Propolis, perga and royal jelly: bee treasures from Anatolia by BEE&YOU

These days just about everyone is baking homemade bread – and who can blame them, when various permits keep coming from above – crickets over here, worms over there… If you want purity and verified origin, you have to look for it. Fortunately, that doesn't apply to perga, bee bread, where the recipe has stayed unchanged for tens of millions of years. Have you heard about it – and its effects on health? And what about propolis? Let us introduce the brand Bee and You. 

 

Contents

About the brand

​BEE&YOU is an international brand specialising in the production and distribution of natural bee products such as propolis, royal jelly, pollen and raw honey. These products are available on their own or in special blends, created to suit different customer needs.

The strength of the hive, the strength of a mother: when production becomes a mission

The story of BEE&YOU began with Asli Samanci – a scientist, entrepreneur and, above all, a mum looking for answers to her five-year-old son's health problems. He often suffered from infections and was repeatedly given antibiotics, which eventually led to a weakened immune system and the development of an autoimmune disease.

A doctor recommended propolis and royal jelly to support his immunity. But when she found that most available products were either poor quality or even counterfeit, she decided to act. She sourced raw propolis directly from a beekeeper and, in her laboratory, developed a breakthrough – later patented – method for its extraction. The result? After six months of use, her son recovered.

This experience inspired her to found BEE&YOU in 2013 – with a clear mission: to produce pure, high-quality propolis and other products that help not only her child, but families around the world.

Today, BEE&YOU holds 37 international awards for its innovative extraction method and its support for women’s entrepreneurship.

Contract beekeeping model

BEE&YOU is built on transparency and sustainability. Thanks to its innovative “Contract Beekeeping” model, it works with more than 5 000 contract beekeepers and manages 500 000 hives.

This approach not only guarantees top quality and provenance for all products, but also supports biodiversity and nature protection. BEE&YOU keeps its focus on sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact and help maintain a healthy environment for bees.

Through close cooperation with beekeepers, the company creates products that are not only valuable for people, but also for the ecosystems in which bees live.

The brand’s mission

BEE&YOU aims to make bee products of the highest quality available to everyone who looks after their health while also respecting nature. The foundation is sustainable and ethical beekeeping, which protects bees and their ecosystem, and also guarantees the purity and effectiveness of every product.

The company believes that combining traditional beekeeping with modern research can create a sustainable route to a healthier lifestyle.

Rigorous testing: a guarantee of safety and quality

BEE&YOU products go through rigorous laboratory testing to confirm safety and purity. Each batch is analysed for the presence of heavy metals, pesticides and antibiotics, reducing contamination risk and maintaining the highest standard.

The company is committed to complete transparency – customers can track the origin and testing of products through detailed certifications and checks ("from the hive to your table").

The appeal of bee products people have used for centuries

When people hear bee products, most think first of honey, which many of us reach for at the first signs of a cold.

 

In reality, there are many more – propolis as “bee glue” to seal gaps and disinfect the hive. Royal jelly as nourishing feed for the queen and larvae.

 

Wax for building comb and capping cells. Pollen as the colony’s main food source, bee venom to deter enemies. You may also have heard of “bee-infused water” or staying right in an apiary. There, the vibrations made by bees and their buzzing can have a positive effect on people.

Propolis

Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from tree and plant buds.

Thanks to its bioactive components such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, propolis is also valued in human nutrition and traditional medicine.

To preserve purity and effectiveness, BEE&YOU subjects propolis to strict tests for pesticides, heavy metals and antibiotics.

A specially developed patented extraction process also ensures maximum bioavailability of the active compounds.

Royal jelly

Royal jelly is a nutrient-rich substance produced by young worker bees, used as food for the queen and for larvae during the first days of development.

It contains a wide range of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and bioactive compounds, giving it notable nutritional properties. It’s this royal jelly diet that turns an ordinary larva into a queen bee, which lives up to 40 times longer than a worker.

Because it is sensitive to external conditions, it’s important to process and store royal jelly correctly.

BEE&YOU products are made with an emphasis on gentle processing and quality testing, helping to preserve the full effectiveness of its natural components.

Bee pollen

Bee pollen has been used for centuries in traditional nutrition as a natural source of various nutrients. It contains proteins, essential amino acids, B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc.

Thanks to this varied profile, it’s valued in particular by people with higher nutritional demands, such as athletes or those with an active lifestyle. In the past, bee pollen was part of the diet in various cultures, where it was seen as a valuable addition to everyday eating.

BEE&YOU natural bee pollen comes from clean areas of the Anatolian mountains and is processed gently without heat treatment, so it retains its original character.

Raw honey

Raw honey is honey in its purest form – unprocessed, unfiltered and without any added substances.

This helps it retain its original structure and maximum nutritional value.

It contains natural enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are often lost during industrial processing.

BEE&YOU processes raw honey gently, without heat treatment and filtration, so it keeps its natural nutritional value, including pollen and enzymes.

From flower to hive: the tireless work of workers

Worker bees play a key role in the hive and beyond. Their life begins as an egg, from which a larva hatches after three days. For the first three days, workers feed it exclusively with royal jelly, then it receives a mix of honey and pollen. After pupation, it becomes an adult bee within 12 days.

After hatching, a worker goes through several phases of work. First it cleans the hive, then cares for larvae, the queen and drones (once glands producing royal jelly develop), then builds comb and processes nectar and pollen.

From day fourteen it guards the hive entrance. Finally, around the third week, it becomes a forager, which spends the rest of its life collecting nectar, pollen, water and propolis. This precisely set system keeps the whole colony working in balance.

