Podcast Summary: The Dr. Josh Axe Show
Episode: 4 Bee Products to Eat DAILY to 10x Gut Health, Reduce Cancer Risk, & Fix Hormones
Host: Dr. Josh Axe
Guest: Carlea Kramer, founder of Beekeepers Naturals
Date: September 25, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Dr. Axe welcomes Carlea Kramer, a leading expert in honey and founder of Beekeepers Naturals, to explore the remarkable health benefits of bee products. The conversation goes deep into natural medicine, highlighting how honey, propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, and even bee venom can support immune health, gut health, allergy management, hormone balance, and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer. The episode also touches on sustainable beekeeping, the dangers of pesticides, and practical advice for sourcing and using bee products.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. Importance of Bees & The Threat of Pesticides
- Bees as essential pollinators: Bees are vital for human health, pollinating one third of our food supply and over 40% of wildflowers ([00:42], [39:59]).
- Pesticides and Colony Collapse: Chemical exposure is decimating bee populations. Kramer calls current pesticide use a crisis for both bees and humans ([00:42], [39:59], [42:47]).
- Regenerative Beekeeping: Supporting regenerative, organic, and biodiverse farming practices can help restore bee populations and ecosystem health ([44:25], [45:24]).
2. Bee Products Explained: Functions & Health Benefits
A. Honey
- Historical and modern use: Used for thousands of years as food and medicine; praised in ancient texts and modern science ([03:17], [31:11]).
- Health Benefits:
- Modulates immune response; acts as a natural immunization ([10:59]).
- Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and supports gut health.
- Promotes wound healing and skin health; valued for moisture balancing properties ([33:40]).
- Sugar Content: Raw honey doesn't spike blood sugar like other sweeteners; a teaspoon per day is recommended ([14:35], [15:09]).
- Suitable for all ages: “It’s beneficial for everything from 1 year old up to past 100.” — Dr. Josh Axe [48:40]
B. Propolis – "The Medicine of the Hive"
- What is it? Plant and tree resins collected by bees, mixed with enzymes; used to keep the hive germ-free ([07:14]).
- Medical Properties: Antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory ([03:54], [08:41]).
- For Gut Health: Supports leaky gut, reduces candida, and acts as prebiotic ([08:41]).
- Comparison to antibiotics: Functions similarly but with fewer side effects, especially effective for autoimmune conditions ([03:54], [05:27]).
- Kid-friendly: “For kids, it's probably one of the greatest things you could ever recommend.” — Dr. Josh Axe [05:27]
C. Bee Pollen – "The Protein of the Hive"
- Nutrient Density: Higher protein per weight than animal sources, rich in B-vitamins and minerals ([12:26]).
- Energy and endurance booster: Used by athletes for increased hemoglobin and oxygenation ([15:53]).
- Allergy Support: Microdosing pollen can help build tolerance for some, though not suitable for all allergy sufferers ([12:19], [13:45]).
D. Royal Jelly – "The Colostrum of the Bees"
- What is it? Nutritive secretion given to larvae; queen bees consume it for life, resulting in immense reproductive and longevity benefits ([19:51]).
- Hormone & Fertility Support: Shown to relieve menopause symptoms, support fertility in men and women, and promote longevity ([19:51], [22:02]).
- Brain Health: Unique fatty acids in royal jelly (AMPN1 oxide, 10 HDA) stimulate neurogenesis, and may prevent neurodegenerative disease ([24:15]).
- Quote: “We're just in the early days of even understanding from a Western perspective how powerful it is.” — Carlea Kramer [22:03]
E. Bee Venom Therapy
- Emerging research: Contains melittin, shown in vitro to target cancer cells and break down Lyme biofilms ([45:57]).
- Pain and Regenerative Medicine: Used for injuries and joint pain; anecdotal reports of rapid recovery ([47:15]).
- Future potential: “Bee venom has the ability to heal so many different issues... I think it's just so exciting.” — Carlea Kramer [45:57]
3. Choosing and Using Bee Products
- Quality Matters: 76%+ of supermarket honey is adulterated or devoid of active compounds due to pasteurization ([00:49], [28:08]).
- Signs of real honey: Should be labeled “raw” or “unpasteurized,” crystallizes over time, and doesn’t dissolve quickly in liquids ([28:40], [29:51]).
