the immune system. A healthy gut helps to strengthen and support the immune system. It can also help to improve gut health. The probiotics in vinegar can help to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut and thus strengthen the immune system.

Oxymel has numerous health benefits. Here are some of the most important:

  1. Digestive: It can help to promote digestion and alleviate digestive problems. The vinegar in Oxymel can help to lower the pH of the stomach and therefore improve digestion. It also contains probiotics which can help to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut and therefore aid digestion.
  2. Anti-inflammatory: It contains acetate, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Acetate is a short-chain fatty acid that is produced by intestinal bacteria. One study found that taking vinegar increases the production of short-chain fatty acids in the intestine and can therefore reduce inflammation in the body.
  3. Strengthens the immune system: Oxymel contains high levels of antioxidants, especially phenolic acids and flavonoids, which can help to strengthen and support the immune system. In addition, the probiotics in it can help to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut and thus strengthen the immune system.
  4. Lowers blood sugar levels: Studies have shown that taking vinegar can lower blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes.
  5. Lowers cholesterol levels: A study found that taking vinegar can lower cholesterol levels. This can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Oxymel can be used in different ways. Here are some possibilities:

  1. As a drink: It can be enjoyed as a healthy drink. Simply mix a teaspoon of Oxymel in a glass of water and drink it as a daily tonic.
  2. As a dressing: It can be used as a dressing for salads or vegetables. Simply mix Oxymel with olive oil and spices and drizzle over the salad or vegetables.
  3. As a marinade: It can be used as a marinade for meat, fish or vegetables. Simply mix Oxymel with spices and oil and marinate the desired food for a few hours or overnight.
  4. As a sweetener: It can be used as a healthy substitute for conventional sugar. Simply use in place of sugar in recipes for cakes, cookies or other desserts.
  5. As a remedy to soothe a sore throat: It can also be used to soothe a sore throat. Simply mix a teaspoon of the mixture in hot water and gargle in the throat area.

Conclusion

Oxymel is a tried and tested natural remedy with numerous health benefits. Its simple production and natural applicability make Oxymel an all-rounder in naturopathy.

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Beehive air – Apitherapy

EInatmen mit Maske

Bees are amazing creators and their products offer many health benefits. Honey is probably the best known and most commonly used product, but other bee products such as beeswax, propolis and royal jelly are also used in medicine and cosmetics. A lesser-known but nevertheless valuable application of bee products is apitherapy, in particular treatment with beehive air.

What is beehive air?

Hive air is the air produced by bees in their hive. This air is unique and contains many health-promoting substances, such as enzymes, pollen, propolis and beeswax. The air is also enriched by the movement of the bees in the hive and the heating by the bee brood. This combination of factors makes the hive air a rich and unique mixture of healing and immune-boosting substances.

How is hive air used?

Hive air is most commonly used by inhalation, either through special hive air devices or by visiting beehives. Treatment with hive air is a subcategory of apitherapy and has been known for centuries in the traditional medicine of various cultures. In Europe, apitherapy was described by Aristotle, Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder.

Apitherapy basically, is an alternative healing method that focuses on the use of bee products such as honey, propolis, beeswax, royal jelly and bee venom to treat a variety of health problems. It is an ancient practice that has been practiced in various cultures around the world and is becoming increasingly popular today.

Apitherapy is based on the idea that bee products have healing properties that can be transferred to the human body. These products contain a variety of chemical compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Apitherapists use various bee products in their practice. Honey, for example, is used to treat coughs, colds, sore throats and stomach problems. Propolis, which is produced by bees from tree resin, is used to treat wounds, ulcers and skin infections. Royal jelly is used to strengthen the immune system and improve skin health. Bee venom is used to relieve pain and inflammation and can also be used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism.

Beehive air contains many health-promoting substances that can alleviate a variety of health problems. It is believed that inhaling hive air strengthens the immune system, clears the airways, improves lung function and promotes skin health. Beehive air also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help treat infections.

A 2017 study found that inhaling beehive air led to a significant improvement in symptoms in patients with allergic asthma. Another study from 2015 found that inhaling beehive air can strengthen the immune system of older people and reduce the risk of infections.

How is treatment with beehive air carried out?

