🐝 Introduction
If you’re a beekeeper — whether seasoned or just buzzing into the hobby — you’ve probably heard of Honey B Healthy. It’s not just a catchy name; it’s a powerhouse supplement that promotes stronger, happier hives. But here’s the kicker: those commercial bottles can sting your wallet. So why not make your own? Yep, it’s totally doable, totally safe, and totally satisfying.
In this article, we’ll break down a step-by-step guide to crafting your own Honey B Healthy recipe. From understanding what it actually is, to learning how and when to use it, you’ll be covered from hive to honey jar. Packed with natural ingredients like essential oils and sugar syrup, this DIY blend could be the health boost your bees are buzzing for.
🧪 Part 1: What Is Honey B Healthy?
Understanding the Purpose of a Honey B Healthy Recipe
So, what is Honey B Healthy, really? In a nutshell, it’s a liquid feed supplement infused with essential oils like lemongrass and spearmint. Beekeepers use it to stimulate feeding, calm bees during stressful times, and support the immune system of the colony.
It’s not a miracle cure, but it’s a mighty effective natural hive tonic. Think of it like a warm bowl of chicken soup for your buzzing buddies — comforting, energizing, and immune-boosting. Commercial versions are widely sold, but here’s a little secret: the ingredients are so simple, you can whip it up yourself at home.
Why a DIY Bee Health Mixture Beats Store-Bought
Let’s be real — those little bottles on the shelf? They cost a pretty penny. But crafting your own DIY bee syrup isn’t just budget-friendly; it gives you complete control. You know exactly what’s going in (no weird preservatives or additives), and you can tweak it depending on your colony’s needs.
Also, bees aren’t all the same. Some hives might love a little extra spearmint, while others go crazy for lemongrass. Making your own mix lets you customize your bee feeding stimulant to suit your hive’s unique preferences. That’s something no factory-made version can match.
And bonus? It’s a fantastic conversation starter at the next beekeeping meet-up.
The Buzz Around Natural Hive Supplements
The trend toward natural beekeeping practices is growing faster than you can say “queen cell.” With increasing awareness of harmful pesticides and synthetic additives, more beekeepers are turning to homemade supplements. And it’s not just about saving money; it’s about promoting bee colony health in the most sustainable way possible.
For example, oils like spearmint and lemongrass don’t just make the hive smell great — they have potential mite-deterring and immune-boosting properties. That’s a win-win, right?
In fact, according to Beesource’s forum on homemade HBH stimulants, many veteran beekeepers swear by this DIY approach, claiming it improves feeding rates and hive vitality, especially in early spring and late fall.
🧂 Part 2: Essential Ingredients and Tools for the Honey B Healthy Recipe
Core Ingredients in a DIY Bee Feeding Stimulant
Crafting your own Honey B Healthy recipe isn’t rocket science — it’s closer to making sweet herbal tea for bees. That said, each ingredient plays a pivotal role. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- Granulated Sugar (White Cane Sugar)
It’s the energy source — pure, simple carbs to fuel your buzzing workforce. Avoid brown sugar or molasses, which can ferment and harm the hive. - Water (Preferably Filtered)
This is the base for the syrup. Use clean, chlorine-free water to avoid stressing the bees’ tiny systems. - Lemongrass Essential Oil (Food-Grade)
Lemongrass mimics the bee’s own pheromones, especially the Nasonov scent, which helps attract and calm bees. It also stimulates feeding like a charm. - Spearmint Essential Oil (Food-Grade)
Spearmint isn’t just for chewing gum — it adds a refreshing kick that can discourage pests like mites and fungi while boosting bee vigor. - Lecithin Granules (Sunflower Preferred)
This is the unsung hero. Lecithin acts as an emulsifier, helping blend the oil and water into one smooth, stable solution. Without it? You’d get a floating oily mess.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Hive Health
Feeling fancy? Here are some additional natural enhancers you can toss into your homemade bee supplement:
- Tea Tree Oil – for added antibacterial and antifungal protection
- Wintergreen Oil – known for its effect on mites (use sparingly)
- Lavender Oil – to soothe stressed hives and promote calm behavior
But don’t go overboard! Essential oils are potent. A few drops go a long way — and the bees’ noses are more sensitive than ours.
Beekeeping Tools You’ll Need to Prepare the Mixture
Before you dive into the recipe, round up these basic kitchen tools:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – precision matters
- Medium Saucepan – stainless steel or non-reactive preferred
- Mixing Spoon – wood or silicone, avoid aluminum
- Small Dish or Cup – for dissolving the lecithin
- Blender – helps emulsify the oils if needed
- Glass Jars or Food-Safe Plastic Bottles – for storage
Most of this stuff’s already in your kitchen. If not, a quick run to the store or a few clicks online will get you beekeeping-ready.
