Key Takeaways:
- Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich superfood with potential medicinal benefits, including improved immunity, wound healing, and protection against free radicals.
- It can be consumed in various forms such as granules, liquid extracts, capsules, and creams.
- Start with a small dose and gradually increase to find the right amount for your body.
- Avoid bee pollen if you have pollen or bee sting allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are on blood thinners.
- Consult a healthcare professional before adding bee pollen to your diet, especially if you are on medication or have existing health conditions.
- Purchase bee pollen from reputable suppliers with ethical sourcing practices for quality and safety.
When you think of alternative & natural remedies, what springs to mind?
Maybe it's your infamous bottle of echinacea drops, the roots of some glorious ginseng, or the lifetime supply of ginger at the back of your cabinet.
Bee pollen probably wasn’t on your list - but we’re here to tell you that it should be.
Although bee pollen isn’t a scientifically proven treatment (yet), preliminary research suggests it may hold some pretty powerful medicinal benefits.
Many people use it now, claiming it can help with everything from anti-aging and inflammation to boosting immunity and improving liver function.
If this has piqued your interest - stick with us to learn more about this incredible superfood, including the benefits, how it works, and how to take it.
How To Use Bee Pollen?
Bee pollen is a popular alternative medicine that’s said to treat a range of conditions and ailments, from allergies and acne to arthritis and asthma.
For centuries, herbalists have considered bee pollen to be a powerful medicine and an incredibly nutritious food source.
But how do you use it?
Bee pollen is now available at most reputable health stores. This superfood is usually sold in raw granule form, but it can also be purchased as a liquid extract, capsules or even a cream.
In granule form, bee pollen can be easily measured out by the spoonful and mixed into a variety of different recipes.
The liquid can also be used in similar ways, and in this form, it may be easier to add to drinks or smoothies.
Most bee pollen creams are used to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the most prominent markers of aging.
However, bee pollen also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may assist with wound healing.
For example, one study found that bee pollen could assist wound healing as effectively as silver sulfadiazine, a popular burn treatment. The study also found that bee pollen could produce fewer side effects than silver sulfadiazine.
Bee Pollen Benefits for Overall Health
Bee pollen is good for many different things when it comes to improving health. Liquids, creams, and granules can have historically been used to:
1.) Improve Immunity
Bee pollen may help reduce the severity of some allergies and kill potentially harmful bacteria.
Research suggests that bee pollen may reduce the activity of mast cells - which, when activated, trigger allergic reactions in the body.
Additional research found that bee pollen may help to kill bacteria that can be harmful to humans, such as salmonella and e-coli. These studies were performed under laboratory conditions and are not human studies.
2.) Help Protect Against Free Radicals
Bee pollen may also potentially help protect the body from free radical damage.
This is because bee pollen is rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, kaempferol, flavonoids, and glutathione.
These compounds are thought to negate the risk of free radical damage, which is associated with the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
3.) Help To Boost Liver Function
Animal studies show that the antioxidants in bee pollen may even help to protect the liver against damage from toxicity.
Bee pollen may also promote liver healing - this may keep our livers functioning appropriately and preserve the liver's ability to break down and remove toxins from the blood.
4.) Assist Wound Healing And Prevent Infections
Bee pollen contains powerful antimicrobial properties.
As indicated - antimicrobial properties reduce the presence of microbes and microorganisms.
These properties may help prevent infections in the body and assist with healing cuts, burns, and abrasions.
How To Take Bee Pollen?
Wondering how to maximize the benefits of bee pollen and consume the granules effectively? We will guide you through the best practices for consuming bee pollen in various ways, helping you make the most of this nutrient-rich superfood.
Can I Put Bee Pollen In My Coffee?
Some say that bee pollen shouldn’t be heated, as it may destroy the nutrients it contains… so should you put it in your coffee?
First off, it’s true that bee pollen shouldn’t be heated. Bee pollen contains plenty of delicate enzymes that are responsible for giving it all of those amazing healing properties we love.
So, if you dunk your bee pollen straight into hot water, you risk damaging these enzymes and consuming something null and void.
That said, you can still enjoy bee pollen in your cup of joe - just be sensible about it.
