Bee Pollen-Benefits + Recipe

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Bee pollen is a natural product that I have been hearing of for awhile, but that I haven’t begun using until recently.  Essentially, bee pollen is made by young, baby bees.  It is a combination of nectar, honey, pollen and saliva.  It is created when the young bees land on flowers.  The bees carry these pollen balls back to the hive and they are stored in the honeycomb.  The pollen is essentially hard, crunchy pellets and they contain a significant amount of nutrients.  It can be added to teas, yogurts, smoothies, and the like.  However, if you have a bee allergy, it is advised NOT to consume bee pollen.  

I’ve combined a tablespoon of bee pollen in my morning tea.  It’s a little tangy so it adds a little bit of a punch to my usual peppermint tea.  However, I’ve started experimenting with bee pollen topically.  A recipe that I have started using consistently is for a calendula/bee pollen toner that you can use in the shower or outside of the shower, depending on how your skin reacts.  Both calendula and bee pollen are soothing on many skin types, and bee pollen, in particular, is full of antioxidants and astringent properties, which makes it nice as a toner.  While in the shower, you can spritz it on your face and body and then wash it off before you get out, or you could use spritz it on before you put your moisturizer on, and in addition, throughout the day.  Notice how your skin reacts to it and decide accordingly.  

Here is a recipe that I have been using recently.  I hope you enjoy.  I recommend storing this formula in the refrigerator and keep it for no longer than one week.

Calendula/Bee Pollen Toner

6 oz of distilled water

2 Tbsp dried calendula

½ Tbsp bee pollen

1-2 drops of Chamomile essential oil or lavender essential oil (optional)

Steep the dried calendula and bee pollen in hot water.  Once infused, strain the dried calendula and bee pollen from the water.  Add the chamomile essential oil or lavender essential oil, if you like.  Place the infusion a glass spray bottle (you can use plastic, but I prefer glass).  As mentioned above, you can spray it on your skin in the shower or throughout the day.  I recommend storing it in the refrigerator and using it for no longer than one week.