Quick Tip for Success
Make sure you’re using food-grade essential oils — and never therapeutic or aromatic versions unless they are labeled safe for ingestion. Bees are fragile little creatures, and using the wrong type of oil can do more harm than good.
According to Wild Reid Ranch’s DIY sugar brick recipe, adding quality essential oils into bee feed has shown improved acceptance and better overwintering survival rates.
🧑🍳 Part 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Honey B Healthy Recipe
Step 1: Dissolve Lecithin – The Secret to a Smooth Mixture
Start by placing about 1/8 teaspoon of lecithin granules in a small cup. Add just enough warm water to cover them — not boiling, just warm to the touch. Let the granules soak for 10–15 minutes so they soften up.
Now, give it a good stir or shake. You’re prepping it to bond oil and water — two stubborn ingredients that usually hate each other.
Without lecithin, your DIY bee syrup could separate faster than oil and vinegar in a salad. Not fun.
Step 2: Heat the Water and Add Sugar – Feed with Sweet Simplicity
Grab your medium saucepan and pour in 5 cups of water. Heat it gently over medium heat, not full blast. As it warms, add 2.5 lbs of granulated sugar (about 5 cups).
Stir steadily until the sugar completely dissolves. Avoid boiling! You’re not making candy — just warm syrup. Too much heat could damage the delicate oils you’ll be adding later.
Once it’s all mixed and clear, take the pot off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Add Essential Oils – That Magical Scent Bees Can’t Resist
In a separate small jar or bowl, combine:
- 15 drops of lemongrass oil
- 15 drops of spearmint oil
- (Optional: 1–2 drops of wintergreen or tea tree oil for added benefits)
Now, pour this essential oil blend into the softened lecithin. Stir vigorously — you’re creating an emulsion that will evenly distribute throughout your sugar syrup.
Smells refreshing, right? But hold your nose! This is for your bees, not your diffuser.
Step 4: Combine the Syrup and Oils – Bring It All Together
Once your sugar syrup has cooled to warm (not hot), pour in the lecithin-oil emulsion and stir thoroughly.
If you want the mixture silky smooth and perfectly emulsified, pour it all into a blender and blitz it on high for 2–3 minutes. This helps the oils disperse evenly — especially helpful if you’re storing it long-term.
Boom. You’ve just made your own homemade bee tonic. That’s beekeeper-level wizardry right there.
Step 5: Store Properly – Keep It Fresh and Effective
Pour the finished mixture into clean, airtight containers — glass jars or food-safe plastic bottles work great. Label them with the date.
Store in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 6 months, but make sure to shake well before each use. The oils may settle, and you don’t want a batch of sleepy syrup.
According to Lake Pan Bees’ DIY guide, using glass jars not only prolongs shelf life but also helps preserve the oil potency longer than plastic alternatives.
🐝 Part 4: How to Use the Honey B Healthy Mixture
Feeding Your Bees with DIY Bee Syrup
Alright, you’ve got your golden mixture in hand — now what? Time to put it to use. One of the most common applications of Honey B Healthy is as a bee feeding stimulant. Here’s how to do it like a pro:
- Dilution Ratio: Add 1 teaspoon of your mixture to 1 quart of 1:1 sugar syrup (that’s equal parts water and sugar by volume).
- When to Feed: Ideal times include early spring (to jump-start colony buildup) and late fall (to boost immune health before winter).
- Why It Works: This blend doesn’t just provide carbs. The oils encourage bees to consume the syrup faster and may boost resistance to pests and pathogens.
But heads-up! Always use it outside of honey flow seasons. You don’t want to accidentally flavor your harvest.
Spray Application for New Swarms or Package Bees
Want to calm bees and help them settle into their new hive? Mist them with a diluted Honey B Healthy solution.
- Mix: 1 teaspoon of the mix into 1 quart of water or sugar water
- Method: Use a clean spray bottle and lightly spritz the bees when hiving packages or installing swarms
Why it works: Lemongrass oil mimics the Nasonov pheromone, which signals “Hey, this is home!” to your bees. Plus, the soothing smell calms their nerves — and maybe even yours.
Swarm Trap Enhancer — Irresistible Scent Lure
Got a swarm trap set up? Add a drop or two of your natural hive tonic inside the trap. Bees scouting for new homes are drawn to the scent of lemongrass like a bear to honey.