Treatment with beehive air is best carried out under the supervision of an experienced apitherapist. We at Wanuka are in the process of specializing and if you are interested, please contact us at bienenluft@wanuka.de or via Whatsapp. There are special devices that produce and filter the hive air in a controlled environment to make inhalation safer and more comfortable. The treatment can take between 15 and 30 minutes and should be carried out regularly to achieve the best results.

Applications usually take place in 3 possible therapies

    1. 6x 30 minutes as basic therapy
    2. 12x 30 minutes as standard therapy
    3. 24x 30 minutes as intensive therapy

For which diseases is beehive air apitherapy used?
Beehive air is used for a variety of health problems. Here are some examples:

  1. Asthma and allergies: Inhalation of beehive air can help treat asthma and especially hay fever and other allergic conditions by clearing the airways and strengthening the immune system.
  2. COPD: if the lungs are damaged and the airways are constricted, beehive air can help.
  3. Skin problems: Cane air can help treat skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and acne by reducing inflammation and promoting skin health.
  4. Infections: The hollyhock air has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help treat infections such as colds, flu and bronchitis.
  5. Inflammation: Inflammation is involved in many chronic diseases, including arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Beehive air can help reduce inflammation in the body and therefore reduce the risk of chronic disease.
  6. Stress and anxiety: Beehive air can also help reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation.

It is important to note that apitherapy with hollyhock air should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatments. It is important to speak to an experienced apitherapist and ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate.

What is the Beecura system?

The Beecura System is an innovative method of apitherapy that uses the active ingredients of bee products, in particular hive air, to treat various health problems. The system was developed by a team of scientists and apitherapists and consists of a range of products based on medical certification.
The Beecura System uses the unique properties of hive air to harness antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects and deliver a variety of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for health to the respiratory tract.

The Beecura inhalation device gently draws in the soothing beehive air and directs it through a heated tube to the inhalation mask without disturbing the bees or being stung by them. A grid in the lid prevents bees from entering the tube. Users inhale the hive air through the inhalation mask. A specially developed valve ensures that the exhaled air does not get back into the hive.

The Beecura System is recommended by many apitherapists and naturopaths and is a promising option for people looking for natural and effective remedies. However, it is important to note that each individual health issue has different treatment needs and it is important to speak with a qualified healthcare provider before trying a new treatment.

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Propolis – the better antibiotic?

Propolis Tropfen

Today I would like to talk to you about a special natural product that is also used in veterinary medicine: Propolis.

What is propolis?

Propolis is produced by bees and serves as protection against bacteria and viruses. It consists of resins, wax, essential oils and pollen and is rich in flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. This combination makes it a valuable and versatile natural product.

It has an antiseptic effect and can ward off bacteria and viruses. For this reason, bees use propolis to protect their hive from disease. It is applied to the honeycombs to seal them and seal cracks and holes. It forms a kind of protective layer that prevents the penetration of bacteria and viruses and thus ensures the health of the bee colony.

It is also used by the bees to disinfect their brood chambers. The bees coat the walls of the chambers with propolis to kill bacteria and viruses and thus ensure the health of the brood. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can promote wound healing. For this reason, bees also use propolis to treat minor injuries and wounds.

In addition, propolis has a thermal insulating effect and can help protect the hive from extreme temperatures. It is applied to the combs to seal gaps and cracks and protect the hive from cold or heat.

How is propolis used in veterinary medicine?

  1. Treatment of wounds and skin diseases

Propolis has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This is why it is often used in veterinary medicine to treat wounds, skin irritations and eczema. Preparations in the form of ointments or creams can be applied directly to the affected area and help to promote wound healing and alleviate inflammation.

  1. Support for the immune system

It can strengthen the immune system and protect against infections. It contains powerful antioxidants and antibacterial agents that can fight off bacteria and viruses. Regular use of supplements can help to strengthen your pet’s immune system and keep it healthy.

  1. Parasite control

It also has insecticidal properties and can therefore be used to control parasites such as ticks and fleas. It can be used as a natural insecticide to repel these parasites and prevent them from settling on your pet.

  1. Support for the digestive system

Can also be used to support the digestive system. It contains enzymes that can aid digestion and can also help with digestive problems such as diarrhea and stomach cramps. Propolis supplements can either be administered directly or added to your pet’s food.

