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Honey Bee Healthy Recipe
Mary Johnson

Honey Bee Healthy Recipe (Homemade Bee Supplement)

Honey Bee Healthy is a natural supplement made with sugar syrup, lemongrass essential oil, spearmint essential oil, and lecithin. Beekeepers use it to encourage feeding, support colony strength, and provide extra nutrition during periods when natural nectar sources are limited, such as early spring, late fall, or drought conditions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Beekeeping
Cuisine: International
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Essential Oil Concentrate
  • 1 cup water
  • ¾ cup granulated white sugar
  • 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
  • 10 drops spearmint essential oil
  • 1 teaspoon lecithin granules
  • ½ teaspoon thymol crystals optional
  • Sugar Syrup
  • For spring/summer feeding 1:1 ratio:
  • 1 quart warm water
  • 1 quart granulated white sugar
  • For fall/winter preparation 2:1 ratio:
  • 1 quart warm water
  • 2 quarts granulated white sugar

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing container
  • Stirring spoon or whisk
  • Glass storage jar with lid
  • Feeder for bee colonies

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 cup of water in a saucepan and dissolve ¾ cup sugar completely. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  2. Add lecithin granules and stir until fully blended.
  3. Add lemongrass and spearmint essential oils. Mix thoroughly for about 60 seconds.
  4. Prepare your preferred sugar syrup by dissolving sugar into warm water.
  5. Add approximately 1 tablespoon of Honey Bee Healthy concentrate per quart of sugar syrup.
  6. Mix well before feeding and stir again before each use.
  7. Feed the syrup using a suitable hive feeder, preferably during late evening to reduce robbing risks.

Notes

Use only pure essential oils, not fragrance oils.
Do not feed during strong nectar flows when honey supers are on the hive.
Store concentrate in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Use mixed syrup within 5–7 days to prevent fermentation or mold.
Use 1:1 syrup to stimulate brood production and 2:1 syrup to help bees store winter food.
Avoid liquid feeding during cold weather below 50°F (10°C).
This supplement supports bee nutrition but does not replace proper hive management, mite control, or protein sources like pollen.