- Dosage: A teaspoon per day is sufficient for most; incorporate into food rather than heating ([15:09], [15:23]).
4. Practical Applications & Lifestyle Tips
- Preventative use: Incorporate honey and propolis year-round for immune support ([01:52], [10:05]).
- Natural medicine as first line: Honey and its byproducts often rival or outperform pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects ([36:02], [36:32]).
- Bees & Regenerative Farming: Support local and regenerative beekeepers for planetary and personal health ([44:25], [45:24]).
- Homesteading and connection to nature: Dr. Axe shares his plans to raise bees and educate his family on sustainable living ([48:40]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
“Most people living in America today have pesticide in their blood and urine ... so prevalent in our world right now, and it's never been more important that we take control and take care of our health.”
— Carlea Kramer [00:00], [44:25]
“The bees pollinate one third of our food supply... If we lose the bees, think about how that would affect our ecosystem.”
— Carlea Kramer [39:59]
“Propolis is probably one of the most least talked about, which should be talked about, more forms of medicine...for kids, it’s probably one of the greatest things you could ever recommend.”
— Dr. Josh Axe [05:27]
“Bee pollen actually has more protein per weight than any animal source. ...It’s a natural multivitamin.”
— Carlea Kramer [12:26]
“Raw honey does not spike insulin in the same way. ...Our bodies tolerate it very, very well.”
— Carlea Kramer [14:35]
“Royal jelly is full of longevity peptides ...I think we're in the early days of even understanding how powerful royal jelly is for longevity.”
— Carlea Kramer [26:48]
“76% of the honey today that everyone is buying is basically sugar. It's not real honey.”
— Dr. Josh Axe [00:49], [28:08]
“Honey is the only food in the world that is nutritionally intact after thousands and thousands of years.”
— Carlea Kramer [31:40]
“In the burn ward, they will use bandages with honey and propolis ... Many amazing applications for skincare.”
— Carlea Kramer [33:40]
“Buckwheat honey was just as effective ... straight up just as effective as dextromethorphan for treating upper pediatric respiratory infections.”
— Carlea Kramer [36:02]
Key Timestamps
- 00:42 – Dr. Axe introduces the ecological and health importance of bees
- 03:54 – Kramer shares her health journey and discovery of bee products
- 07:14 – Beehive 101: functions of honey, propolis, and bee pollen explained
- 10:05 – How and when to take bee products for allergies and immunity
- 12:19 – Bee pollen: nutrition, energy, and allergy support
- 14:35 – Honey vs. sugar: blood sugar effects and recommended servings
- 19:51 – Royal jelly: hormonal balance, menopause, fertility, and longevity
- 24:15 – Royal jelly for brain health and neurogenesis
- 28:08 – The problem with adulterated store-bought honey
- 31:11 – Honey’s unique longevity and use throughout history
- 33:40 – Skin healing and wound care with honey and propolis
- 36:02 – Study: honey vs. cough syrup for pediatric infections
- 39:59 – Bees, pesticides, monoculture, and regenerative practices
- 42:47 – Human pesticide exposure and health consequences
- 44:25 – Practical steps for reducing pesticide load and supporting bees
- 45:57 – Bee venom therapy for cancer, Lyme, pain
- 48:40 – Dr. Axe’s homesteading plans and raising bees
- 51:08 – Finding Carlea Kramer and Beekeepers Naturals online
Takeaways
- Bee products—if raw and ethically sourced—are potent allies for immunity, gut health, hormonal balance, and more.
- Propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, and even venom have scientific backing for a wide range of health benefits, rivaling some pharmaceuticals in effect and surpassing them in safety.
- Modern agricultural practices and synthetic chemicals threaten both bees and human health; individual choices in diet and consumer support can help reverse this.
- Incorporate bee products year-round—not only as remedies after illness but as daily, preventative superfoods.
Further Resources
- Beekeepers Naturals: beekeepersnaturals.com
- Carlea on Instagram: @carlycremer
- Dr. Axe resources: draxe.com; hormone & diabetes classes as mentioned in episode
For listeners: This episode is a must for anyone interested in natural healing, nutrition, regenerative agriculture, or simply adding time-tested superfoods to their daily regimen.