  1. Treatment of respiratory diseases

It can also be used for respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and coughs. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe mucous membranes and relieve inflammation. It can either be administered directly or used as an inhalation solution.

It can be used on many different types of animals, including dogs, cats, horses and birds. However, it is important to note that not all animals react to propolis in the same way. Some animals may have an allergic reaction to propolis and it is important to look out for signs of allergic reactions such as itching, redness or swelling.

What specific areas of application are there for which animals?

In horses, propolis can be used to support the immune system and relieve inflammation. It can be applied in the form of drops, capsules or as an ointment. The frequency of application varies according to need and can range from once a day to several applications per day.

Propolis can also be used to support the immune system in dogs. It can be applied in the form of drops or as an ointment. The frequency of application can also vary depending on need and illness. For acute inflammation, it can be applied several times a day, while daily application is sufficient for chronic illnesses. The most common application, however, is the ointment, which is usually smeared on the paws to improve wound healing.

It can also be used in cats to strengthen the immune system and relieve inflammation. It can be applied in the form of drops or as an ointment. The most common use in cats is for food intolerances, this application varies according to need and can range from once a day to several applications per day.

It can be used to prevent and treat infections in livestock such as cattle and pigs. It can be given in the form of drops or as a powder in the feed. The frequency of use varies according to need and can range from once a day to several applications per week.

In our regions in the Ruhr area or in North Rhine-Westphalia, the use of propolis in bird keeping, especially in racing pigeon breeding, should not be underestimated. Here, propolis can be added to the feed in the form of drops or powder. It can help to reduce susceptibility to infections and inflammation and support the regeneration of the body. Some breeders also use propolis to prevent coccidiosis and trichomoniasis, two common diseases in racing pigeons.

Which propolis products are available from us?

There are a variety of products made from propolis. Some of the most common products are listed below:

Wanuka propolis tincture 50ml

WANUKA Propolis drops (with alcohol)

Propolis tincture with alcohol is made from propolis extract and dissolved in alcohol. It can either be taken orally or applied externally to the skin.
16,99 EUR
Propolis capsules

Wanuka propolis capsules

Propolis capsules contain propolis extract in powdered form and are intended to be taken orally. They are a practical way to benefit from the health-promoting properties without the not-so-good aftertaste
20,99 EUR
Wanuka propolis tincture without alcohol 20ml

WANUKA Propolis drops (without alcohol)

Propolis tincture without alcohol is made from propolis extract and dissolved in water substitute. It can either be taken orally or applied externally to the skin. It is often used on small children.
12,99 EUR
Wanuka ointment 30g

Wanuka Propolis Ointment

Ointments are intended for external use and can be used to alleviate skin problems such as eczema, wounds and inflammation. For animals as well as for humans.
11,99 EUR

There are many other products that are manufactured, such as sprays, toothpaste, shampoo or food supplements. The selection of propolis products is large and it is important to find out about the quality and origin of the product before buying.

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Sustainable packaging: The versatility of beeswax wraps

Bienenwachstücher von Wanuka

In a world that is becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, sustainable alternatives are becoming more and more important in everyday life. One notable example is beeswax wraps – an eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging materials. Let’s dive in and find out why these beeswax wraps are so popular and versatile.

What are beeswax cloths?

Beeswax cloths are environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional packaging materials such as cling film and aluminum foil. They are made from cotton fabrics that are impregnated with a mixture of beeswax, jojoba oil and often also tree resin. These natural ingredients give the cloths their unique properties.

Properties of beeswax wipes:

  1. Biodegradable: Unlike plastic packaging, beeswax wraps are biodegradable and therefore help to reduce plastic waste.
  2. Antibacterial and antifungal: The beeswax in the wipes has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help keep food fresh for longer.
  3. Flexible and malleable: beeswax cloths adapt to the shape of food or containers through the warmth of your hands. This means they can be used in a variety of ways.
  4. Beeswax cloths can be easily cleaned after use. They are reusable. Some wipes can be used for up to a year or longer.
  5. The production of beeswax cloths can often be sustainable. By using ecological materials and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals.

