Hanna's Bees, Clash Road, Little Island, Cork (2026)

05/09/2026

BEESWAX BEARD BALM RECIPE

Today is world beard day, and to celebrate, here is one of our more unusual recipes: a natural and easy beard balm made with only three ingredients.

Beeswax is particularly useful in beard products because it gives the balm structure while providing a light hold to help tame and shape the beard. Shea butter and jojoba oil soften and condition both the beard and the skin underneath.

The basic ratio is:

1 part beeswax
1 part shea butter
2 parts jojoba oil

You can substitute the jojoba oil with sweet almond, argan or liquid coconut oil, or use a mixture of oils.

For fragrance, essential oils are optional. Cedarwood, sandalwood, lavender and citrus work particularly well. Use approximately 10–15 drops per 100 g of finished ingredients.

HOW TO MAKE IT

Melt the beeswax and shea butter together gently in a double boiler, or place the beeswax and shea butter in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan containing a few centimetres of gently simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until completely melted.
Once completely melted, remove from the heat and stir in the jojoba oil.
If using essential oils, add them and stir thoroughly.
Pour immediately into a clean tin or small glass jar.
Leave at room temperature until completely cool and solid.

To use, take a small amount with your fingertips and rub it between your palms to soften the balm. Work it through the beard from root to tip, then shape as required.

No shea butter?

You can also make a simple beard balm using 2 parts beeswax to 3 parts oil. Or use 1 part beeswax, 1 part solid coconut oil and 2 parts liquid oil.

Store the finished balm somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.

Know someone with a beard? Share this recipe with them for World Beard Day, or why not make them a pot of your very own Beard Balm as a celebration of their lovely hairyness?

05/09/2026

SEASONAL RECIPE FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT Elderberry Syrup

Fancy some foraging this weekend? The first elderberries are ripening nicely in the hedgerows. That means it's time to start preparing for the winter ahead and make some elderberry syrup.

Elderberry syrup is a traditional remedy to support the immune system, and is taken regularly to strengthen the defense during flu season. Our elderberry syrup is also delicious, combining seasonal spices with three of nature's giants: Elderberries, Apple C***r Vinegar and Raw Honey.

Elderberries are seasonal so will only be available during the next couple of weeks. If you've a busy weekend schedule, and can find time only for picking but not making the syrup, the berries can be frozen for use later.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups elderberries (fresh, dried, or frozen)
2 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp whole cloves
2 cm ginger, freshly grated
1 cup honey: wildflower, heather or ivy depending on taste
3 tablespoons Apple C***r Vinegar

OPTIONAL
1 tbsp dried thyme or two sprigs of fresh thyme
Juice from ½ lemon
10-20 drops propolis tincture

HOW TO MAKE ELDERBERRY SYRUP
1. Place elderberries, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and thyme (if using) in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. After 10-15 minutes, add the grated ginger to the saucepan.
4. Once the simmering time is complete, remove the cinnamon stick. Mash the berries with a potato masher to release their juice.
5. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, collecting the juice and discarding the pulp.
6. Allow the juice to cool to 37 degrees Celsius.
7. Stir in the honey, vinegar, and propolis tincture and/or lemon juice (if using) until thoroughly combined.
8. Transfer the syrup to a lidded jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. It can be kept for 2 to 3 months.

Elderberries contain vitamin C, but much of it is destroyed by heat. Adding lemon juice provides an additional vitamin C boost to the syrup. Ensure you use only ripe, dark purple elderberries, as they are rich in anthocyanins, which offer numerous health benefits. Additionally, it is important to note that elderberry syrup should only be made from the cooked, ripe, purple-bluish, almost black-colored elderberries to ensure safety.

Enjoy & Follow us for more recipes like this!

04/09/2026

BEEKEEPING TIP: How to Harvest Propolis

At the end of summer, honeybees increase resin collection in preparation for winter. Once in the hive, they mix the antimicrobial resin with beeswax to create what we call propolis. Propolis is a crucial part of the colony wellbeing, aiding in maintaining homeostasis, controlling airflow, protecting against pathogens, and ensuring brood health. Perhaps unsurprisingly, due to its potent antimicrobial properties, propolis has been used to support human health for thousands of years.