No need to soak the place — a couple of drops on a cotton ball or small wood piece does the trick. It’s simple, effective, and reusable.
Supplementing Candy Boards and Winter Patties
Winter’s coming? Add a few drops of your bee health mixture to your sugar bricks or candy boards.
- Why: During winter, bees aren’t flying, so external sources are limited. Infusing their food with essential oils gives them a much-needed health boost during the toughest months.
- How Much: A few drops mixed into the sugar paste or patties before shaping.
Don’t overdo it. Bees have excellent noses and tiny bodies. A small dose packs a punch.
Use With Caution – Too Much of a Good Thing
Here’s the deal: more isn’t always better. Overloading your feed with essential oils can backfire, causing bee rejection or even death.
Follow the ratios and adjust only after observing how your colony responds. Always start small and increase gradually if necessary.
⚠️ Part 5: Precautions and Best Practices for Using Honey B Healthy
Avoid Using During Honey Flow — Don’t Taint Your Harvest
One of the biggest rookie mistakes? Using a scented feeding solution when the honey supers are on. While your bees might love the blend, it can end up flavoring your honey — and that’s a no-go.
Essential oils, especially lemongrass and spearmint, are powerful. Even trace amounts can transfer into combs, throwing off the delicate taste and aroma of your precious liquid gold.
Pro Tip: Only use your DIY bee syrup when bees aren’t actively producing honey for harvest — like in early spring or post-harvest fall.
Store It Right — Keep Your Bee Supplement Fresh
Just like honey itself, your homemade Honey B Healthy will last a while if stored properly. But unlike honey, it contains perishable ingredients that need a little TLC.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Use Clean, Airtight Containers: Glass jars or BPA-free food-safe plastic bottles work best
- Keep It Cool and Dark: Refrigerate if possible, or store in a pantry away from sunlight
- Shake Before Use: Oils and water may separate over time
- Watch for Spoilage: If it smells funky or has visible mold, it’s time to toss it
A well-made batch should last up to six months, especially when refrigerated.
Don’t Overdose Your Bees — Follow the Ratios
It’s tempting to think a little extra essential oil might do more good. But bees are sensitive, and too much of even a natural supplement can cause stress, disorientation, or outright rejection.
Stick to the 1 tsp per quart ratio when adding to sugar syrup. If you’re not sure how your colony will react, test on a small group first. Observe, adjust, and scale from there.
Watch for Robbing Behavior — Scent Can Attract Unwanted Guests
Lemongrass oil is like an irresistible perfume to bees — even bees that don’t belong to your hive. If your mixture is too strong, it could trigger robbing behavior, especially during nectar dearths.
To prevent this:
- Use entrance reducers during feeding
- Avoid feeding in open areas
- Never leave syrup exposed in the apiary
Even a small spill can spark chaos.
Use Food-Grade Essential Oils Only — Don’t Cut Corners
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Always use food-grade essential oils. Aromatherapy or therapeutic-grade oils often contain additives or solvents that can harm your colony.
📚 Part 6: Customizing the Honey B Healthy Recipe for Your Hive
Tailoring Essential Oils to Hive Needs
Not all hives are created equal. Some colonies might need a calming vibe, while others could benefit from a mite-fighting boost. That’s where customizing your bee feeding stimulant comes into play.
You already know about lemongrass and spearmint — the OG bee-favorite oils — but let’s look at a few others you can experiment with safely:
- Tea Tree Oil
Known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Add just 1–2 drops for support against hive pathogens. - Wintergreen Oil
Used in very small amounts (1–2 drops max), it may help deter varroa mites. Be careful though — this one’s potent! - Lavender Oil
Calming and gentle, lavender can help reduce stress in hives after transportation or inspections.
Start small. Essential oils are powerful and bees are picky. Observe how your colony reacts and adjust accordingly.
Adjusting Oil Concentrations Based on Season or Hive Strength
Got a booming colony mid-spring? You might need just a whisper of scent. But come late fall, when the hive’s fighting off stress and prepping for winter, a slightly richer mix could do wonders.
Example tweak:
- In early spring or strong colonies: Try 10 drops each of lemongrass and spearmint
- In late fall or during stress: Use the full 15 drops (as per the base recipe)
- For struggling hives: Add a drop of lavender for extra calm
Every adjustment you make should be slow and deliberate — bees are sensitive creatures, not guinea pigs.
Swapping Sugar for Honey — Is It Worth It?
Some natural beekeepers wonder, “Can I replace white sugar with honey in my homemade bee supplement?”