Pouring boiling water straight onto your bee pollen is a no-go, so wait for your coffee to cool before you mix it in.
Bee pollen will change the taste of your coffee too, so start out small.
If you do like taking your supplements in coffee as many of us do - we personally think making a mushroom coffee is a better way to go, especially Chaga coffee.
If you do like the bee pollen flavour in your coffee though - there’s no evidence to suggest that mixing bee pollen with these substances affects its efficacy.
Can I Put Bee Pollen In Tea?
There is no evidence to suggest that bee pollen interacts with caffeinated drinks such as tea, so in theory, there’s no reason why you can’t mix a serving into your tea.
However, the same rules apply to coffee - if you’re drinking hot tea, let it cool down first before mixing in your bee pollen.
Extreme temperatures may cause the enzymes to break down and reduce the efficacy of bee pollen's medicinal compounds.
If you want to increase the benefits of bee pollen, try mixing it with honey in your tea.
This is a great way to boost the healing and microbial properties of bee pollen, promote healing, and improve general wellbeing.
The sweetness of honey may also help counteract the distinctive bitterness of some bee pollen, which isn’t favoured by everyone.
Can I Put Bee Pollen In Smoothies?
Yes, you can definitely incorporate bee pollen into your smoothies. In fact, it can be an excellent addition to your daily blend of fruits and vegetables.
Since smoothies are typically consumed cold, there's no risk of damaging the delicate enzymes in bee pollen.
Just sprinkle a small amount into your smoothie and enjoy the added nutritional benefits it brings.
The natural sweetness of fruits in the smoothie can also help mask any bitterness from the bee pollen, making it an easy and tasty way to reap its rewards.
Remember, moderation is key, so start with a small amount and gradually increase as desired.
Can I Put Bee Pollen In My Water?
Absolutely. This is a simple and effective way to consume this nutrient-rich superfood.
Do keep in mind that bee pollen has a distinctive taste so it might change the taste of your water. If this doesn't bother you, then bee pollen can be a great dietary addition.
Just sprinkle a small amount into your water and stir until it's well mixed. Remember to start with a small amount, and increase gradually.
Can I Put Bee Pollen In Soap?
Bee pollen can indeed be used in soap. In fact, it's a popular ingredient in many natural and homemade soaps. Bee pollen is known for its skin-soothing properties and is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can benefit the skin.
When used in soap, bee pollen can help to nourish and rejuvenate the skin, making it a great ingredient for your skincare.
As with any new skincare product, it's recommended to do a patch test first to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction, especially since bee pollen is a known allergen.
Can I Bake With Bee Pollen?
We’re always looking for ways to make taking supplements more exciting (and delicious), whether that’s throwing them in a morning smoothie or mixing them in with our breakfast.
Baking is one of life's simple pleasures - it’s as fun as it is rewarding (hello, chocolate cake) - so here’s the real question - can you bake with bee pollen?
Yes, you can! Bee pollen adds excellent flavour to almost all baking along with a host of different vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
However, you should bear in mind what we know about heat and bee pollen. Extreme heat may kill off the active enzymes in bee pollen, reducing their effectiveness.
There’s insufficient research on this topic though, so we don’t know exactly how much its effectiveness will be reduced. Even so, there are still plenty of great reasons to add bee pollen to your baking.
No evidence suggests that bee pollen interacts badly with any common foods, which gives you complete creative freedom in the kitchen!
If you want to start baking with bee pollen, you could use it in many recipes. This could include:
- Muffins
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Bread
- Brownies
- Cupcakes
If you’re struggling to get used to the taste of bee pollen, incorporating it into baking can be a great way to get a healthy dose in your diet.
There are no hard or fast rules for how much bee pollen you should use in each recipe, so we recommend using your average daily dose (usually a teaspoon) and trusting your own judgement.
If you’ve been taking bee pollen regularly and you’re on a higher dose, feel free to adjust the amount as you see fit.
How Much Bee Pollen Should You Take a Day?
Just like any medication or supplement, the correct dosage is key. So how much bee pollen should you take per day?
Unfortunately, not enough research has been done to provide definitive dosage guidelines. And to that note - you should always consult your doctor or GP before taking any alternative medicine.