Our Native Irish Honeybees, or Apis Mellifera Mellifera, can produce really great and very potent propolis, but unfortunately not very much compared to for instance honeybees in south America. Nonetheless, a little goes a long way, so I would recommend that if you have not yet tried it, have a go and see if you can incorporate it into your beekeeping routine. There is a growing demand for propolis both as natural remedy for colds and flus, viral and fungal infections and as an immune booster.

If you are planning on collecting propolis, now is the time to start preparing for it. Here is how:

There are two main ways to harvest propolis: using propolis traps and scraping frames and equipment.

Propolis Traps: A propolis trap is a flexible or semi-flexible mesh or screen with small holes. The holes are so small that the bees will fill them with propolis. If the holes were larger, the bees would opt to fill them with beeswax. The propolis trap can be attached to the inside walls of the hive or placed on top of the frames under the crown board on strong, healthy colonies. Bees use propolis to manage airflow within the hive, so you can encourage your bees to make propolis by placing a trap on top of the frames in the brood box once the honey has been harvested at the end of summer.

Scraping Frames & Equipment: This method involves manually scraping off the propolis. It’s more labor-intensive but can be effective if done correctly. This method can be used at any time of the year, but it’s important to remember that bees increase propolis production towards the end of the active season as part of their winter preparations. Therefore, this might be the best time to scrape off propolis from the frames and equipment.

Processing & Storing Propolis: After harvesting, the propolis needs to be processed. One way to do this is by freezing it. This helps to kill off any wax moth eggs and larvae that may be present. Alternatively, you can turn it into propolis tincture for various uses.

Remember, propolis is a valuable resource for the bees, and it’s our responsibility as beekeepers to ensure we’re not causing harm to the colony while harvesting. Always monitor the health of your bees and adjust your harvesting practices accordingly. It’s important to only harvest what the bees can spare, leave the brood nest alone.

Propolis harvesting is a delicate process that requires understanding of bee behavior and hive dynamics. It’s a rewarding practice but one that should be done with caution. Happy beekeeping!

04/09/2026

Does Honey Go Off?

We get a lot of questions about the shelflife of honey, how long it lasts for and if its still ok to eat after it has started granulating. With this post I want to share the answer with you, in case you are wondering the same. So, does honey go off?

No — pure honey doesn’t spoil. Its low moisture and natural acidity protect it from bacteria, so when stored correctly it can last for years. Over time, honey may granulate, darken, or change flavour — all natural signs of ageing. Enzyme activity slowly decreases, but it retains much of its antimicrobial power long after harvesting. Keep it sealed, dry, and away from heat to preserve its quality.

04/09/2026

NEWS: EU suspends honey imports from Brazil

The imported honey story took another interesting turn this week as the EU suspended imports of honey from Brazil.

From 3 September, Brazil is no longer authorised to export honey — along with a number of other animal products — to the EU because it has not provided sufficient guarantees that it complies with new EU requirements on the use of antimicrobials.

This matters because Brazil is a significant honey exporter. In 2024, the EU imported around 2,627 tonnes of Brazilian honey, which enters the European market alongside honey imported from many other countries.

The timing of this decision is particularly interesting for consumers.

This is because of the new EU honey labelling regulations, which came into effect in June. According to the new legislation, the countries of origin of blended honey must now be shown on the jar, together with their percentage contribution. So a blend containing honey from countries such as China, Brazil, Mexico or Argentina is now much easier for consumers to identify.

The new import ban does not mean that Brazilian honey already sitting on supermarket shelves suddenly disappears. But from 3 September, consignments of Brazilian honey cannot enter the EU while Brazil remains unauthorised.

In a week when there has been so much discussion about where supermarket honey actually comes from, this is another reminder of why transparency matters so much in the food chain — whether it is about where our honey comes from or what is actually in it. As consumers, we have a right to know before we buy it.

As consumers, we can decide where we spend our money. If you want to know where your honey comes from, read the country-of-origin information on the jar. You can choose to support the big importers where there is not one drop of Irish honey in the jar. Or you can choose to support Irish bees and Irish beekeepers and buy guaranteed Irish honey from a local beekeeper.

03/09/2026

HEALTH FOCUS: What’s the best way for children to take propolis?

