Beyond Sweetness: The Healing Power of Honey at BellaFam Africa
By BellaFam Africa
When most people think of honey, they imagine a sweet spread for bread or a natural remedy for a sore throat. But at BellaFam Africa, honey is more than a kitchen staple it's medicine, beauty, therapy, and an entire ecosystem of healing.
Recently, during an upbeat and eye-opening conversation at the BellaFam headquarters in Thika Greens, founder Steve Kaboyo shared incredible insights into beekeeping, honey classification, natural therapy, and the fascinating world of bee venom treatment.
From City Life to the Calm of Thika Greens
Before becoming a renowned beekeeper and apiculture expert, Steve was a practicing civil engineer navigating Nairobi’s busy streets. After challenges with labor-intensive farming ventures, he searched for something sustainable something that didn’t require constant human intervention.
That’s when he discovered beekeeping.
A simple observation of bees pollinating avocado trees sparked curiosity. This led him to pursue formal training in apiculture, including a diploma in Romania. Today, BellaFam Africa is a thriving hub of honey production, bee therapy, and value-added honey products.
Beekeeping: A Surprisingly Profitable Venture
According to Steve:
- One beehive costs KSh 5,000
- A hive yields 12–15 kg of honey per harvest
- Kenya harvests twice per year
- At a wholesale price of KSh 500 per kg, one hive brings about KSh 12,000 per year
That’s more than double the initial investment making beekeeping one of the most profitable, low-maintenance agricultural ventures.
Honey Is Not Just Honey: Understanding Honey Classification
BellaFam classifies honey based on plant source for purity and targeted benefits.
1. Forest Honey
- Rich in minerals
- Dark, high glycemic index
- Best for energy, cough syrups, and nutrition
2. Acacia Honey
- Light and mild
- Low sugar concentration
- Ideal for the elderly, diabetics, and anyone avoiding sugar spikes
3. Mangrove Honey
- Slightly salty with a runny texture
- Great for specific health needs
- Suitable for people requiring mineral-rich, low-viscosity honey
Is Your Honey Pure? Adulteration vs Crystallization
Honey is the third most adulterated product globally. Many confuse crystallization with impurity, but:
Crystallization
- Natural process
- Happens faster in low-moisture honey
- Pure honey crystallizes evenly
Adulterated Honey
- Crystallizes unevenly
- May contain sugar, molasses, or syrups
Only a lab test can confirm purity, but the easiest tip?
Use your nose. Pure honey has a natural floral aroma.
The Magic and Mystery of Bee Therapy
Yes bee therapy is real, and BellaFam practices it safely and scientifically.
What Is Bee Sting Therapy?
It involves controlled stings at specific points on the body. The venom triggers:
- Vessel dilation
- Improved blood flow
- Pain relief
- Reduced inflammation
Conditions Helped:
- Asthma
- Menstrual cramps
- Endometriosis (early stage)
- Arthritis, gout
- Migraines
- Back and knee pain
- Low immunity
- Muscle stiffness
Is It Safe?
Allergy tests are done first. For people allergic to venom, BellaFam offers:
- Oral bee venom syrup
- Bee venom balms for joints
The Correct Way to Take Honey
Never add honey to boiling hot water.
Above 45°C, enzymes are destroyed.
For maximum benefits:
- Let your drink cool before adding honey
- Or take it directly by the spoon
Video: Inside the BellaFam Beekeeping Journey
Final Thoughts
Honey is not just a sweetener. It is food, medicine, beauty, culture, and therapy woven into one. BellaFam Africa is redefining how we use honey through education, value addition, and natural healing.
Whether you're looking for pure honey, therapeutic remedies, skincare, or guidance on beekeeping, BellaFam Africa is an inspiring example of how nature transforms lives.