Applications of beeswax wipes:

  1. Food packaging: Beeswax cloths can be used to wrap food and keep it fresh. They adapt to the shape of bowls or food using the warmth of your hands.
  2. Covering containers: Instead of plastic wrap, beeswax cloths can be used to cover open bowls or containers.
  3. Wrapping food: Beeswax cloths are ideal for wrapping sandwiches or snacks.
  4. Storing fruit and vegetables: The cloths can also be used to keep cut fruit and vegetables fresh.

The versatility, sustainability and eco-friendliness make beeswax wraps a popular choice for people looking for more sustainable and plastic-free alternatives in everyday life.

How are beeswax wraps made?

Making beeswax wraps is a relatively simple process based on natural materials. Here is a basic guide to making beeswax wraps:

Materials for beeswax cloths

  1. Cotton fabric (organic cotton is often recommended)
  2. Beeswax (either as pellets or in block form)
  3. Jojoba oil
  4. Tree resin (optional)
  5. Baking paper
  6. Iron
  7. Brush

Steps for the beeswax cloths

  1. Prepare fabric:
    • Cut the cotton fabric into the desired shape and size. This can be square or rectangular, depending on your individual needs.
  2. Prepare the wax:
    • Melt the beeswax carefully in a double-walled pot or in a glass jar over a water bath. Add jojoba oil (in a ratio of approximately 4 parts beeswax to 1 part jojoba oil). The jojoba oil helps to keep the cloths flexible.
  3. Impregnation of the fabric:
    • Place the prepared cotton fabric on baking paper. Using a brush, apply the melted beeswax mixture generously to the fabric. Make sure that the entire fabric is well saturated, but that there are no large puddles of wax.
  4. Optional addition of tree resin:
    • If you wish, you can also add some tree resin to the mixture. This gives the cloths extra stickiness.
  5. Allow to harden:
    • Allow the impregnated cotton to dry and harden. This may take a few hours.
  6. Remove excess wax:
    • When the cloths are dry, you can remove any excess wax with an iron and baking paper. Place the baking paper over the cloth and iron it at a low temperature. The excess wax will be absorbed by the paper.
  7. Use and care:
    • The homemade beeswax cloths are now ready for use. They can be used to wrap food, cover bowls or wrap sandwiches. To clean them, it is often sufficient to rinse them with cold water. If necessary, you can refresh the cloths again with heat.

It is important to note that the exact proportions and methods may vary depending on personal preferences and available materials. Experiment and adapt the production to your needs.

Sustainability in everyday life: How beeswax cloths can be used

The use of beeswax cloths extends across various areas of application. From food packaging to storing food in the fridge, these cloths are extremely versatile. They can be easily adapted to the shape of different foods and keep them fresh. They can also serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to cling film and aluminum foil.

Care and durability: tips for using beeswax wipes

Proper care is crucial for beeswax cloths to achieve their full lifespan. Easy handling, regular cleaning and occasional refreshing of the wax help to extend their durability. This makes them a sustainable companion in everyday life.

Make your own beeswax cloths: A DIY project for creative minds

For those who like to get creative themselves, making beeswax wraps is an easy DIY project. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can make individual, environmentally friendly packaging solutions and give free rein to your creativity at the same time.

Conclusion: Sustainability with style – beeswax cloths in everyday use

Beeswax cloths are not only environmentally friendly, but also aesthetically pleasing. With their versatility, sustainability and individual touch, they can contribute to a more conscious lifestyle. Discover the world of beeswax wraps and set an example for a sustainable future.

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Is honey anti-inflammatory? The sweet medicine of nature

Gläschen mit Honig

Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV: https://www.pexels.com/de-de/foto/teller-loffel-suss-honig-6422025/


Is honey anti-inflammatory? Today we would like to take a closer look at this question. Honey, that golden, sweet nectar of bees, is not only a treat for the palate, but has also been prized for centuries for its potential health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the scientific evidence.