Propolis is gaining recognition for its role in supporting immune health and helping with common childhood ailments such as colds and sore throats.

Propolis is a resinous, highly antimicrobial substance made by honeybees from plant resins to protect their colonies from harmful microbes. It forms the bees’ communal immune system — their first line of defence against infection — and has been used by humans for thousands of years. Rich in bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, propolis is traditionally used to support immunity and soothe the upper respiratory tract. In recent years, scientists have studied its potential use in children for conditions such as recurrent ear infections, sore throats, mouth ulcers and gum inflammation, and it is now gaining recognition in medical research as a possible aid for many common ailments.

Propolis is available in tinctures, powders, capsules and tablets. For general immune support or during colds, the tincture is most common. These are usually alcohol-based extracts, but the daily dose is very small so should not be cause for concern.

For reference, the typical adult dose of propolis is about 500 mg daily. Children need only a fraction of this. For general immune support or during colds, start with 1–3 drops once daily for children aged 2–5 years, and 3–5 drops once daily for those aged 6–12 years. Drops should always be diluted in a warm drink, yoghurt, porridge or honey. The warmth helps evaporate most of the alcohol and softens the strong taste. Alcohol-free glycerine or water-based extracts can be used in the same way.

Propolis powder can be mixed into yoghurt, porridge or honey. A guide amount is about ¼ teaspoon (150–250 mg) daily for children aged 6–12 years and a pinch (80–150 mg) for those aged 2–5. It is not the quantity that makes the difference but regular, consistent use — small daily amounts help to support the immune system and recovery over time.

Several clinical studies have included children taking propolis, showing good short-term tolerability. A randomised trial in children aged 1–5 years found that a syrup containing propolis and zinc reduced new ear infections over three months. Another study of children with recurrent respiratory infections reported fewer illness episodes when given a supplement containing propolis, echinacea and vitamin C. Short trials in school-aged children using propolis mouthwash or chewing gum for oral health showed reduced plaque and gum inflammation. While many of these preparations combined propolis with other ingredients, they demonstrate that propolis has been safely tested in paediatric settings, though it is not included in formal paediatric treatment guidelines.

Contact allergy is the main potential side effect. To perform a patch test, apply a small drop of diluted tincture or a pinch of powder mixed with water to the inside of your child’s wrist or elbow crease. Leave it for 24 hours and check for redness or irritation. If this occurs, do not use propolis. Children generally tolerate propolis well, but it should not be given to infants under 12 months, as it may contain traces of honey.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Do not use bee products if you are allergic to them. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or serious conditions.

03/09/2026

Dublin Airport — we have arrived!

We’re very excited to announce that Hanna’s Bees is now available in Dublin Airport, Terminal 2 — hopefully the first airport of many!

Irish provenance was particularly important for our airport range, so it was the perfect opportunity to redesign our packaging to better reflect where our products come from. Inspired by the wild Irish meadows that support our bees throughout the summer, the new designs also bring our Irish heritage — and Guaranteed Irish mark — more prominently to the fore.

And of course, fitting with the ethos of our business, all our packaging is either recycled, recyclable, or both. The products themselves haven’t changed. They’re still the same handcrafted Hanna’s Bees favourites, now in packaging that better reflects where they come from.

So, if you’re travelling overseas and need a distinctly Irish gift, you can now pick up Hanna’s Bees at Dublin Airport — or find the new-look range online and through our stockists around Ireland.

We hope you love the new look as much as we do — and perhaps you’ll spot Hanna’s Bees on your next trip through Terminal 2.

Hanna & Team

With Guaranteed Irish and Dublin Airport

02/09/2026

BEE-SPLAINING: What the new EU honey labelling legislation does — and does not — tell us about what's in the jar

The new EU honey labelling regulations give consumers considerably more information about where imported blended honey comes from. Since 14 June 2026, the countries where the honey was harvested must be listed on the label, together with the percentage of the blend declared to come from each country.

However, if a jar states that it contains, for example, 45% honey from China and 30% from Argentina, those figures have not necessarily been verified by independently testing the honey in a laboratory. The labelling system is based on self-reporting and traceability documentation.

The origin and percentages are declared by the food business operator and should be based on its traceability documentation. Food businesses are responsible for the accuracy of that information, but the new legislation itself does not require the contents of the jars or individual batches to undergo independent laboratory analysis to establish their geographical origin or rule out adulteration with syrups.

