Bee pollen can be used to make a delicious tea that is full of health benefits! This bee pollen herbal tea has the perfect combination of earthy, sweet, and floral natural flavors that compliment the taste of bee pollen.
What is Bee Pollen?
Bee pollen is the main source of food for honey bees. Forager bees carry pollen back to the hive, then other bees in the hive combine this pollen with saliva and nectar, and pack it into chambers. Their saliva then prompts the pollen to begin fermenting, making the nutritional content more bioavailable for the bees. (Source)
*Note: While this the true meaning of “bee pollen”, many types of store-bought bee pollen supplements in the United States may just be pollen scraped from the legs of the forager bees that has not yet been further processed by the bees. Some articles suggest that the term for this further processed bee pollen is called “bee bread”. I believe this would be the more bioavailable and beneficial product. When choosing a bee pollen supplement, look for one that says “bee bread” or that you know is the naturally fermented bee product. (Source)
Health Benefits of Bee Pollen
Bee pollen, also known as ambrosia, contains many nutrients such as proteins as amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and beneficials trace elements. One of those elements are flavonoids, which are compounds that provide many health benefits including being antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, helpful for the immune system, the nervous system, and more. (Source)
Bee pollen has been used as medicine since ancient times. The Greek name ambrosia means “the food of the Gods”, and ancient Egyptians called it “life-giving dust”. While modern studies on bee pollen are somewhat limited, I think ancient people had reasons behind its high title!
There are studies that suggest bee pollen is highly beneficial for many bodily functions:
It has been shown to improve blood sugar, help protect the liver and heart, improve cognitive function, improve the absorption of nutrients, improve digestion, and improve prostate and ovarian function. (Source)
When used as a supplement for livestock, bee pollen has shown to enhance the growth rate, improve blood sugar, and improve immune function. (Source)
Adding bee pollen to your wellness routine can be a great way to reduce free radicals with its high antioxidant content.
With all of these outstanding benefits bee pollen has to offer, it is a great addition the the diet for general health!
Bee Pollen and Allergies
​Some studies show that bee pollen may help alleviate allergic reactions, however some people may have an allergic reaction to bee pollen, so take it at your own risk and consult a health care practitioner if you have any known allergies or sensitivities. Those who react to bee pollen may be taking the unprocessed pollen instead of the more bioavailable and easier to digest “bee bread”, but I’m not certain. I suggest doing more in depth research and taking it at your own risk.
Bee Pollen Tea
While bee pollen can be enjoyed in a a variety of ways, bee pollen tea is a delicious way to enjoy the earthy and floral taste of bee pollen. In this recipe, we are combining the flavor of bee pollen with delicious red rooibos tea, a generous spoonful of honey, a dash of cream filled milk, and a splash of vanilla for a nutrient-packed warm beverage. The rooibos tea type pairs perfectly with the flavors of bee pollen!
When to Drink Bee Pollen Tea?
Since rooibos does not have any caffeine content, you can enjoy this drink any time! With the benefits of honey for sleep, it makes a perfect nighttime drink to add to your daily routine.
How to Make Bee Pollen Tea
Add loose rooibos to a tea infuser or heat proof cup
Boil filtered water
Pour 8 oz of hot water over rooibos and allow to steep for 5 minutes
Remove tea infuser or filter rooibos out with a fine mesh sieve into another heat proof cup
Add bee pollen, 1 – 2 teaspoons of honey, and vanilla
Add a splash of cream or milk, to your liking
After about 1 minute, the bee pollen granules should be broken up, stir with a spoon
Enjoy!
Herbal Bee Pollen Tea Infusion
Equipment
- 1 cup (2 if using fine mesh sieve)
- 1 tea infuser (or fine mesh sieve)
- 1 spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon loose organic red rooibos (see link below)
- 1 teaspoon organic bee bread (see link below)
- 1-2 tsp organic raw honey (see link below)
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz filtered water
- 1 splash pasture raised cream or whole milk (preferably raw)
Instructions
- Add loose rooibos to a tea infuser or heat proof cup
- Boil filtered water
- Pour 8 oz of hot water over rooibos and allow to steep for 5 minutes
- Remove tea infuser or filter into another heat proof cup with a fine mesh sieve
- Add bee pollen, 1 – 2 teaspoons of honey, and vanilla
- Add a splash of cream or milk, to your liking
- After about 1 minute the bee pollen granules should be broken up, stir well with a spoon
- Enjoy!
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30593700
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bee_pollen
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8230257
Disclaimers:
*This post does not contain medical advice. Supplement with any new product at your own risk.
*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