The composition of honey: a natural treasure trove of nutrients

Honey is a natural product that is collected and processed by honeybees from the nectar of flowers. The exact composition of honey can vary depending on the type of flower, geographical location and other environmental factors. However, here are the basic ingredients of honey:

  1. Water: Honey consists largely of water, usually around 17-20%. The exact proportion of water can vary depending on the variety and ripening time of the honey.
  2. Sugar: The main types of sugar in honey are glucose and fructose. These two sugars make up the majority of the carbohydrates in honey and are responsible for its sweet taste.
  3. Enzymes: Honey contains various enzymes that are added by the bees during the collection and processing process. These enzymes play a role in converting the nectar into honey and influence its chemical composition.
  4. Aromatic substances: The aromatic substances in honey come from the essential oils of the flowers that the bees have visited. This gives each honey a characteristic flavor and fragrance.
  5. Minerals: Honey contains trace elements such as iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. The quantities vary depending on the plants visited by the bees.
  6. Vitamins: Although honey does not contain significant amounts of vitamins, traces of vitamins such as B vitamins may be present.
  7. Antioxidants: Honey contains various antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce cell damage. These antioxidant properties may depend on the type of flower and other factors.
  8. Pollen: Small amounts of pollen can be present in honey and can provide regional information about the plants that were pollinated by the bees.
  9. Methylglyoxal (MGO): A special ingredient found in higher concentrations in Manuka honey, known for its antibacterial properties.

It is important to note that the quality and health properties of honey depend greatly on its purity and origin. Raw, unprocessed honey usually retains more of its natural nutrients and bioactive compounds than industrially processed honey.

https://www.wanuka.de/aktuelle-laborberichte/

Antioxidant effect: a protective shield against inflammation?

The antioxidants in honey can help neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules that can cause oxidative stress, which in turn can lead to inflammation. By reducing oxidative stress, honey could therefore have an indirect anti-inflammatory effect.

Phenolic compounds in honey

Phenolic compounds in honey are a group of bioactive molecules that are responsible for many of the health benefits of honey. These compounds are natural plant compounds that come from the flowers and parts of plants visited by bees. Here are some of the most important phenolic compounds found in honey:

Honey anti-inflammatory due to flavonoids

Flavonoids are a large group of phenolic compounds that are found in various plants and have a strong antioxidant effect. Various flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol and apigenin can be found in honey. These compounds contribute to the neutralization of free radicals.

Honey anti-inflammatory phenolic acids

Phenolic acids are organic acids that also have an antioxidant effect. Caffeic acid, ferulic acid and chlorogenic acid are mainly found in honey. These acids are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Coumarins

Coumarins are a class of phenolic compounds that can also be found in honey. These compounds may have anticoagulant (blood thinning) properties and could play a role in promoting heart health.

Phytosterols

Phytosterols are natural plant compounds that can be found in honey. These compounds can regulate cholesterol levels and may have positive effects on heart health.

Polyphenols

The term “polyphenols” covers various phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids and others. These bioactive substances can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It is important to note that the exact composition of phenolic compounds in honey is highly dependent on the plant species and the geographical location where the bees collect the nectar. Different types of honey may therefore contain different amounts and types of phenolic compounds.

The antioxidant properties of these phenolic compounds in honey help to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and could therefore play a role in promoting overall health.

https://www.wanuka.de/produkt/wanuka-premium-honig-500g-2/

Enzymes and antibacterial properties: Fighting infections

Some types of honey, particularly manuka honey from New Zealand, contain enzymes such as methylglyoxal (MGO), which is known for its antibacterial properties. These can help fight bacteria and prevent infection, which in turn is a potential source of inflammation.

Methylglyoxal in honey

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a bioactive compound found in honey, particularly manuka honey. Manuka honey is extracted from the nectar of manuka trees in New Zealand and is known for its unique health-promoting properties, mainly due to its high MGO content.

Formation of methylglyoxal in honey

MGO is produced in honey when dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a naturally occurring substance in the nectar of certain flowers, is converted into honey during the ripening process. This conversion occurs through the activity of bee enzymes and other ripening processes.

Anti-inflammatory honey: what the research says

There are scientific studies that indicate that honey is anti-inflammatory. Some research has shown that honey can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory substances. However, further studies are needed to better understand and confirm these potential benefits.

The correct use of honey: tips for everyday life

If you want to benefit from the potential anti-inflammatory properties of honey, you can try to regularly include high quality honey in your diet. This could be by sweetening tea, yogurt or as a spread on bread.

Conclusion: A sweet addition to your diet with potential benefits

Although research is still ongoing, there is much evidence to suggest that honey can make a positive contribution to health through its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Enjoy this natural sweetener as part of your balanced diet and treat yourself to nature’s sweet medicine. So the answer to the question of whether honey is anti-inflammatory is yes.