The lack of testing and independent verification matters a great deal, because honey is one of the most frequently adulterated foods traded internationally, with a long and well-documented history of fraud.

Investigations have repeatedly demonstrated that adulterated honey enters legitimate supply chains and is sold to consumers as honey. In the European Commission's From the Hives investigation conducted in 2021–22, 46% of the imported honey consignments sampled were considered suspicious of non-compliance because markers of extraneous sugar sources were detected. Against that background, relying on industry traceability and self-reporting to establish geographical origin is an important limitation of the new legislation.

The EU itself recognises that further measures are needed. Improved authenticity controls and harmonised methods for detecting adulterated honey are being developed, along with methods and criteria for determining where honey has actually been harvested. But those systems are still being developed.

The new labels are therefore a significant improvement in transparency, and I suspect the information consumers are now seeing will put considerable pressure on honey packers and retailers to reconsider where they source their honey. But greater transparency is only the first step. While the labels provide much better information about the declared origin of blended honey, they should not be confused with independent proof that either the geographical origin or authenticity of the honey in the jar has been verified.

While the new labelling requirements are welcome from a consumer perspective, the current legislation itself does absolutely nothing to tackle food fraud and ensure that what is in the jar is actually honey.

I explain the new EU honey labelling regulations, their limitations and what consumers should look for in this week’s blog on the Hanna’s Bees website.

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02/09/2026

NEW BLOG: Consumer guide to EU honey labelling regulations

If you buy honey in the supermarket, you may have noticed something different on the labels recently.

Since June, new EU honey labelling regulations mean that blended honey must now list the individual countries where the honey was harvested, together with the percentage coming from each country.

For consumers, this is a very welcome change. A jar with an Irish-looking label, a familiar brand name or references to generations of beekeepers may actually contain honey harvested in China, Argentina, Mexico, Ukraine or several other countries — and often not one drop of Irish honey.

But there is an important limitation to understand. The new labels give us much greater transparency about the declared origin of honey. They do not mean that the honey has been independently tested to verify its geographical origin or authenticity.

In this week’s blog, I give you everything you need to know about the new regulations: what has changed, where the percentages on the new labels come from, what the legislation does and does not verify, and what to look for when choosing honey.

Read the new blog on the Hanna’s Bees website.

01/09/2026

PROPOLIS: What is it & Why do people take it?

If you have visited a health food store lately you may have noticed an increasing number of propolis products appearing on the shelves. Perhaps you have also wondered what it is, what it does, and why it’s suddenly so popular.

There is a massive rise in nutraceutical products on the market - natural and functional foods that support health and wellbeing. Among these, propolis is getting a lot of attention for its antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties. This is one of the reasons why it is one of our best selling products - especially in the winter part of the year.

Here are some of the most frequent questions people ask about propolis, and the answers.
What is Propolis? Propolis is one of nature’s oldest natural medicines — a resinous substance made by bees from antimicrobial plant resins and enzymes. It’s rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which give it powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

What is it used for? For thousands of years, people have used propolis to support the body’s natural defenses and aid recovery. Traditionally, it’s taken or applied for mouth ulcers, cold sores, ear infections, respiratory health, and immune support. Propolis is also included in some over-the-counter products such as cold sore creams, throat sprays, and mouthwashes.

What forms does it come in? Propolis is available as tinctures, powders, tablets, mouth sprays, capsules, oils, or raw resin. Capsules offer a specific dose, which is why they are favoured by many who include propolis in their daily health routine. However tinctures are the most popular and convenient form, as the alcohol extraction makes the active compounds easier for the body to absorb.

How to take propolis tincture? Start with 1–2 drops daily, mixed with honey or water, and increase gradually if desired. It can also be applied topically to small areas of skin. Propolis is potent and has a strong, resinous flavour — a little goes a long way.

Is it safe for children? Propolis is generally considered safe in small amounts for children over 12 months, but it should be avoided by anyone with known allergies to bee products. As always, consult your GP if you’re unsure.

Are there any precautions? Because propolis can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, it’s best to test a small amount first. It can also stain skin, fabrics, and surfaces, so handle it with care.

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