Description
Bee Honey and Ceylon Cinnamon are natural ingredients known for their numerous health benefits. Together, they form a powerful combination that plays a significant role in Ayurvedic medicine. Ceylon Cinnamon, also referred to as True Cinnamon and considered superior to regular cassia cinnamon, possesses distinct medicinal qualities that have been skillfully blended into this delightful mixture. Sri Lanka Bee Honey, available in various multi-floral varieties, offers not only its natural sweetness but also the medicinal properties derived from the island’s rich Ayurvedic heritage and the widespread cultivation of medicinal plants.
The Goodfolks Dark Bee Honey used in this blend is primarily sourced from Sri Lanka’s dry zone. It is carefully obtained through a collective of beekeepers who have undergone training as part of our Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Project. Our sourcing process prioritizes the well-being of the beekeeping community while minimizing environmental impact. We exclusively collect honey from bee boxes maintained within (Kandyan) home gardens and forest buffer zones, ensuring that we avoid vulnerable forests and the disruption of wild bee colonies. This approach guarantees a consistent supply of high-quality honey.
Goodfolks bee honey is 100% raw and filtered. Due to the naturally low moisture content of Sri Lanka bee honey, we never subject it to heat treatment for moisture removal. By preserving its natural goodness without heat-induced alterations, our honey retains all the desirable qualities you seek in pure bee honey.
This range exemplifies how Goodfolks integrates indigenous wisdom from the local communities, which hold an essential place in Sri Lanka’s bee honey culture, with a rich Ayurvedic heritage spanning thousands of years. It also takes advantage of Sri Lanka’s vibrant biodiversity and long-standing conservation practices found within the renowned Kandyan Home Garden system. Each purchase of a Goodfolks bee honey product supports these connections and allows us to validate an ideal partnership between humans and Mother Earth—an equilibrium sustained by the remarkable power of the tiny bee.
The Goodfolks Process
In 2020, Goodfolks launched the Regional Bee Honey Collection consisting of Dark, Amber, and Gold varieties. Prior to this, Sri Lanka Bee Honey was the only available option, with regional variations existing but not being effectively communicated. As a result of our efforts, numerous suppliers now offer region-specific bee honey, and consumers have gained a better understanding of the intricate characteristics of our honey. This has initiated a continuous improvement and refinement movement within Sri Lanka’s bee honey market.
Throughout this process, we encountered a persistent challenge: beekeepers’ inability to ensure consistent quality and adhere to our stringent environmental policies. This issue stemmed from a lack of awareness regarding the requirements for producing premium honey that meets international standards as well as the desire for quick financial gains amidst various crises faced by our country. In response, we made the decision in 2023 to train and recruit a select group of beekeepers who exclusively work with us. Thus, we launched the Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Project.
Through this program, our beekeepers receive training on technical aspects such as honey production, harvesting techniques, and conservation practices. This allows us to consistently monitor output and scale our business accordingly. Moreover, the program has presented new opportunities by tapping into the renowned Kandyan Home Garden system – an epitome of natural farming.
Unfortunately, Sri Lanka’s bee honey cannot be certified organic at present due to many sources being small plots of farmland. While these plots are naturally organic in nature, obtaining certification is an arduous and costly process. Nevertheless, we are committed to working towards achieving this goal one jar of honey at a time.
Health Benefits in each jar
Sri Lanka is not just a bio diversity hot-spot but much of the plant life is also medicinal in nature. So regardless of where you obtain your Sri Lanka bee honey, it is bound to be rich with medicinal pollen sources. Combining bee honey and Ceylon cinnamon offers several potential health benefits that arise from the synergistic effects of the two ingredients.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Both bee honey and Ceylon cinnamon are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. The combination of these two ingredients may provide synergistic antioxidant effects, offering greater protection against free radical damage and chronic diseases. (Source: Antioxidant activity of honey and its role in preventing health disorder, Erejuwa, O. O., Sulaiman, S. A., & Ab Wahab, M. S. (2012).)
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Ceylon cinnamon contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, while bee honey also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. Together, they may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that both bee honey and Ceylon cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels. The combination of honey’s natural sugars and Ceylon cinnamon’s ability to improve insulin sensitivity could lead to better glycemic control, making the blend beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes. (Source: Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis, Davis, P. A., & Yokoyama, W. (2011).)
Heart Health: Bee honey and Ceylon cinnamon have been associated with heart-protective effects, including lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and improving overall cardiovascular health. The combination may work synergistically to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, improving lipid profiles, and preventing plaque buildup in the arteries. (Source: Effects of cinnamon consumption on glycemic indicators, C-reactive protein, lipid profile, and body composition in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome, Fazeli, F., Nasli-Esfahani, E., & Adibi, P. (2013).)
Digestive Support: The blend of bee honey and Ceylon cinnamon may support digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, and soothing digestive discomforts like indigestion and bloating. The antimicrobial properties of both ingredients may also help combat harmful bacteria in the gut. (Source: Honey and health: a review of recent clinical research, Erejuwa, O. O., et al. (2014).)
Immune Boosting: Bee honey and Ceylon cinnamon have antimicrobial and immune-modulating properties that could strengthen the body’s defenses against infections and illnesses. The combination may help enhance immune function, reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu, and promote overall immune system health.
Cognitive Support: Preliminary studies suggest that both bee honey and Ceylon cinnamon may have neuroprotective effects and could help improve cognitive function and memory. The blend may support brain health by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and the accumulation of amyloid plaques associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