Most manufacturers will offer their own dosage guidelines which is generally a conservative measure designed to suit most people.
If you’re unsure where to start, use the guidelines below to determine the best dosage:
- If you’ve never taken bee pollen before, we’d recommend starting with a 1⁄4 tablespoon dose, gradually increasing to two tablespoons a day after a week or two. How soon you increase the dosage will depend on how your body reacts to bee pollen.
- If you buy bee pollen capsules, the average dose is around 500mg per capsule. Remember: if you’re taking bee pollen granules, the average dose is 5000mg per tablespoon. You can use these comparisons as a guide to determine the correct dose.
When Is The Best Time To Take Bee Pollen?
Technically, bee pollen can be taken any time, day or night.
If you’re going to be taking bee pollen every day, we’d recommend sticking to a set schedule, so you remember to take it.
However, there’s no evidence to suggest that using different dosage times influences the effects of bee pollen.
Some users have reported feeling a slight burst of energy and alertness when taking bee pollen though, so, if you’re new to it, we’d recommend trying it in the morning first to see how it affects your energy levels.
Does Bee Pollen Have Any Side Effects?
The effects of bee pollen can be different for everyone. While most people tolerate it very well with no ill effects, others may experience uncomfortable or disruptive symptoms.
Side effects are very rare, however, when reported side effects of bee pollen include:
- Stomach pain
- Skin rashes or numbness
- In extreme cases, trouble breathing
Bee pollen is not a proven treatment, and not all of its side effects are known, however, extreme reactions appear to be rare, unless patients have an existing sensitivity to pollen, honey or bees.
Do note that bee pollen may not be suitable for specific groups of people and those on certain medications. For instance, it may not be safe for children, pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding. Bee pollen may also interact negatively with certain medications, particularly blood thinners like warfarin.
If you’ve ever had a past reaction to bee pollen, avoid taking it. If you do start to experience any dangerous or persistent symptoms after starting treatment, discontinue use and consult a doctor immediately.
Where To Buy Bee Pollen?
We take our supplements seriously here at The Bircher Bar and only buy from manufacturers that we trust completely for their ethos, standards and sourcing methods.
On that note, the best supplier for bee pollen in our tried and tested opinion is Life Cykel.
No one does a better job in our opinion - if you’d like to check them out for yourself, hit the big green banners throughout this article (and join our email list for an exclusive subscriber discount!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do you take bee pollen for the first time?
If you're trying to eat bee pollen for the first time, start with a 1⁄4 tablespoon dose and monitor your body's response. Gradually increase to two tablespoons a day after a week or so. It's best to take bee pollen before meals.
Q2: When should you not take bee pollen?
Avoid bee pollen if you have a pollen or bee sting allergy, as it may trigger allergic reactions. Also, pregnant or lactating women and people on blood thinners, such as warfarin, should avoid bee pollen.
Q3: What to expect when taking bee pollen?
When taking bee pollen, you might notice an improvement in energy levels and overall well-being. However, as with any supplement, results can vary. Some people may experience an allergic reaction, so start with a small dose to see how your body reacts.
Q4: What medications does bee pollen interfere with?
Bee pollen may interact negatively with blood thinners like warfarin. If you're on any medication, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting bee pollen.
Q5: How is the bee pollen collected?
Bees collect pollen as they forage for nectar and it's stored in small baskets on their hind legs. When the bees return to the hive, a small portion of this pollen is dislodged by a specially designed entrance and collected. This process is designed to be unobtrusive and does not harm the bees or interfere with their vital role in the ecosystem. The bees naturally produce more pollen than the hive needs, so the amount harvested for human use typically does not deprive the bees of their essential food source.
The Bottom Line
With limited research to support its effects, knowing how to take bee pollen can be challenging.
Thankfully, there’s enough preliminary research to tell us that it’s safe for most users, and as it continues to increase in popularity, manufacturers have created their own guidelines to follow.
The research is still very young, however, early studies and anecdotes through the ages indicate that packs in a host of health benefits and nutritional qualities - along with a great flavour.
If you have any concerns about finding the correct dose for you, always consult a medical professional for advice.