So how is honey made?

Honey is made by collecting nectar from flowers or honeydew, which bees bring back to the hive. There it is thickened through an enzymatic process and by the evaporation of water. Once the water content drops below 20 %, the honey is stored in comb and capped with wax. This natural preservation process means honey stays stable and usable over the long term.

How do bees collect pollen?

Bees collect pollen from flowers and mix it with saliva and nectar, forming small pellets that they carry on their hind legs back to the hive. It serves as the main source of protein for the colony. People also often use it as a natural food supplement thanks to its high nutrient content.

Pollen that bees don’t use up straight away is stored in the comb. Thanks to its composition, the pollen begins to ferment and turns into bee bread – perga, which is easier to digest for both bees and people.

And what about propolis?

It is made from plant resins, which workers collect from buds and the bark of trees (for example poplars, birches or conifers). In the hive, they process it enzymatically and mix it with wax, pollen and saliva.

This bioactive substance has strong antimicrobial effects, and bees use it to disinfect the hive, reinforce cells and seal gaps against draughts and pathogens. In the hive it acts as a natural barrier against bacteria, viruses and mould, helping to maintain a sterile environment for the whole colony.

Thanks to its preserving properties, bees also coat the bodies of intruders they cannot remove from the hive – for example dead mice or shrews – effectively preventing decay and contamination.

The production of bee products is the result of perfect cooperation between bees and their natural instincts. Every product bees create is useful for the hive and also valuable for human health.

And where does it all come from? Unspoilt Anatolia

Anatolia, also known as Asia Minor, is one of the cleanest and richest ecosystems in the world. Thanks to its location, mountain terrain and diverse flora, it offers ideal conditions for beekeeping. The region is home to more than 12 000 plant species, of which around 3 500 are endemic – meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.

Far from factories and industry

Thanks to this unique biodiversity, bees in Anatolia can collect nectar and resin from countless wild flowers and trees, producing high-quality bee products with a rich nutritional profile.

BEE&YOU recognises what makes Anatolia special and carefully selects locations for its beekeeping farms to keep them as far as possible from industrial areas, pesticides and pollution. With these strict standards, the purity and safety of the products is maintained, with regular testing for harmful substances.

Anatolia is not only the cradle of ancient beekeeping, but also an ideal setting for sustainable production of these natural gifts that support health and vitality. 

  

 

Propolis extract 20%

• This extract contains 20 % propolis and is known for its high concentration of bioactive compounds. It’s suited to those looking for strong propolis in a concentrated form.
• Liquid extract. Easy to dose and offers flexible use to suit individual needs.
• Take it directly or mix with honey, yoghurt or other foods.

Propolis spray with honey

• A spray with propolis, honey and menthol for fresh breath and care for the oral cavity. A natural formula without chemical additives leaves a pleasant feel in the mouth.
• Throat spray. Thanks to the practical dispenser, use is quick and convenient.
• Use any time during the day for a pleasant refresh and comfort for the mouth and throat.

RHINAPI propolis nasal spray

• Nasal spray containing propolis and eucalyptus oil, created for gentle care of the nasal lining. Its formula supports moisturising and the natural cleansing of the nasal cavity.
• Spray. With a practical applicator, it provides even and targeted application to the nasal lining.
• Apply 2-3 sprays into each nostril as needed, maximum 2x daily (po 10h).

Propolis ginger spray

• Spray for application to the throat, containing propolis for local use. Practical for targeted use and easy dosing at any time of day.
• Spray. The spray applicator allows even application to the lining of the oral cavity.
• Apply the spray directly into the mouth  and repeat as needed at any time during the day.

Due to regulations, it’s not possible to mention studies relating to Anatolian propolis and other products directly, but we can’t stop you taking a look at this link. On this other link you’ll find product analyses. 

In closing: a return to clean nature

In short, a return to clean nature is a key step towards restoring balance between people and the natural environment. Bee products such as propolis, royal jelly, honey and pollen remind us of the value of natural resources that have, for centuries, been part of traditional medicine.

 

Today, as we increasingly focus on sustainability and health, these products offer a valuable bridge between traditional knowledge and modern innovation.

 

They support not only our health, but also the protection of bees and their natural environment, which is essential for preserving biodiversity and the ecosystem services bees provide.

 

Choosing natural, clean products is therefore not only a health choice, but also part of responsible behaviour towards the planet. 

   

 

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Under EU regulations, the blog cannot link to webpages with a promoted product. Of course, you can find the products on our website Pravé Bio.

Sources used

Heavenly Honey Company – "The Life Cycle of Honey Bees." Available at: https://www.heavenlyhoneycompany.com/life-cycle-of-honey-bees (Accessed: [1/4/2025]).

Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) – "Apis mellifera." Available at: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Apis_mellifera/ (Accessed: [1/4/2025]).

IFAS Extension, University of Florida – "Tasks and Duties Throughout the Life Cycle of a Worker Honey Bee." Available at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ (Accessed: [1/4/2025]).

Bee Culture – "A Closer Look at Worker Bees." Available at: https://www.beeculture.com/ (Accessed: [1/4/2025]).

BEE&YOU – "Official Website." Available at: https://www.beeandyou.eu (Accessed: [1/4/2025]).

Dicks, L. V., et al. (2016). "A Landscape-Scale Strategy to Enhance Pollinator Health." Environmental Science & Policy, 63, 62-69.

APRIDAL. Propolis – natural antibiotic. Available at: https://med.apridal.cz/propolis.pdf