Technically, yes. But here’s the rub:
- Pros: More natural, already part of the bee’s diet
- Cons: Higher risk of fermentation, costlier, and honey can introduce pathogens if not from the same hive
If you’re absolutely set on using honey, use raw honey from your own hives — and only mix what you’ll use in a few days.
So unless you have surplus honey and a good reason, stick to plain old granulated sugar. It’s bee-safe, cost-effective, and time-tested.
Blending It All in the Right Ratios — A Balancing Act
Whether you’re adding new oils, adjusting quantities, or tweaking sweetness, keep these golden rules in mind:
- Use no more than 1–2 extra drops of oil per quart of syrup
- Lecithin ratio remains the same — it’s critical for emulsifying
- Always blend oils with lecithin before mixing into syrup
- Refrigerate new blends and shake before use
Oh, and write your tweaks down. Nothing’s worse than making the perfect bee syrup… and forgetting how you did it.
Feedback from Other Beekeepers — Real-World Tweaks
Many beekeepers share their experiences in online communities. For example, in this Beekeeping Forum thread about winter candy with Honey B Healthy, folks rave about adding a few drops to their fondant recipes to prevent mold and keep hives strong during freezing temps.
❓ Part 7: FAQs About the Honey B Healthy Recipe
Can I use different essential oils in a Honey B Healthy recipe?
Yes, but do it wisely. While lemongrass and spearmint are the golden duo, you can incorporate others like tea tree, wintergreen, or lavender — just ensure they’re food-grade and used in tiny doses. Stick to oils that are already used in reputable bee supplements. And never use aromatic or perfume oils, as these could be toxic to your colony.
How long does a homemade bee tonic last?
If stored properly — in a cool, dark place or fridge, inside an airtight container — your DIY Honey B Healthy can last up to six months. But here’s the catch: you’ve gotta shake it before every use. The oils tend to float, even with lecithin doing its thing.
If the mixture smells off, looks cloudy, or shows signs of mold? Don’t take chances — dump it and make a fresh batch.
Is lecithin really necessary in the recipe?
Absolutely. Lecithin is your magic bridge between oil and water. Without it, your essential oils will just float on top of the syrup — and good luck getting bees to lap that up evenly. It also helps keep the mixture stable for longer, reducing separation and spoilage.
If you’re in a pinch, you might try blending vigorously with a high-speed blender, but it’s never quite the same. Sunflower lecithin is preferred, especially for natural beekeeping setups.
Can this bee syrup be used year-round?
Not quite. The best time to use your natural bee supplement is during:
- Spring feeding (to boost population buildup)
- Fall prep (before winter hits)
- Hive splits or swarm installations
- During dearths (when natural forage is low)
Avoid using it when honey supers are on. Essential oils can alter the flavor and safety of your harvest. Think of it like seasoning — you wouldn’t add garlic to a chocolate cake, right?
Will this mixture help with mite control?
Indirectly, yes — but it’s not a mite cure-all. Oils like spearmint, tea tree, and wintergreen can discourage varroa mites and promote general hive hygiene, but don’t expect miracles. If you’re dealing with a full-blown infestation, you’ll need a full integrated pest management (IPM) plan.
Still, many beekeepers use this blend as part of a preventative approach — keeping colonies strong enough to resist parasites naturally.
Can this replace commercial Honey B Healthy products?
For most beekeepers — yes. When prepared correctly, your homemade Honey B Healthy recipe works just as well as the store-bought stuff at a fraction of the cost. Just follow the steps, respect the ratios, and observe your bees for any reactions. You’re the best judge of your hive’s health.
📝 Part 8: Final Thoughts on the Honey B Healthy Recipe
So, here we are — you’ve journeyed from curious beekeeper to confident creator of your own natural hive tonic. That’s no small feat!
Creating a DIY Honey B Healthy recipe isn’t just about saving money (though it certainly does that); it’s about taking control of your hive’s health in the most natural, sustainable way possible. You’ve learned how to choose ingredients with intention, tailor your mix to the season or hive’s temperament, and store your blend safely like a pro.
More than that, you’ve gained a deeper connection with your bees. Because when you mix that syrup with your own hands — when you carefully drop in each essential oil and stir that golden potion — you’re not just feeding insects. You’re nurturing a tiny, complex, and vital ecosystem.
And you’re doing it with care. With skill. With heart.
So whether you’re prepping for spring growth, helping a new swarm settle in, or just giving your colony a boost, your homemade Honey B Healthy recipe is more than a supplement — it’s a symbol of stewardship.
Keep experimenting, keep observing, and keep learning. Your bees will thank you — one waggle dance at a time. 🐝💛