Allergy to bee products: who should be careful with honey, perga, propolis and bee venom

We sell bee products and we believe in them, but we believe even more that a customer should know when not to use them. This article gathers in one place all the warnings that usually sit at the bottom of our articles: who should be careful, with what, how to do a tolerance test and when you must ask a doctor.

A note: we are beekeepers, not doctors. These are general precautions from beekeeping practice. Whenever in doubt, an allergist has the final say.

Who should be careful

• People allergic to bee stings. The most important group. Bee venom in creams is out of the question for them, and other products may also contain traces of bee proteins.
• People with a pollen allergy. Bee pollen and perga (bee bread) are pollen. Honey contains traces of pollen.
• People allergic to propolis or poplar resin. Propolis and products containing propolis.
• People with asthma and breathing problems. Especially for the api chamber.
• Children under 12 months. Honey is not given to them, whatever the variety; this is a general paediatric recommendation.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with chronic illnesses or on medication. Consult a doctor before using products from the hive.

Product by product

Honey

An allergy to honey itself is rare. When it does occur, it is usually a reaction to pollen or to traces of bee proteins in the honey. People with a pronounced pollen allergy should try honey in a small amount the first time. Honey is not given to children under one year old.

Bee pollen and perga

Both are pollen, just in different forms. People with a pollen allergy should not take them without an allergist’s advice. Everyone else starts with a few granules and increases the amount gradually, as we described in our article on bee pollen.

Propolis

Of the products used at home, propolis most often causes sensitivity, particularly on contact with the skin. Do a skin test before first use and do not use it if you are allergic to poplar resin. There is more in our article on propolis.

Bee venom in creams and balms

Off limits for people allergic to bee stings, without exception. Everyone else does a test on the forearm and waits 24 hours. Details are in our article on bee venom in skin care.

The api chamber

The air in the chamber contains particles of propolis and wax. It is not for allergy sufferers, people with asthma or anyone who is uncomfortable in enclosed spaces. There is more in our api chamber visitor guide.

How to do a tolerance test

For products that are eaten (honey, bee pollen, perga):

1. Take a very small amount: a few granules of pollen or perga, a quarter of a teaspoon of honey.
2. Wait 24 hours.
3. If there is no reaction, increase gradually over the following days.

For products that go on the skin (propolis, balm with bee venom):

1. Apply a little of the product to the inside of your forearm.
2. Wait 24 hours.
3. Redness, itching, swelling or a rash mean the product is not for you.

Signs of a reaction

Mild: itching, redness, a rash, tingling lips, slight nausea. Stop using the product.

Serious: swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, a rapid pulse. These are signs of a severe allergic reaction and require emergency medical help.

What we do

Every product and every one of our articles carries a warning for people with allergies. On visits to the oasis we ask about allergies before anyone goes near the hives, and we keep a first-aid kit by the hives. If you are not sure whether a product is right for you, ask us and ask a doctor; we would rather not sell you something than have you run into a problem.

Conclusion

Allergic to stings: no bee venom, and caution with everything else. Pollen allergy: no bee pollen or perga without a doctor. Propolis: skin test first. Children under one: no honey. Everyone else: a small amount, 24 hours, then gradually. With that, bee products are what they are, food and care from the hive, with no unpleasant surprises.